Aflion Blue Sky vs. Dareu Snow
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the Dareu Snow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Blue Sky and the Dareu Snow both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Blue Sky is well-known for its long pole stem and crystal-clear linear typing experience, providing a sparkling sound profile and smooth push feel. On the other hand, the Snow switch sets itself apart with its innovative use of POK material for both the top housing and stem, resulting in a deeper sound signature and a smooth linear typing experience. The Blue Sky switch is categorized as 'High-pitched', 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Polished', while the Snow switch falls under 'Thocky', 'Neutral', 'Low-pitched', 'Bouncy'. Both switches have their own strengths and characteristics, making them suitable for different preferences. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Blue Sky and Dareu Snow, both switches feature a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches made from nylon. Despite the similarities in material, the Blue Sky and Snow may differ in the specific characteristics of their nylon bottom housing, potentially affecting the overall sound and feel of the switches.
On the other hand, the top housing of the Blue Sky is made from polycarbonate, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate leads to a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Snow utilizes POK material for its top housing, which is extremely smooth, clacky, and durable. The POK material has excellent wear resistance and shock resistance, making it a top choice for switch manufacturing. While the Blue Sky's polycarbonate top housing focuses on creating a clear and resonant sound, the Snow's POK top housing prioritizes smoothness and durability.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for the Blue Sky and Snow switches highlights their distinct sound profiles and durability. The Blue Sky's blend of polycarbonate and nylon results in a balance between sharpness and depth in sound, with the polycarbonate top housing enhancing clarity and resonance. In comparison, the Snow's POK top housing and nylon bottom housing emphasize smoothness, clackiness, and durability, making it a reliable option for those seeking a resilient and pleasant typing experience. While both switches may differ in their specific material compositions, they ultimately aim to provide a unique and satisfying typing experience for users.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch are very similar. Both switches have an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, resulting in a medium resistance level. This means that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of force required for key presses with either switch. In terms of weight, both switches fall into the medium category as well. Overall, whether you choose the Blue Sky or Snow linear switch, you can expect a similar typing experience in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. Users who prefer a lighter typing experience may appreciate the medium weight of these switches, while those looking for a more substantial push feel may find that these switches offer a good balance between lightness and resistance.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Dareu Snow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Blue Sky has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Snow. In general, a shorter travel distance is preferred for faster response times, especially by gamers, while a longer travel distance can provide a more satisfying key press for some individuals. Both switches fall within the range of travel distances that are commonly used in keyboards, so you can expect similar results in terms of overall feel and performance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for key press depth and response time.
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 Snow has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Snow for $5.76.
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
In terms of sound, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch offers a high-pitched sound profile, giving a sharp and crisp auditory experience when typing. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow linear switch provides a thocky sound, with a deep, rich, and satisfying tone that adds a touch of luxury to the typing experience. Both switches fall under the category of neutral sound profiles, making them suitable for a wide range of users and purposes. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and the choice of keycaps.
Moving on to the feel, the Aflion Blue Sky switch offers a mild typing experience, making it gentle and approachable to most users. Additionally, the switch is described as polished, ensuring a smooth and refined typing feel with reduced friction and seamless key travel. In contrast, the Dareu Snow switch provides a bouncy sensation, offering a spring-like feedback that adds liveliness to each keystroke. While the feel of a switch is subjective and can vary based on personal preference, both switches offer unique tactile experiences that cater to different typing styles.
Overall, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch each bring their own set of characteristics to the table. If you prefer a high-pitched sound profile with a polished and mild typing feel, the Blue Sky switch might be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a thocky sound with a bouncy typing sensation, the Snow switch could be more to your liking. Ultimately, both switches offer quality linear typing experiences, and choosing between them will depend on your individual preferences and typing needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when it comes to choosing between the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, consider the following guidelines based on your preferences. If you value a sparkling sound profile with a smooth push feel and a moderate actuation force, the Blue Sky switch may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper sound signature and enjoy a switch made with innovative POK material for a unique typing experience, the Dareu Snow switch might be the better choice for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience. Choose the switch that aligns best with what you're looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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