Aflion Blue Sky vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Blue Sky and the Akko V3 Piano Pro both offer unique features that appeal to different preferences. The Blue Sky is praised for its crystal clear linear typing experience, with a sparkling sound profile and smooth push feel. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro stands out for its snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, providing a lively and crisp quality to each keystroke. Both switches have their own set of characteristics, with the Blue Sky being categorized as ['High-pitched', 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Polished'] and the V3 Piano Pro as ['Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Polished', 'Resonant', 'Silky']. Deciding between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference and specific typing needs, so let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities to help you choose the best switch for your keyboard.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
20mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Blue Sky and the Akko V3 Piano Pro, one notable difference is the Blue Sky's use of polycarbonate for the top housing, while the V3 Piano Pro utilizes nylon. The polycarbonate top housing of the Blue Sky creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, perfect for those looking for a more distinct typing experience. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the V3 Piano Pro elicits a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. These differences in material contribute to unique typing experiences for users of each keyboard.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Blue Sky and V3 Piano Pro opt for nylon material. This classic switch housing material provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon's softer plastic composition absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This choice showcases a similarity between the two keyboards, as both prioritize a typing experience that elicits a rounder and more muffled sound profile during key presses. Despite having different top housing materials, the shared use of nylon for the bottom housing ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the Aflion Blue Sky and the Akko V3 Piano Pro showcases a blend of differences and similarities. While the Blue Sky's polycarbonate top housing creates a distinct sharp sound profile, the V3 Piano Pro's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller typing experience. However, both keyboards share the use of nylon for the bottom housing, ensuring a consistent round and muffled sound during key presses. Whether opting for the Blue Sky or the V3 Piano Pro, users can expect a unique typing experience that is influenced by the specific housing materials chosen for each keyboard component.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, it is evident that the Blue Sky switch has a slightly heavier actuation and bottom out force compared to the Piano Pro switch. The Blue Sky switch requires 50 grams to actuate and 60 grams to bottom out, while the Piano Pro switch only needs 45 grams to actuate and 55 grams to bottom out, making it lighter in comparison. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-light force range, offering a balanced typing experience. Those who prefer a slightly lighter touch may opt for the Piano Pro switch for longer typing or gaming sessions, while users looking for a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Blue Sky switch for a bit more resistance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The difference may seem minimal, but it can have a noticeable impact on the typing or gaming experience. The Blue Sky's 4 mm travel distance is more traditional and provides a slightly deeper key press, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro's 3.5 mm travel distance is shallower, making it a popular choice among gamers looking for faster response times. Both options have their advantages, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and what feels most comfortable to the individual user.
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 Akko V3 Piano Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Piano Pro for $3.10.
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
In terms of sound, the Aflion Blue Sky switch is characterized by a high-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a sharp and crisp typing experience suitable for those who prefer a clearer sound. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch offers a clacky and resonant sound, creating a sharp and snappy typing experience with a higher-pitched and immersive auditory quality. While both switches deliver unique sound characteristics, the choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preference and the overall sound aesthetics desired.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Blue Sky switch is described as mild and polished, offering a gentle and approachable typing experience with smooth and refined key travel. In contrast, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch is known for its bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky feel, providing a lively, buttery smooth typing sensation with rebound feedback and reduced friction. Each switch presents distinct tactile qualities that cater to different preferences, whether one seeks a more subdued and polished typing experience or a vibrant and smooth keystroke feel.
Considering all available information, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch stands out for its high-pitched sound and mild, polished feel, offering a crystal clear typing experience with a gentle and refined touch. Meanwhile, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch excels in its clacky, resonant sound profile and bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky feel, providing a lively and immersive typing experience with buttery smoothness and rebound feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. Whichever option is selected, users can expect a premium and satisfying mechanical keyboard switch that enhances their typing performance and enjoyment.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch or the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, it really comes down to your personal preferences and priorities. If you value a medium bottom out force and enjoy a high-pitched and neutral sound profile in a switch, the Blue Sky may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force and are drawn to a clacky, resonant sound profile with a bouncy, creamy, and polished feel, then the V3 Piano Pro could be the ideal option. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so it's essential to consider what features are most important to you in order to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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