Aflion Blue Sky vs. Dareu Sky V3
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the Dareu Sky V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Aflion blue sky and Dareu sky V3 are both linear mechanical keyboard switches known for their smooth typing experience. The blue sky stands out with its long pole stem, offering a crystal clear linear feel and a sparkling sound profile. In contrast, the Dareu sky V3 switches are celebrated for their neutral sound signature and medium-light weight, catering to a diverse range of typing preferences. While the blue sky is categorized as "high-pitched, neutral, mild, polished", the sky V3 falls into the "neutral, subdued, mild" category. Both switches provide comfort and precision, making them popular choices among enthusiasts and professionals. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Partial box
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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Both the Aflion Blue Sky and the Dareu Sky V3 utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile when typing on these switches. The relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal material choice for the top housing of switches, particularly when RGB lighting is involved. As a result, users can expect similar sound experiences from both switches due to the use of polycarbonate in their top housings.
However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing material. The Blue Sky features a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the top polycarbonate housing. Conversely, the Dareu Sky V3 also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, enhancing the typing experience with a similar deep and full sound profile as the Blue Sky.
When considering the overall typing experience, the combination of different housing materials in the Aflion Blue Sky and the Dareu Sky V3 offers a unique blend of sound qualities. While the top housing primarily affects the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. This split in housing materials allows for a diverse typing experience that combines the best qualities of both polycarbonate and nylon, resulting in a tactile and satisfying typing feel for users of both switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, it is evident that they have different characteristics. The Blue Sky has a higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Sky V3's lighter 40 grams. Additionally, the Blue Sky requires a slightly heavier bottom out force of 60 grams, whereas the bottom out force of the Sky V3 is unknown. This makes the Blue Sky the heavier option of the two. The actuation force of a switch determines the force needed to trigger a keystroke, while the bottom out force measures the force required to press the key all the way down. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Sky V3 may be the better choice, while the Blue Sky would provide a more substantial typing feel for users who prefer a heavier force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Aflion Blue Sky and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switches have the same travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing their travel distance, they both offer a consistent typing experience with a similar amount of key travel for users. This means that whether you choose the Blue Sky or the Sky V3, you can expect to have a consistent typing experience with the same amount of travel distance for each key press. This similarity ensures that users will get familiar results in terms of key feel and responsiveness regardless of which switch they choose.
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 Dareu Sky V3 has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sky V3 for $4.76.
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 and crisp sound profile, perfect for those who prefer a sharp auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch provides a more neutral and subdued sound, making it suitable for various environments without being too distracting. Ultimately, your choice of keycaps and keyboard housing will also play a role in the overall sound produced by these switches.
In terms of feel, both the Blue Sky and Sky V3 switches offer a mild typing experience, catering to a wide range of users with their gentle characteristics. The Blue Sky switch is further enhanced by its polished finish, providing a smooth and refined keypress that reduces friction for a sleek typing experience. Meanwhile, the Sky V3 switch focuses on delivering a comfortable and approachable feel without any extreme characteristics, making it versatile for different typing preferences.
Overall, if you are looking for a linear switch with a high-pitched sound and polished feel, the Aflion Blue Sky switch would be the perfect choice. However, if you prefer a more neutral sound profile and a subdued typing experience, the Dareu Sky V3 switch would be more suited to your preferences. Both switches offer a pleasant typing experience, so you can expect similar results in terms of overall satisfaction regardless of your final decision.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, it comes down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prioritize a crystal clear linear typing experience with a medium bottom out force and a high-pitched sound profile, then the Blue Sky switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a neutral sound signature, medium-light weight, and a subdued sound profile, along with comfort and precision, then the Dareu Sky V3 switch is the better choice for you. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so consider what factors are most important to you when making your decision. Ultimately, the ideal switch for you will depend on what typing experience you are looking for.
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