Aflion Blue Sky vs. SP-Star Polaris Purple
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the Aflion Blue Sky and the SP-Star Polaris Purple. The Blue Sky is a linear switch that offers a crystal clear typing experience with its long pole stem. It provides a sparkling sound profile and an exquisitely smooth push feel. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple is a tactile switch renowned for its big tactile bump, resulting in an exhilarating typing experience. The sound profile of the Polaris Purple is characterized as snappy. While these general pointers give a glimpse into the qualities of each switch, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide which switch suits your preferences.
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 Purple both utilize polycarbonate in their top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. Both switches share these qualities, resulting in similar sound profiles and aesthetic appeal.
However, the Blue Sky stands out with its nylon bottom housing. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. When typing on the Blue Sky, the qualities of the nylon bottom housing become prominent, contributing to a unique typing experience that emphasizes a deeper sound.
In contrast, the Polaris Purple utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, similar to its top housing. This material choice ensures a consistent sound profile throughout the switch, with sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sounds. The polycarbonate bottom housing also contributes to the overall aesthetic of the switch, aligning with the transparency of the top housing and enabling the use of RGB lighting.
Despite these differences, the impact of each housing material on the typing experience is evident. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This means that both the Blue Sky and the Polaris Purple offer unique tactile feedback and sound characteristics, but the specific qualities of each housing material result in subtle variations in their overall performance.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, there are noticeable similarities and differences. The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, both of which fall into the medium range. In contrast, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch does not disclose its actuation force but has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it medium-heavy.
In terms of weight, both switches have their advantages. The lighter actuation force of the Aflion Blue Sky switch may appeal to those who prefer a swift and effortless typing experience, allowing for longer periods of comfortable typing, making it suitable for work or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, some users appreciate a heavier actuation force for a more substantial typing feel, which can give a satisfying tactile feedback.
Although the actuation force of the SP-Star Polaris Purple switch is unknown, its heavier bottom out force of 67 grams suggests a more pronounced keystroke experience compared to the Aflion switch. This may appeal to individuals who prefer a stronger push feel while typing.
In conclusion, while both switches have their own advantages, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch is relatively lighter with its known actuation force and bottom out force falling into the medium range. The SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, on the other hand, is heavier in terms of bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on the individual's preference for actuation and bottom out forces, considering factors such as typing comfort and desired tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, it is worth noting that both switches have an identical travel distance of 4 mm. This means that whether you opt for the Blue Sky or the Polaris Purple, you can expect similar results in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a satisfying tactile feedback and smooth keystrokes, making them suitable choices for anyone in search of a switch with a moderate travel distance.
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 Purple 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 Purple 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
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch is best known for its crystal clear linear typing experience. It offers a high-pitched sound profile that produces a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. This sound profile is suitable for those who prefer a more rich and bassy sound. In terms of feel, the Blue Sky switch provides a mild and polished typing experience. It has a gentle typing feel and offers reduced friction and smooth key travel. Overall, the Blue Sky switch is recommended for those who prefer a linear switch with a high-pitched sound and a polished typing feel.
On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch is best known for its exhilarating tactile typing experience. It features a big tactile bump, providing a pronounced tactile feedback during typing. The sound profile of the Polaris Purple is described as snappy, although more specific details are not provided. In terms of feel, the Polaris Purple switch also offers a mild and polished typing experience, similar to the Blue Sky switch. It provides a gentle typing feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
From the available information, both switches have a neutral sound profile, moderate actuation force requirement, and a moderate sound profile. This makes them suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use them at home or work. In terms of feel, both switches offer a mild and polished typing experience, providing a comfortable and approachable feel to most users. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also dependent on factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps. Overall, if you prefer a linear switch with a high-pitched sound and a crystal clear typing experience, the Aflion Blue Sky switch is recommended. If you prefer a tactile typing experience with a pronounced tactile feedback, the SP-Star Polaris Purple switch would be a suitable choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear typing experience with a sparkling sound profile and exquisitely smooth push feel, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch is the way to go. Its bottom out force of 60 grams makes it a medium switch, providing a satisfying typing experience for most individuals. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile typing experience with a big tactile bump and a snappy sound profile, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch is the better choice. With a bottom out force of 67 grams, it offers a medium-heavy feel that adds to the exhilaration of typing. Both switches have a neutral sound profile and a mild feel, making them suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced typist or using them at home or work. Additionally, the polished finish of both switches ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, the decision between the Blue Sky and Polaris Purple switches depends on your preference for linear or tactile feedback, as well as the desired sound and feel for your typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
