Aflion Blue Sky vs. KTT Purple Click
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the KTT Purple Click switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Aflion Blue Sky and the KTT Purple Click. Each switch offers a unique typing experience, but excels in different aspects. The Blue Sky is best known for its crystal clear linear typing experience and sparkling sound profile. With its long pole stem, this switch offers smooth push feel and categorizes as high-pitched, neutral, mild, and polished. On the other hand, the Purple Click, also known as Purple Sauce, stands out for its satisfying click and pronounced tactility. This switch offers light keystrokes without being overwhelming and is categorized as crunchy, invigorating, resonant, and stepped. Overall, both switches have their strengths, so let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
40g
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
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Aflion Blue Sky and KTT Purple Click switches are quite similar. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which allows for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar sound and aesthetic qualities when using either the Blue Sky or Purple Click switches.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both switches employ nylon as the material of choice. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, it creates a duller and rounder sound. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both the Blue Sky and Purple Click switches ensures a satisfying typing experience with a rich sound that resonates throughout each keypress.
While the top and bottom housings differ in material for the Blue Sky and Purple Click switches, it is essential to understand the impact of these variations. The bottom housing primarily affects the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. On the other hand, the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the Blue Sky's nylon bottom housing and polycarbonate top housing, along with the Purple Click's nylon bottom housing and polycarbonate top housing, provide a unique combination of sound characteristics that cater to both the actuation and release phases of typing.
Overall, the Aflion Blue Sky and KTT Purple Click switches share many similarities in terms of their housing materials. Both utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, resulting in a sharp and resonant sound profile, especially when used with RGB lighting. Additionally, nylon is chosen for the bottom housing in both switches, creating a deep and full sound upon typing. While the impact of the top and bottom housings may differ slightly, both switches offer a well-rounded and satisfying typing experience. Whether one chooses the Blue Sky or Purple Click, they can expect high-quality switch housing materials that contribute to an enjoyable auditory experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, some notable differences and similarities arise. The Blue Sky switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Purple Click's 40 grams, making it require a slightly stronger push to register a keystroke. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Blue Sky requires 60 grams of force, whereas the Purple Click only requires 55 grams, making the latter lighter when fully pressing the key down.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Purple Click might be more preferable, as it has a lower actuation force and bottom out force. This could be beneficial for individuals who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, where a lighter switch allows for prolonged use without tiring the fingers. On the other hand, users who seek a more substantial typing feel could opt for the Blue Sky, as its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces provide a stronger push, creating a more pronounced typing experience.
Overall, while the actuation and bottom out forces of the Blue Sky and Purple Click switches differ slightly, both fall within the medium to medium-light range. Therefore, individuals looking for similar results in terms of typing experience could choose either switch, depending on their personal preferences for a lighter or heavier feel.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel a consistent 4 mm of travel distance. Both switches provide a similar tactile feedback, ensuring a satisfying typing experience. Whether you choose the Blue Sky or the Purple Click, you can expect to get similar results in terms of 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 KTT Purple Click has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Click for $2.55.
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 linear switch offers a high-pitched sound profile. When pressed, these switches produce a sharp and crisp sound, making them ideal for users who prefer a more rich and bassy sound. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click clicky switch is described as crunchy and resonant. It creates a satisfying click that is fairly high-pitched, resembling the sound of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. Typing on this switch offers an immersive auditory experience with a clean and sharp sound profile. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the chosen keyboard board and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch offers a mild and polished typing experience. These switches have a gentle feel that is approachable to most users, with their qualities falling in a safe middle-ground zone. Additionally, the switch's smooth and refined finish, possibly due to factory lubing or high-quality materials used, results in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click clicky switch offers an invigorating feel. It provides pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive typing experience. Moreover, this switch is described as stepped, meaning it has a mild tactile feel with some pre-travel and/or post-travel sensation.
To summarize, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch is best known for its crystal clear linear typing experience, offering a high-pitched sound profile and a gentle, polished feel. The KTT Purple Click clicky switch, on the other hand, is known for its satisfying click sound and invigorating typing feel. While the Blue Sky switch offers a more neutral sound profile and a mild typing experience, the Purple Click switch provides a crunchy and resonant sound and a stepped, invigorating feel. Depending on the user's preferences, either of these switches can offer a great typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, there are a few factors to consider. If you prioritize a crystal clear linear typing experience with a sparkling sound profile, then the Blue Sky switch would be an excellent choice for you. With its medium bottom out force of 60 grams, this switch offers a smooth push feel. On the other hand, if you value a high-pitched satisfying click and a light keystroke with pronounced tactility, the Purple Click switch would be a perfect fit. With its medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, this switch strikes a balance between a satisfying click and a manageable force requirement.
In terms of sound, the Blue Sky switch offers a neutral sound profile, which is suitable for most purposes. However, if you prefer a sharp and crisp sound when typing, the Purple Click switch provides a higher-pitched and immersive auditory experience.
When it comes to feel, the Blue Sky switch offers a mild and polished typing experience, making it approachable and comfortable for most users. On the other hand, the Purple Click switch provides an invigorating and stepped feel, with pronounced feedback and a snappy, reactive sensation.
Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your specific preferences and typing style. Consider whether you prioritize a linear typing experience with a sparkling sound profile (Blue Sky) or a satisfying click with pronounced tactility (Purple Click). In the end, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience.