Aflion Blue Sky vs. KTT Pine

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two options stand out: the Aflion Blue Sky and the KTT Pine. The Blue Sky is a linear switch known for its long pole stem, offering a crystal clear typing experience. It boasts a high-pitched, neutral sound profile and a mild yet polished feel. On the other hand, the Pine is a translucent, forest green linear switch that is medium-heavy and buttery smooth. Designed for effortless typing, it features a low-pitched, creamy sound profile and a factory-lubed finish that minimizes friction. Both switches have their unique qualities that make them appealing options for different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Aflion Blue Sky Linear

KTT Pine Linear

$6.00

$4.07 per 10

$4.60

$4.15 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Aflion Blue Sky and the KTT Pine switches share several similarities. Both switches utilize a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, allowing for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing allows for the incorporation of RGB lighting due to its translucency. Therefore, if you are looking for a switch with vibrant lighting capabilities and a lively sound, both the Blue Sky and Pine switches would provide similar results.

However, there are notable differences when it comes to the bottom housing materials. The Blue Sky switch features a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic compared to polycarbonate, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Pine switch employs a polycarbonate bottom housing. This choice enhances the switch's overall sound profile, contributing to a sharper and higher-pitched tone. The bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, allowing users to experience different tactile experiences between the Blue Sky and Pine switches.

When considering the overall typing experience, the material used for the top and bottom housing of a switch will determine the qualities perceived during key presses. While the bottom housing primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel, the top housing has a more noticeable impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, users will experience varying levels of crispness, pitch, and resonance depending on the specific housing materials employed in the Blue Sky and Pine switches. It is essential to consider personal preferences in sound and typing feel when deciding between these two switches.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, there are a few key differences to consider. The Blue Sky switch has an actuation force of 50 grams, slightly heavier than the Pine's 45 grams. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Blue Sky requires 60 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Pine's 58 grams. Both switches fall into the medium force range, offering a good balance between light and heavy actuation.

For those who prefer a lighter switch, the Pine may be the better option, as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke. This can be beneficial for extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions, as it reduces the strain on the fingers. On the other hand, the Blue Sky provides a slightly stronger push feel, offering a more substantial typing experience. This can be desirable for those who prefer a bit more resistance and feedback while typing.

While the differences in actuation and bottom out forces between the Blue Sky and Pine switches may seem minimal, they can still provide a noticeable variance in typing experience. However, if one is looking for similar results, both switches fall within the medium force range, so the overall typing feel should be quite similar. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, it is evident that both switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either switch, you will experience the same 4 mm travel distance. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, you can expect similar results from both the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch offers a high-pitched and neutral profile. This means that when pressed, these switches produce a sharp and crisp sound, making them suitable for those who prefer a clear and bright sound profile. On the other hand, the KTT Pine linear switch provides a bassy and low-pitched sound. This results in a deeper and richer sound profile with a lower frequency range, akin to the depth and richness associated with bass tones. If you prefer a more mellow and bass-heavy sound, the Pine switches would be a great choice. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch offers a mild and polished typing experience. With its moderate actuation force requirement and refined finish, these switches provide a gentle and approachable typing sensation. The smooth and reduced friction, thanks to factory lubing and materials used, contribute to a sleek and effortless keystroke. On the other hand, the KTT Pine linear switch delivers a buttery and creamy typing experience. These switches offer a smooth and fluid keystroke, providing a seamless and uniform typing sensation. The application of lubricant at the factory or specific materials used result in a silky and gliding feeling when typing, making each keystroke effortless.

Overall, the Blue Sky linear switch and the Pine linear switch offer different subjective qualities. The Blue Sky is best known for its crystal clear linear typing experience with a high-pitched and neutral sound profile. The feel is mild and polished, providing a gentle typing sensation with reduced friction. On the other hand, the Pine linear switch boasts a translucent, forest green appearance and a bassy, low-pitched sound profile. The typing experience is buttery and creamy, offering a smooth and effortless keystroke. Depending on your preferences, you can choose between the sparkling and crisp feel of the Blue Sky or the lush and mellow experience of the Pine. Keep in mind that the final sound and feel will also be influenced by the keyboard board and keycaps used, so it is important to consider these factors as well.

Conclusion

In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference for sound and feel. If you prefer a high-pitched, crisp sound profile, the Blue Sky switch would be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a bassy, low-pitched sound, the Pine switch would be more suitable. In terms of feel, if you prefer a mild, polished typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel, the Blue Sky switch would be a good fit. However, if you prefer a buttery, creamy typing sensation with a seamless and effortless keystroke experience, the Pine switch would be the ideal choice. Ultimately, it is important to consider your own typing preferences and prioritize sound and feel when making a decision between these two switches.

Mentioned in this article

Aflion Blue Sky Linear

$6.00

$4.07 per 10

Learn more

KTT Pine Linear

$4.60

$4.15 per 10

Learn more