Aflion Blue Sky vs. TKC Tangerine

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, there are a plethora of options available, each with their own unique characteristics and benefits. One such switch that stands out is the Aflion Blue Sky, a linear switch known for its long pole stem and crystal clear typing experience. With a sparkling sound profile and exquisitely smooth push feel, this switch is perfect for those seeking a high-pitched yet neutral and mild typing experience. On the other hand, we have the TKC Tangerine, another linear switch that takes typing to the next level. With an incredibly smooth feel and the rarity of UHWMPE housings, each keystroke is a pleasure to type. Although it may provide a fairly high-pitched clack when typing, the Tangerine switch is categorized as frictionless, buttery, high-pitched, and polished. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Aflion Blue Sky Linear

TKC Tangerine Linear

$6.00

$4.07 per 10

$6.30 per 10

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Housing materials

The Aflion Blue Sky and TKC Tangerine differ in their choice of housing materials. The Blue Sky features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Tangerine utilizes a UHWMPE top housing, a newer material that offers a very bright sound signature and resonant clacks while typing. Although both materials contribute to a distinct sound experience, the use of polycarbonate provides a more clear and translucent appearance suitable for showcasing RGB lighting, while UHWMPE offers a more visually vibrant experience.

The contrast continues when comparing their bottom housings. The Blue Sky utilizes a nylon bottom housing, a classic material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. With its softer nature, nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Tangerine employs a UHWMPE bottom housing, which also provides a bright sound signature and resonant clacks. This newer material enhances the overall sound experience, creating a balance between brightness and depth. While the materials differ, both bottom housings still deliver an immersive typing sensation but with varying levels of clarity and resonance.

When using a switch with different top and bottom housings, the qualities of each housing material are split between the bottom and top of the switch. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when you let go of a key. Therefore, the Aflion Blue Sky and TKC Tangerine, although using different housing materials, provide similar results in terms of the tactile experience. However, the difference lies in the distinct sound profiles they offer, with the Blue Sky emphasizing clarity and the Tangerine embracing brightness and resonance.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. The actuation force of the Blue Sky is 50 grams, while the exact actuation force of the Tangerine is unknown. However, both switches can be considered medium in terms of actuation force. In terms of bottom out force, the Blue Sky requires 60 grams of force, while the Tangerine requires 62 grams. Both switches fall within the medium range for bottom out force as well.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Blue Sky might be a better choice as it has a slightly lower actuation and bottom out force. This can allow for longer typing sessions without causing excessive fatigue. On the other hand, for those who enjoy a more substantial push feel, the Tangerine would provide a slightly heavier typing experience due to its slightly higher bottom out force.

Overall, while there are slight variations in the actuation and bottom out forces between the two switches, they both offer a medium level of force for a balanced typing experience. So, whether choosing the Blue Sky or the Tangerine, users can expect similar results in terms of the forces required for keystrokes.

Travel distance

The travel distances of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch are both 4 mm, making them exactly the same in this aspect. When pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel a consistent travel distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom. Both switches provide a similar tactile experience in terms of travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, both the Aflion Blue Sky and the TKC Tangerine switches are described as having a high-pitched sound profile. This means that they produce a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. If you prefer a more rich and bassy sound profile, you may want to consider other switch options. However, keep in mind that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. So, depending on your setup, you can expect similar high-pitched sound results from both switches.

In terms of feel, the Blue Sky switch offers a mild and polished typing experience. A mild switch provides a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. With the Blue Sky switch, the sound and feel will be approachable to most users, as its qualities stand in a safe middle-ground zone. Additionally, the polished finish of the Blue Sky switch results in reduced friction and smooth key travel, enhancing the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Tangerine switch is described as frictionless, buttery, and polished. It offers an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, with minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys. This results in a fluid and seamless typing sensation. Like the Blue Sky, the Tangerine switch also features a polished finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel.

In conclusion, both the Blue Sky and Tangerine switches provide a linear typing experience but offer slightly different qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Blue Sky switch is best known for its crystal clear linear typing experience, with a high-pitched sound profile and a mild and polished feel. On the other hand, the Tangerine switch takes the typing experience to the next level with its incredibly smooth feel, thanks to the use of UHWMPE housings. It offers a high-pitched clack sound when typing. Overall, if you prefer a more neutral sound profile and a gentler typing experience, the Blue Sky switch would be a good choice. If you prioritize an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, the Tangerine switch would be more suitable for you.

Conclusion

In summary, if you prioritize a crystal clear linear typing experience with a sparkling sound profile, the Aflion Blue Sky switches would be an excellent choice for you. With its long pole stem, these switches offer a smooth push feel that you will surely enjoy. On the other hand, if you want to take your typing experience to the next level with an incredibly smooth feel and a high-pitched clack, the TKC Tangerine switches would be perfect for you. The use of UHWMPE housings adds an extra touch of quality to these switches. Both switches have a bottom out force of 60-62 grams, which falls within the medium range. When it comes to sound, both switches are described as high-pitched, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. In terms of feel, the Blue Sky switches offer a mild and polished typing experience, while the Tangerine switches provide a frictionless, buttery, and polished feel. Ultimately, the choice between Aflion Blue Sky and TKC Tangerine switches depends on your preferences for sound and feel.

Mentioned in this article

Aflion Blue Sky Linear

$6.00

$4.07 per 10

Learn more

TKC Tangerine Linear

$6.30 per 10

Learn more