Aflion Blue Sky vs. TTC Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the TTC Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two options that often come up for comparison are the Aflion Blue Sky and the TTC Speed Silver. The Blue Sky is a linear switch that is best known for its long pole stem, offering a crystal clear linear typing experience. It boasts a high-pitched sound profile and an exquisitely smooth push feel, making it a popular choice for those seeking a satisfying and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Speed Silver, also a linear switch, is renowned for its fast and precise typing experience. With a light-medium level of resistance and a reduced travel distance, these switches allow for quick and effortless actuation. They offer a neutral, mild sound profile, perfect for users who value speed and accuracy in their typing. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.08 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Aflion Blue Sky and TTC Speed Silver both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an excellent choice for switches with RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through, creating a visually appealing effect. Therefore, both switches offer similar advantages when it comes to their polycarbonate top housing.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Blue Sky features a nylon material, while the Speed Silver also uses nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is a renowned choice for switch housing due to its ability to generate a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. As a result, both the Blue Sky and the Speed Silver provide a similar typing experience, with the nylon bottom housing contributing to the overall sound and feel of pressing down on the switch.
It is important to note that when a switch has different materials for its top and bottom housing, the qualities of each material will have a distinct impact on different aspects of the switch. Pressing down on the switch will primarily be influenced by the qualities of the bottom housing, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will have a more significant impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, while the Blue Sky and Speed Silver utilize different materials for their top and bottom housing, the overall typing experience and sound profiles offered by both switches are likely to be quite similar.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, it is evident that they both fall into the medium actuation force range. The Blue Sky requires 50 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the Speed Silver requires slightly less at 45 grams. Similarly, when it comes to bottoming out, the Blue Sky exerts a force of 60 grams, whereas the Speed Silver requires slightly less force at 55 grams. Both switches can be considered relatively medium in terms of bottoming out force.
In terms of weight, the Blue Sky switch is slightly heavier than the Speed Silver, with a 50-gram actuation force and 60-gram bottom out force. This added weight may be appealing to those seeking a more substantial typing experience, as it offers a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Speed Silver's actuation force of 45 grams and bottom out force of 55 grams make it slightly lighter. This lighter weight may be preferred by individuals who require longer typing durations, such as for work or extended gaming sessions.
Overall, the differences between the Aflion Blue Sky and TTC Speed Silver linear switches lie in their actuation and bottom out forces, with the Blue Sky being slightly heavier. However, both switches fall within the medium range, providing a similar typing experience for users.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Speed Silver linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Blue Sky offers a more traditional travel distance, which is preferred by many. On the other hand, the Speed Silver provides a shallower travel distance, which is popular among gamers who prioritize faster response times. If you value a more responsive feel, the shorter travel distance of the Speed Silver may be the better option for you. However, if you prefer a deeper and more substantial keypress, the Blue Sky's longer travel distance may be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences and the specific requirements of the user.
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 TTC Speed Silver has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Speed Silver for $4.58.
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 Blue Sky switches are best described as high-pitched. These switches produce a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, which may appeal to those who prefer a more high-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Speed Silver switches have a neutral sound profile. This means they have a moderate sound without any particular emphasis on high or low tones. Both switches offer a sound profile that is suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user.
In terms of feel, both the Blue Sky and Speed Silver switches offer a mild typing experience. This means that their characteristics are not too pronounced or extreme, resulting in a gentle and approachable typing feel. Additionally, both switches are described as polished, which means they have a smooth and refined finish. This leads to a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Overall, both switches provide a comfortable and pleasant typing experience with their mild and polished qualities.
Considering all the available information, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switches and TTC Speed Silver linear switches share several similarities in terms of sound and feel. Both switches have a neutral sound profile that is suitable for most users. They also offer a mild typing experience with a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing feel. If you are looking for a linear switch with these qualities, either option would provide similar results. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a crystal clear linear typing experience with a medium bottom out force, the Aflion Blue Sky switches would be the ideal choice for you. These switches offer a sparkling sound profile and exquisitely smooth push feel. On the other hand, if you prioritize a fast and precise typing experience with a slightly lighter bottom out force, the TTC Speed Silver switches are the way to go. These switches have a reduced travel distance, allowing for quick and effortless actuation. Both switches have a moderate sound profile and a mild, polished feel, making them suitable for most intents and purposes. Ultimately, the decision between the two depends on your preference for bottom out force and typing speed, as well as your desire for a specific sound and feel. With this information in mind, you can confidently choose the switch that aligns best with your typing preferences and needs.
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