Aflion Blue Sky vs. Gateron Quinn
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the Gateron Quinn switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two options stand out: the Aflion Blue Sky and the Gateron Quinn. The Blue Sky is a linear switch that offers a delightfully smooth and crystal-clear typing experience. Its long pole stem ensures a remarkably smooth push feel, making each keystroke feel effortless. With a high-pitched and neutral sound profile, this switch is perfect for those who prefer a polished and mild typing experience. On the other hand, the Quinn is a tactile switch that combines crisp and light switch-like tactility with a deep and resonant sound profile. The specially designed nylon housings of the Quinn switches contribute to the rich and immersive sound that adds character to the typing experience. With a snappy and bassy tactile bump, this switch offers a precise and clean feel. 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
59g
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
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Housing materials
The Aflion Blue Sky and the Gateron Quinn have different housing materials that greatly impact their sound profiles. The Blue Sky features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisp sound. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic that produces clear and resonant sound. Additionally, its translucent nature makes it ideal for RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Quinn has a nylon top housing that delivers a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and produces a duller and rounder sound. So while the Blue Sky offers a sharper and crisper sound, the Quinn provides a deeper and fuller sound experience.
When it comes to the bottom housing material, both the Blue Sky and the Quinn utilize nylon. This classic switch housing material offers a similar typing experience for both switches. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, both switches will have a duller and rounder sound when bottoming-out a key. Thus, the Blue Sky and the Quinn share a common characteristic in terms of their bottom housing material, providing a consistent sound experience.
It is important to note that if a switch has different top and bottom housings, the qualities of each housing material will impact different aspects of the typing experience. When pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing will have more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel. In this case, the nylon bottom housing of both the Blue Sky and the Quinn will contribute to the deeper and fuller sound when pressing a key. On the other hand, the top housing material will have more impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the polycarbonate top housing of the Blue Sky will produce a sharper and crisper sound when compared to the nylon top housing of the Quinn.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, there are notable similarities and differences. The Blue Sky has an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Quinn requires slightly more at 59 grams. Both switches fall into the medium range in terms of actuation force. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Blue Sky requires 60 grams of force, whereas the Quinn is slightly heavier, with a bottom out force of 67 grams. This makes the Quinn a medium-heavy switch in terms of bottom out force.
Considering weight, the lighter actuation force of the Blue Sky may be preferable for those who prefer longer typing or gaming sessions, as it allows for less fatigue over time. Alternatively, the heavier actuation force of the Quinn may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Similarly, the lighter bottom out force of the Blue Sky caters to users who prefer a lighter and potentially smoother typing experience, while the heavier bottom out force of the Quinn offers a more solid and tactile feedback.
In summary, while the Blue Sky has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Quinn, both switches offer medium actuation forces. The difference lies in the bottom out force, with the Quinn being medium-heavy. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preference for typing experience and desired level of force required for keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch have different travel distances. The Blue Sky has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered a more traditional distance, while the Quinn has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shallower than the Blue Sky. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. So, if you are looking for a more responsive keyboard, the Quinn with its shorter travel distance would be a suitable choice. However, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt and may prefer the longer travel distance of the Blue Sky for a more satisfying key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of depth in key presses.
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 Gateron Quinn has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Quinn for $5.50.
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 switch offers a high-pitched and neutral sound profile. These switches produce a sharp and crisp sound that is suitable for those who prefer a more vibrant tone. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn switch provides a bassy and resonant sound experience. With a lower frequency range, the sound is deeper and richer, adding character and immersion to the typing experience. Both switches offer unique sound profiles, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Blue Sky switch provides a mild and polished typing experience. The gentle characteristics of these switches make them approachable for most users, and the polished finish ensures smooth key travel with reduced friction. Similarly, the Gateron Quinn switch offers a snappy and polished feel. The super responsive nature of these switches, combined with a smooth and refined finish, results in a sleek typing experience. Additionally, the Quinn switch offers a bouncy and accented feel, providing a lively feedback sensation without being overwhelming. Again, choosing between the two switches boils down to personal preference.
Considering all the available information, it is clear that the Aflion Blue Sky and Gateron Quinn switches offer subjective qualities that cater to different preferences. The Blue Sky switch excels in providing a linear typing experience with a crystal clear sound profile and a mild and polished feel. On the other hand, the Quinn switch stands out with its unique combination of crisp, light tactility, a deep and resonant sound profile, and a snappy and polished feel. Both switches offer their own distinct characteristics, so users can expect different results depending on their choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a linear typing experience with a sparkling sound profile and an exquisitely smooth push feel, the Aflion Blue Sky switch is the perfect choice for you. With its moderate bottom out force of 60 grams and high-pitched sound profile, these switches offer a clean and crisp typing experience suitable for both beginners and advanced users.
On the other hand, if you value a unique combination of crisp, light switch-like tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch would be a great fit for you. With a slightly higher bottom out force of 67 grams and a variety of sound profiles including bassy, clacky, low-pitched, and resonant, these switches add a touch of character to your typing experience.
In terms of feel, both switches offer a polished typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Aflion Blue Sky switch provides a mild and approachable typing experience, while the Gateron Quinn switch offers various sensations such as snappy, bouncy, accented, buttery, and creamy.
Ultimately, the decision between these switches depends on your personal preferences regarding typing experience, sound profile, and tactile feedback. Consider the characteristics of each switch and choose the one that aligns with your desired typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
