Aflion Blue Sky vs. Sarokeys Purple Sakura
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Blue Sky and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura each offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Blue Sky is a linear switch that stands out for its long pole stem, providing a clear and smooth typing experience with a sparkling sound profile. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura is a tactile switch known for its snappy response and buttery downstroke, offering a balanced tactility without being too intense. While the Blue Sky is described as high-pitched and polished, the Purple Sakura is characterized as buttery and snappy. Both switches have mild and neutral sound profiles, making them suitable for various typing 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
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
22mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Blue Sky and Sarokeys Purple Sakura both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, while both switches share the same material for their top housing, they may still differ in terms of design and overall performance.
On the other hand, the Blue Sky features a nylon bottom housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Sarokeys Purple Sakura. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, enhancing the overall typing experience. In contrast, both switches may have different bottom housing materials, providing a unique typing experience based on the qualities of the specific material used.
Overall, while the Blue Sky and Purple Sakura share similarities in their top housing material, they differ in their bottom housing material, which affects the typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel. The choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference and desired typing experience, as each housing material brings its own unique qualities to the overall performance of the switch. Ultimately, whether you choose the Aflion Blue Sky or the Sarokeys Purple Sakura, you can expect a quality typing experience with distinctive sound profiles and key feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, it is evident that both switches have identical actuation and bottom out forces of 50 grams and 60 grams, respectively. This means that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of required force for both switches. In terms of weight, both switches fall into the medium category, which can cater to a wide range of preferences. Some users may appreciate the lighter actuation and bottom out forces for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may prefer the heavier push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces of these switches offer a balanced and versatile typing experience suitable for different preferences.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Purple Sakura has a shorter distance compared to the Blue Sky. The 4 mm travel distance of the Blue Sky is more traditional, offering a balance between depth and responsiveness, while the 3.2 mm travel distance of the Purple Sakura is shallower, making it ideal for those looking for a quicker response time. Gamers, in particular, may prefer the Purple Sakura for its shorter travel distance, allowing for faster key presses in competitive gameplay. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the type of typing experience desired.
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 Sarokeys Purple Sakura has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Sakura for $3.15.
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
When it comes to sound, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch offers a high-pitched, sharp, and crisp sound when pressed, ideal for those who prefer a brighter sound profile. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch provides a more neutral sound, making it suitable for a wider range of users and environments. Both switches can be influenced by factors such as keyboard construction and keycap material, so individual preferences may vary.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Blue Sky switch offers a mild and polished typing experience, with a gentle and refined keypress that appeals to a broad range of users. In contrast, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switch boasts a buttery and snappy feel, providing a smooth and responsive keystroke that feels effortless and uniform. The balance of tactility in the Purple Sakura switch gives users a tactile feedback without being too intense, making it a versatile choice for typing enthusiasts.
Considering all the available information, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Blue Sky switch excels in providing a high-pitched sound and a polished typing experience, the Purple Sakura switch stands out with its neutral sound profile and buttery, snappy feel. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles, ensuring that users can find a switch that suits their individual needs for an optimal typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium bottom out force and a high-pitched sound profile, the Aflion Blue Sky switch would be a great choice for you. With its smooth push feel and crystal clear typing experience, it is ideal for those who prefer a more neutral switch option. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with the same medium bottom out force but a buttery downstroke and snappy response, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switch would be the better option. Its balanced tactility and mild sound signature make it a great choice for those seeking a more pronounced typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for linear or tactile switches and the specific sound and feel characteristics that align with your typing style.