Aflion Blue Sky vs. SP-Star Polaris Gray
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Aflion Blue Sky and the SP-Star Polaris Gray. The Blue Sky switch stands out for its long pole stem, providing users with a crystal clear linear typing experience. Not only does it offer a sparkling sound profile, but it also impresses with its exquisitely smooth push feel. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray switch is favored by those who prefer a bouncy typing experience. Known for its clean and clacky sound profile, this switch offers a unique tactile sensation. While the Blue Sky switch is categorized as high-pitched and neutral, the Polaris Gray switch falls under the low-pitched and neutral category. Both switches offer a mild and polished experience, with the Polaris Gray switch also providing a thocky sensation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the most suitable switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Aflion Blue Sky and the SP-Star Polaris Gray share similar housing materials, as both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. This commonality means that users can expect a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile when typing on either switch. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing ensures that the switches are compatible with RGB lighting due to its translucency. Therefore, if aesthetics and a vibrant lighting experience are important, both switches would provide similar results.
However, where these switches differ is in their bottom housing materials. The Blue Sky utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Polaris Gray's polycarbonate bottom housing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. This difference in bottom housing materials means that the Blue Sky will provide a distinct typing experience, with a focus on the bottom-out sound and feel of the keys.
In contrast, the use of polycarbonate in the bottom housing of the Polaris Gray enables a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, just like its top housing. This consistency in material ensures a clear and resonant sound experience throughout the switch. The impact on the sound when releasing a key is likely to be more pronounced on the Polaris Gray, as the top housing plays a significant role in this aspect. Overall, the Polaris Gray offers a cohesive sound experience that aligns with its top housing, making it an ideal choice for users who value consistency in their typing sound.
In summary, the housing materials of the Aflion Blue Sky and the SP-Star Polaris Gray provide both similarities and differences in their respective sound profiles. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharp and crisp sound and allows for RGB lighting compatibility. However, the Blue Sky's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, emphasizing the bottom-out experience, while the Polaris Gray's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains consistency in sound with its top housing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences, with the Blue Sky offering a distinct typing experience and the Polaris Gray ensuring a cohesive sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, their actuation forces and bottom out forces can be observed. The actuation force of the Blue Sky is 50 grams, while the Polaris Gray does not provide information about its actuation force. Both switches have a medium bottom out force, with the Blue Sky requiring 60 grams and the Polaris Gray being slightly heavier at 67 grams. In terms of weight, individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Blue Sky, as it allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, those seeking a more substantial typing feel might lean towards the Polaris Gray with its slightly heavier bottom out force. It is important to note that without information on the actuation force of the Polaris Gray, it is difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect. However, if both switches have similar actuation forces, users can expect similar results in terms of triggering keystrokes.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch refers to the distance it travels from the top to the bottom, which is the distance you feel when you press down on a key. In this case, both the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. Therefore, their travel distances are the same, and you can expect similar results when using either of these switches.
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 SP-Star Polaris Gray has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Polaris Gray for $5.00.
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 switches are known for their high-pitched sound profile. These switches produce a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, making them ideal for those who prefer a brighter and more defined auditory feedback. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches offer a low-pitched sound profile. These switches have a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Additionally, the Polaris Gray switches are described as thocky, which means they produce a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed. Overall, the Blue Sky switches provide a high-pitched sound experience, while the Polaris Gray switches offer a low-pitched and thocky sound.
In terms of feel, both the Blue Sky and Polaris Gray switches provide a mild typing experience. A mild mechanical keyboard switch offers a gentle typing feel that is approachable to most users. These switches fall into a safe middle-ground zone, providing a comfortable typing experience without any extreme characteristics. Additionally, both switches are described as polished, which means they have a smooth and refined finish. This results in reduced friction and smooth key travel, enhancing the overall typing feel. Therefore, both the Blue Sky and Polaris Gray switches offer a mild and polished typing experience.
Overall, the Aflion Blue Sky and SP-Star Polaris Gray switches differ in their sound profiles, with the Blue Sky switches being high-pitched and the Polaris Gray switches having a low-pitched and thocky sound. However, both switches offer a mild and polished typing feel, ensuring a comfortable and smooth typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preferences for sound and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and crystal clear linear typing experience with a medium bottom out force, the Aflion Blue Sky switch would be a great choice. These switches provide a sparkling sound profile and exquisitely smooth push feel due to their long pole stem. On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy typing experience with a slightly heavier bottom out force, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch would be a better fit. These switches offer a clean and clacky sound profile and are also described as having a mild and polished feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and bottom out force.
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