Aflion Blue Sky vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, it's important to consider the nuances and characteristics that each switch brings to the table. Two notable linear switches on the market, the Aflion Blue Sky and the Jwick Splash Brothers, offer distinct features that cater to different preferences. The Blue Sky switch, with its long pole stem, provides a crystal clear linear typing experience. Known for its high-pitched sound profile and exquisitely smooth push feel, this switch falls under the categories of 'High-pitched', 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers switch, drawing inspiration from the dynamic duo of Steph and Klay, boasts a shorter activation combined with its long pole stem, offering a unique typing feel. Alongside this, the switch produces a creamy sound signature that adds to the typing experience. Categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Snappy', 'Bouncy', 'Subtle', and 'Polished', the Splash Brothers switch offers a slightly different set of characteristics. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Blue Sky and the Jwick Splash Brothers both feature polycarbonate top housings. This material choice creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant sound experience. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate is particularly useful if you plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows for better light diffusion. Overall, both switches will provide similar results in terms of sound quality and aesthetic appeal due to their shared polycarbonate top housing.
Moving on to the nylon bottom housing, both the Blue Sky and the Splash Brothers utilize this classic switch housing material. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's relatively softer composition allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound experience. Both the Blue Sky and the Splash Brothers will provide a similar typing experience, with the nylon bottom housing playing a significant role in shaping the switch's sound profile.
It is important to note that if a switch has different materials for its top and bottom housings, the qualities of each housing material will be divided between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on a switch, the impact and resulting sound will be influenced more by the bottom housing. On the other hand, the sound when releasing a key will be mainly influenced by the top housing. This means that the overall sound profile of the switch will be a combination of the characteristics of both the top and bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Blue Sky has an actuation force of 50 grams, providing a medium level of resistance needed to register a keystroke. In contrast, the specific actuation force for the Splash Brothers is unknown. However, the bottom out force for the Blue Sky is slightly higher at 60 grams, indicating that a bit more pressure is required to fully press the keys. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers has a lower bottom out force of 48 grams, making it a lighter option. In terms of weight, the lighter weight of the Splash Brothers may suit individuals who prefer a more effortless typing experience or need to type for extended periods. Conversely, the Blue Sky's higher actuation and bottom out forces might be favored by those who enjoy a stronger push feel or desire a more substantial typing experience. Overall, while the specific actuation force for the Splash Brothers is unknown, it can be inferred that the Blue Sky offers a slightly heavier typing experience, providing users with different options based on their preferences.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Blue Sky's travel distance of 4 mm is more traditional, offering a deeper key press sensation. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers' travel distance of 3.5 mm is slightly shallower, which can be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times. The choice between the two switches ultimately depends on personal preference - if you value quick response and a shorter travel distance, the Splash Brothers would be the better option. However, if you prefer a more substantial and satisfying key press with a longer travel distance, the Blue Sky would be a suitable choice. In any case, both switches offer distinct travel distances that cater to different user preferences, ensuring a tailored typing or gaming experience.
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 Jwick Splash Brothers comes in at $2.49 per 10 switches.
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 Blue Sky linear switch is best known for offering a crystal clear linear typing experience with a sparkling sound profile. It is described as having a high-pitched sound, which produces a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. This makes it suitable for those who prefer a more rich and bassy sound profile. In terms of feel, the Blue Sky switch is described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience. It is also polished, meaning it has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Overall, the Blue Sky switch provides a pleasant and approachable typing experience with its sound and feel qualities.
On the other hand, the Splash Brothers linear switch is best known for its shorter activation combined with a long pole stem, giving it a great typing feel. It is described as having a creamy sound signature, which adds a unique touch to the typing experience. In terms of feel, the Splash Brothers switch is also described as mild, providing a gentle typing experience. It is snappy, meaning it is super responsive and offers a more alive typing experience. Additionally, it is bouncy, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving the keys a lively feel with rebound when pressed. Similar to the Blue Sky switch, the Splash Brothers switch is also polished, resulting in a sleek and smooth typing experience. The Splash Brothers switch offers a unique combination of feel and sound qualities, making it suitable for various typing preferences.
In conclusion, the Blue Sky and Splash Brothers linear switches offer different but equally appealing qualities. The Blue Sky switch provides a crystal clear linear typing experience with a high-pitched sound profile and a mild and polished feel. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers switch offers a unique typing experience with a creamy sound signature, a mild and snappy feel, and a bouncy sensation. Both switches are suitable for most intents and purposes and provide smooth and refined typing experiences. Depending on personal preference, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium bottom out force and a crystal clear typing experience, the Aflion Blue Sky switch is the right choice for you. With its long pole stem, it offers a smooth push feel and a sparkling sound profile. The Blue Sky switch has a high-pitched sound, which produces a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. Additionally, it provides a mild and polished feel, ensuring a gentle and refined typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a lighter bottom out force and a great typing feel, the Jwick Splash Brothers switch is a fantastic option. Similar to the dynamic duo, Steph and Klay, these switches offer a shorter activation and a long pole stem, resulting in an enjoyable typing experience. The Splash Brothers switch has a neutral sound profile, providing a moderate sound suitable for most purposes. It offers a mild, snappy, bouncy, subtle, and polished feel, giving you a combination of responsiveness and a smooth typing experience.
Ultimately, your choice between the Aflion Blue Sky and Jwick Splash Brothers switches will depend on your preferences. If you prioritize a medium bottom out force, a crystal-clear sound, and a polished feel, the Blue Sky switch is the way to go. However, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, a great typing feel with some added liveliness, and a versatile sound profile, the Splash Brothers switch is the better option. Consider your desired typing experience and sound profile to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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