Aflion Blue Sky vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are various options available to suit different preferences. Two popular choices are the Aflion Blue Sky and the Durock Piano, both of which are linear switches. The Blue Sky stands out with its long pole stem, offering a crystal clear linear typing experience. This switch selection provides a sparkling sound profile and an exquisitely smooth push feel. On the other hand, the Piano by Durock is well-known for its proprietary material blend, resulting in one of the most pleasant linear switches to type on. Users report a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature. The Blue Sky can be described as high-pitched, neutral, mild, and polished, while the Piano is categorized as bassy, frictionless, and silky. Both switches have their unique qualities, but let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the most suitable switch for your specific typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Mystery material
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Aflion Blue Sky and the Durock Piano have distinct differences in their housing materials. The Blue Sky utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize sound quality. On the other hand, the Piano features a proprietary POM blend top housing that offers a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. While the exact composition of the blend is undisclosed, it is known to provide a rich and immersive auditory experience. Though different, both materials produce excellent sound outputs, ensuring a fulfilling typing experience for users.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Blue Sky adopts a nylon material, known for its classic usage in switch housings. Nylon offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound, which some individuals may prefer for a more subdued typing experience. Similarly, the Piano employs a proprietary POM blend bottom housing, boasting a satisfying and deep sound profile. While specific details about this blend remain undisclosed, it is evident that it contributes to the overall resonance and quality of the switch's sound. Thus, both switches incorporate housing materials that enhance the auditory aspects, albeit in their distinct ways.
Considering the impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the typing experience, it can be observed that the qualities of each housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. Pressing down on a switch will allow users to feel the qualities attributed to the bottom housing. The bottom housing predominantly influences the bottom-out sound and tactile feel upon pressing a key. Conversely, the top housing material plays a more significant role in the sound when users release a key. Although the Aflion Blue Sky and the Durock Piano have different compositions for their top and bottom housings, both switches are designed to prioritize and optimize the sound experience throughout the typing process.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, there are a few notable differences. The Blue Sky has an actuation force of 50 grams, which means that a moderate amount of pressure is required to trigger a keystroke. In comparison, the actuation force of the Piano switch is unknown, making it difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect. However, both switches have a medium bottom out force, with the Blue Sky requiring 60 grams and the Piano requiring 63.5 grams of force to fully depress the keys.
Considering the weight aspect, some individuals prefer lighter switches as it allows for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. This can be beneficial for those who need to use their keyboard extensively for work or gaming. On the other hand, there are individuals who prefer a stronger push feel to enhance the typing experience and provide a more solid feedback. For these individuals, switches with heavier actuation forces are preferred.
In terms of weight, it can be inferred that the Blue Sky switch is lighter than the Piano switch since its actuation force is known to be 50 grams, while the actuation force of the Piano switch remains unknown. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Piano switch being slightly heavier at 63.5 grams compared to the Blue Sky's 60 grams. Therefore, if an individual desires a similar typing experience to the Blue Sky switch, they can expect comparable results with the Piano switch due to their similar bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When considering the travel distance of the Aflion Blue Sky and the Durock Piano linear switches, both switches have a travel distance of 4 mm. Therefore, pressing down on a key equipped with either switch will yield a similar tactile experience. In terms of travel distance, both switches offer a consistent 4 mm length, making them equally suitable for users who prefer a moderate keypress depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Aflion Blue Sky has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Blue Sky for $4.07.
The Durock Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch is best known for its crystal clear linear typing experience. This switch offers a high-pitched sound profile, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. It has a mild feel, providing a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The Blue Sky switch is polished, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Overall, it offers a safe, middle-ground zone in terms of sound and feel.
On the other hand, the Durock Piano linear switch is best known for its proprietary material blend, making it one of the most pleasant linear switches to type on. It offers a deep and creamy sound signature, characterized by a bassy sound with a lower frequency range. The Piano switch provides a gliding push feel, offering an effortless and fluid typing experience. It is described as frictionless and silky, further enhancing the smoothness and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys.
In conclusion, the Aflion Blue Sky and Durock Piano linear switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Blue Sky switch has a high-pitched sound profile, while the Piano switch has a bassy sound signature. In terms of feel, the Blue Sky switch is mild and polished, while the Piano switch is frictionless and silky. Depending on personal preferences, one may prefer the crystal clear linear typing experience of the Blue Sky switch or the pleasant typing experience with deep and creamy sound of the Piano switch. However, it's worth noting that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a medium bottom out force, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch would be a good choice at 60 grams, while the Durock Piano linear switch offers a slightly heavier bottom out force at 63.5 grams.
If you prioritize a crystal clear linear typing experience with a sparkling sound profile and exquisitely smooth push feel, the Blue Sky switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that provides a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature, the Durock Piano switch would be more suitable.
In terms of sound, the Blue Sky is either high-pitched or neutral, with a sharp and crisp sound for those who prefer that type of profile or a moderate sound profile. The Piano switch, on the other hand, offers a bassy sound profile with a lower frequency range.
When it comes to feel, the Blue Sky switch offers a mild typing experience with a polished finish, which means it is approachable to most users and provides a refined and sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Piano switch offers a frictionless and silky typing experience with minimal resistance or friction during key presses.
Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Blue Sky and Durock Piano switches depends on your personal preferences. Consider whether you prioritize sound characteristics such as high-pitched or bassy, and whether you prefer a mild or frictionless typing experience. Taking into account these factors, you can make an informed decision and choose the switch that suits you best.
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