Aflion Blue Sky vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Aflion Blue Sky and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring. The Blue Sky switch is a linear switch that is best known for its crystal clear typing experience and smooth push feel. With its long pole stem, this switch offers an exquisitely polished and neutral sound profile. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is a tactile switch that stands out for its medium-high level of tactility. This switch variant features a long, two-staged spring, resulting in a satisfyingly clacky and sharp typing experience, accompanied by deep, resonating thocks. Both switches have their own unique characteristics and offer distinct advantages, allowing you to choose the one that suits your preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision on which switch is the perfect fit for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
63g
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
No
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
20mm dual-stage spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Blue Sky and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring both have polycarbonate top housings, which means that they will provide a similar experience in terms of sound profile and aesthetics. The use of polycarbonate in the housings creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through and create a visually appealing effect.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Blue Sky and Shadow (Ink) differ in their materials. The Blue Sky features a nylon bottom housing, while the Shadow (Ink) utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing. Typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Shadow (Ink) contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, similar to its top housing.
It is important to note that the qualities brought by the different housing materials are split between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing will be more noticeable, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. So, while both the Blue Sky and Shadow (Ink) offer similar sound profiles with polycarbonate top housings, the choice of nylon or polycarbonate for the bottom housing will create slight variations in the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, it is evident that both switches fall under the medium category. The Blue Sky has a slightly lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring's 55 grams. Similarly, the Blue Sky has a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring requires a slightly heavier force of 63 grams to fully bottom out. Overall, both switches provide a medium level of resistance, ensuring a satisfactory typing experience. If one desires a lighter option for longer typing sessions, the Blue Sky would be a suitable choice. However, for those seeking a more substantial typing feel, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring offers a slightly heavier force. Regardless of the choice, both switches deliver comparable results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch is the same, with both switches having a travel distance of 4 mm. Therefore, users can expect a similar experience in terms of the distance they feel when pressing down on a key. Whether you choose the Blue Sky or the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, you can expect a consistent 4 mm travel distance, providing a satisfying feedback while typing or gaming.
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 Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring for $3.57.
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 providing a crystal clear linear typing experience. This switch offers a sparkling sound profile, described as high-pitched, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. It is a neutral switch with a moderate actuation force requirement, suitable for most intents and purposes. In terms of feel, the Blue Sky switch is mild, offering a gentle typing experience. It is also described as polished, providing a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. Overall, the Blue Sky switch offers a pleasant sound and feel, making it a popular choice for users seeking a smooth linear switch.
On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch is best known for its medium-high level of tactility. This switch variant features a long, two-staged spring that provides a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, described as clacky and high-pitched. The tactile feedback of the Shadow switch is prominent, with a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be felt distinctly with each keypress. The feel of the Shadow switch is characterized by its sharpness, accentuated tactility, snappiness, and bounciness, giving a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. It can be described as a stepped switch, providing a mild pre-travel and/or post-travel sensation. Users seeking a tactile switch with a noticeable tactile bump and responsive feel will find the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch to their liking.
Based on the available information, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch differ in their sound and feel characteristics. The Blue Sky switch offers a high-pitched, neutral sound profile with a smooth and polished feel. On the other hand, the Shadow switch provides a clacky, high-pitched sound profile with a sharp and accentuated tactile feel. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different user preferences, providing options for those who prefer linear switches and those who prefer tactile switches. However, it is important to note that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Therefore, it is recommended to consider these factors when selecting a switch to achieve the desired sound and feel experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, your decision should be based on your preferred typing experience. If you value a crystal clear linear typing experience with a sparkling sound profile and exquisitely smooth push feel, then the Blue Sky switch is the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are seeking a tactile switch with a medium-high level of tactility and enjoy deep, resonating thocks when typing, then the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is perfect. Consider the sound profiles as well - the Blue Sky switch offers a high-pitched or neutral sound, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch provides a clacky and high-pitched sound. In terms of feel, the Blue Sky switch offers a mild and polished typing experience, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch provides a sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, or stepped tactile feel. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for sound and feel.
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