Aflion Blue Sky vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the Gateron Silent Ink Black 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 Gateron Silent Ink Black. Both switches belong to the linear switch category, offering a smooth typing experience without any tactile bump. The Blue Sky switch is known for its long pole stem, delivering a crystal clear linear typing experience. With a high-pitched, neutral profile, this switch provides a sparkling sound and an exquisitely smooth push feel. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch is ideal for those looking for a quieter typing experience. This silenced version of the Ink Black switch offers a cushy, pillow-like bottom-out feel with minimal audio feedback. Categorized as silky, muted, and polished, the Silent Ink Black switch is perfect for environments where reduced noise is necessary. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The Aflion Blue Sky and the Gateron Silent Ink Black both have different housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Blue Sky features a polycarbonate top housing, while the Silent Ink Black uses Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Blue Sky creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile, thanks to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate. This makes the Blue Sky switch ideal for users who prefer a crisper and more resonant sound. In contrast, the INK blend top housing of the Silent Ink Black produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, described as clacky. While the sounds are different, both top housings offer a satisfying and distinct auditory experience.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Blue Sky utilizes a nylon material, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the proprietary INK blend bottom housing of the Silent Ink Black also contributes to its thin and higher-pitched sound profile. Like the top housing, the bottom housing of the Silent Ink Black enhances the overall clacky sound sensation. While the bottom housings differ in material, they both contribute to the switches' unique sound profiles, offering users a varied typing experience.
When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become more pronounced. The bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, influencing the auditory and tactile feedback when a key is fully pressed. On the other hand, the top housing has a more prominent effect on the sound produced when releasing a key. Although the top and bottom housings vary in material between the Blue Sky and the Silent Ink Black, the overall result is a distinct and satisfying key switch experience, each with its own unique sound profile and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Blue Sky has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Silent Ink Black's 60 grams. This means that it requires slightly less force to trigger a keystroke with the Blue Sky. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Blue Sky has a force of 60 grams, while the Silent Ink Black has a heavier force of 70 grams. This indicates that the Silent Ink Black provides a more substantial typing experience, as it requires more force to fully press down the keys.
For those who prefer a lighter switch, the Blue Sky would be a suitable choice, as its actuation force is slightly lower. This can be beneficial for longer typing sessions or gaming sessions, as it reduces fatigue. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel may opt for the Silent Ink Black, as its heavier actuation and bottom out forces provide a more satisfying and tactile typing experience.
Overall, while the Blue Sky and Silent Ink Black have different actuation and bottom out forces, they both fall within the medium to medium-heavy range. Therefore, if a user desires a similar result in terms of force, they can expect a comparable experience from both switches, with the Silent Ink Black offering a slightly more robust typing feel.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches offer a consistent and comfortable key press experience, ensuring that users can easily feel the switch travel from the top to the bottom when they press down on a key. Whether you opt for the Blue Sky or the Silent Ink Black, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance. Neither switch is shorter or longer than the other, as they both provide an equal travel distance of 4 mm.
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 Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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. This means that when pressed, it produces a sharp and crisp sound. If you prefer a sound that is not too rich or bassy, the Blue Sky switch is a great choice. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is described as muted. It produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular mechanical keyboard switches. This makes it ideal for environments that require a quieter typing experience. It is important to note that while the sound of a switch is influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps, these descriptions provide a general understanding of the sound qualities of each switch.
When it comes to feel, both the Blue Sky and Silent Ink Black switches have a polished finish, resulting in a sleek and smooth typing experience. The Blue Sky switch is described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable for most users. It falls in the middle-ground zone, making it a safe and versatile choice. The Silent Ink Black switch, on the other hand, is referred to as silky, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience. It minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys, contributing to an overall enhanced smoothness.
Considering all the available information, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch stands out for its crystal clear linear typing experience with a high-pitched sound profile. It offers a mild and polished feel, providing a smooth and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is best suited for environments that require quieter typing. It offers a cushion-like bottom-out feel and a muted sound profile. Both switches have a polished finish, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel. Depending on your preferences and requirements, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a switch with a medium bottom out force and a crystal clear linear typing experience, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch is the one for you. Its sparkling sound profile and exquisitely smooth push feel make for an enjoyable typing experience. On the other hand, if you require a quieter typing environment, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is the way to go. With its cushion-like bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback, it provides a quieter typing experience.
In terms of sound, the Blue Sky switch offers a high-pitched or neutral sound profile, which is sharp and crisp, suitable for those who prefer a brighter sound. The Silent Ink Black switch, on the other hand, provides a muted sound, reducing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards.
When it comes to feel, the Blue Sky switch offers a mild and polished typing experience, with a gentle feel and reduced friction for smoother key travel. Similarly, the Silent Ink Black switch also provides a polished and silky feel, enhancing overall smoothness and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys.
Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Blue Sky and Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switches depends on your preferences and needs. Consider factors such as sound, feel, and bottom out force to find the switch that best suits your typing style and environment. Happy typing!
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