Aflion Blue Sky vs. Akko Rosewood
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the Akko Rosewood switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Aflion Blue Sky and the Akko Rosewood stand out as two compelling linear options, each offering a unique typing experience tailored to different preferences. The Aflion Blue Sky is celebrated for its long pole stem, which delivers a crystal clear linear typing experience. This switch boasts a sparkling sound profile and an exquisitely smooth keystroke feel, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a refined, high-pitched auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood offers a more robust and satisfying experience, characterized by its deep, thocky sound that resonates beautifully thanks to a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant. While the Blue Sky is ideal for users who prioritize precision and a polished feel, the Rosewood caters to those who enjoy a rich auditory experience with every keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Nylon
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Blue Sky and the Akko Rosewood, notable contrasts can be identified between their top housings. The Blue Sky features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and ability to produce a sharp, higher-pitched sound profile. This characteristic comes from polycarbonate's physical properties, allowing for clearer acoustics that are further enhanced by its translucency, making it ideal for RGB lighting setups. In contrast, the Rosewood employs a nylon top housing, a material that is traditionally associated with a deeper and fuller sound profile. This difference in materials results in contrasting auditory experiences when typing, with the Blue Sky generating a more resonant and crisp output while the Rosewood offers a softer and rounder sound.
When it comes to the bottom housings, both the Blue Sky and the Rosewood utilize nylon, thereby providing a deeper and fuller sound profile in this aspect of their designs. With nylon being a comparatively softer plastic, it effectively absorbs sound, leading to a more muted and rounded typing experience. The similarity in the bottom materials means that, regardless of the differences in the top housings, both switches will yield similar auditory characteristics when it comes to the bottom-out feel and sound. Thus, while the top housings contribute distinctly to the overall sound profile, the shared material at the bottom indicates that some acoustic qualities will remain consistent between the two switches.
The combination of these differing materials means the Aflion Blue Sky and the Akko Rosewood will each have unique tactile and auditory profiles. While the Blue Sky’s polycarbonate top allows for quick, sharp feedback upon key release, the Rosewood’s nylon top provides a more muted response. However, the use of nylon for the bottom housing creates a balance, ensuring that the key press experience retains some commonality across wood and plastic designs. Ultimately, while the top housings delineate a stark contrast in sound quality, the similarity in materials on the bottom promotes some shared performance characteristics, highlighting how housing material can influence both the acoustic and tactile experience of mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, there are notable differences in both the actuation force and bottom out force. The Blue Sky features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the Rosewood boasts a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience. This means that while the Blue Sky offers a more substantial feel with a stronger push, the Rosewood allows for easier and potentially longer typing sessions due to its lighter forces. Ultimately, if you're seeking a more tactile and heavier typing experience, the Blue Sky may be the better option, whereas if you prioritize ease and comfort over extended periods, the Rosewood would be more appropriate.
Travel distance
Both the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, indicating that they are identical in this regard. This means that users can expect a similar tactile experience when pressing down on either switch, as they both offer the same amount of travel from the top to the bottom. Since both switches feature the same travel distance, they provide comparable performance in terms of keypress depth, making them equally suitable for users who prefer linear switch characteristics.
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 Akko Rosewood has an MSRP of $3.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rosewood for $3.11.
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 switches deliver a crystal-clear, high-pitched profile that produces a sharp and crisp auditory response when pressed. This makes them an excellent choice for those who prefer a sound that is not too rich or bass-heavy, offering instead a vibrant and sparkling acoustic experience. The sound quality also maintains a degree of neutrality, making these switches versatile for various settings, whether for casual typing or professional use. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood switches provide a deep, satisfying "thocky" sound straight out of the box, enhanced by a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant. This results in a more resonant and rich tonal quality, appealing to users who enjoy a pronounced auditory feedback from their keystrokes. It's important to note that the sound of both switches can vary based on the choice of keyboard board and keycaps, affecting overall performance.
In terms of feel, the Blue Sky switches are characterized by their mild and polished experience. The mild nature of these switches allows for a gentle and approachable typing sensation, making them suitable for a broad audience. Their polished finish results in smooth key travel and reduced friction, contributing to an overall sleek typing experience. These aspects make them ideal for users who appreciate a smooth and refined touch while typing. While details about the feel of the Rosewood switches are not provided, the deep sound profile suggests a potentially heavier or more tactile experience, likely offering a different kind of satisfaction when it comes to key presses.
In summary, choosing between the Aflion Blue Sky and Akko Rosewood switches depends on personal preference regarding sound and feel. The Blue Sky switches are ideal for those seeking a clear, high-pitched auditory experience with a smooth, mild touch, while the Rosewood switches cater to individuals who enjoy a deeper thock sound that may contribute to a different tactile response. Ultimately, both switches can deliver enjoyable typing experiences, but the distinct characteristics of each may sway your decision based on what aspects you prioritize most.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, it's essential to consider your preferences in typing experience and sound profile. If you appreciate a medium actuation force of 60 grams with a focus on a smooth and polished typing experience, the Blue Sky switches are an excellent choice. Their high-pitched sound offers a crisp, clear auditory feedback that many typists find satisfying, making them suitable for environments where a sharper sound is preferable. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a 50-gram bottom-out force and enjoy the satisfaction of a deeper, thocky sound, the Rosewood switches will likely cater to your needs better. Their factory-applied lubrication helps to deliver a notably smooth feel straight out of the box, perfect for those who value comfort and auditory richness in their keystrokes. Ultimately, your selection will depend on whether you prioritize a sharper sound and moderate force with the Blue Sky or a deeper tone and lighter touch with the Rosewood, ensuring your mechanical keyboard experience is tailored to your specific preferences.
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