Aflion Blue Sky vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Aflion Blue Sky and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue. Both switches offer a linear typing experience, but each has its own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Blue Sky switch is renowned for its long pole stem, providing a crystal clear linear typing experience. With a high-pitched and polished sound profile, it offers an exquisitely smooth push feel. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switch offers a deep and thocky sound profile, immersing users in a satisfying typing experience. It features a lengthened single-stage spring, giving each keystroke a bouncy feel. With an easy-to-press and buttery sensation, the Tourmaline Blue strikes a balance with its mild and neutral characteristics. Both switches have their merits, making it essential to delve deeper into their specifics to determine which one is the best fit for you.

By the numbers

Aflion Blue Sky Linear

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

$6.00

$4.07 per 10

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

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Housing materials

The Aflion Blue Sky and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue both have polycarbonate top housings. This means that they will both produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate, which is a relatively stiffer plastic, creates a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, both switches feature a clear housing, making them suitable for RGB lighting. Therefore, if you are looking for a switch that provides a bright and vibrant sound with the option for customizable lighting effects, both the Blue Sky and the Tourmaline Blue will give you similar results.

However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the two switches differ. The Blue Sky utilizes a nylon bottom housing, while the Tourmaline Blue has a polycarbonate bottom housing. Typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing will produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate bottom housing will contribute to the overall sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile, as polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that enhances sound clarity and resonance. Therefore, if you prefer a switch with a more pronounced and impactful bottom-out sound, the Blue Sky's nylon bottom housing would be a better choice, whereas the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate bottom housing would provide a sharper and more precise sound.

In terms of overall functionality, the impact of the housing materials on the sound and feel of the keys will be split between the top and bottom housing. When you press down on a key, you will feel the qualities of the bottom housing, which will significantly influence the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will have more influence on the sound when you release a key. Therefore, while the top housings of both switches are the same and will result in similar sound profiles, the difference in their bottom housings will affect the overall typing experience and the sound produced during key presses and releases.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, there are some noticeable differences. Starting with the actuation force, the Blue Sky requires 50 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the Tourmaline Blue requires slightly more at 59 grams. Both switches fall within the medium range, providing a comfortable typing experience without being too light or too heavy.

Moving on to the bottom out force, the Blue Sky requires 60 grams of force to fully press the key until it bottoms out, while the Tourmaline Blue requires a slightly higher force of 67 grams. This indicates that the Tourmaline Blue provides a slightly more substantial typing experience, requiring a firmer push to fully engage the key.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Blue Sky switch would be the more suitable choice, as it has a slightly lower actuation and bottom out force compared to the Tourmaline Blue. This lighter force allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, making it ideal for those who use their keyboard for extended periods of time, such as in a work setting or during long gaming sessions.

On the other hand, individuals who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience should opt for the Tourmaline Blue. With its slightly higher actuation and bottom out force, it provides a more tactile feedback and a sense of satisfaction when pressing down on the keys.

Overall, while the actuation and bottom out forces of the Blue Sky and Tourmaline Blue switches may not differ significantly, the Tourmaline Blue switch can be considered slightly heavier in terms of force requirements. However, both switches fall within the medium range, offering a balanced typing experience. So, if you are looking for similar results, either of these switches would provide a satisfactory typing experience, with the slight differences in force adding a touch of personal preference to the overall feel of the keyboard.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch is 4 mm, while the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch also has a travel distance of 4 mm. Therefore, both switches have the same travel distance, resulting in similar experiences when pressing down on a key.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch is known for its crystal clear linear typing experience, offering a sparkling sound profile. It is described as having a high-pitched sound, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. This switch has a mild feel, providing a more gentle typing experience. It is also described as polished, resulting in a smooth and refined finish, leading to a sleek typing experience. Overall, the Blue Sky switch offers an approachable sound and feel that will appeal to most users, making it a versatile choice.

On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch offers a deep and thocky sound profile, immersing users in a satisfying typing experience. It is described as having a neutral sound, which means it has a moderate sound profile suitable for various intents and purposes. The Tourmaline Blue switch has a bouncy feel with each keystroke, thanks to its lengthened single-stage spring. It is also noted for its easy-to-press nature, offering gentle resistance and requiring minimal force to activate. This enhances the typing experience by providing a responsive and low-impact feel. Similar to the Blue Sky switch, the Tourmaline Blue switch also has a mild feel, offering a gentle typing experience.

Based on the available information, both switches have similarities in terms of sound and feel. They both have a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for most purposes. Additionally, they both provide a mild and approachable typing experience. Although they have different sound characteristics, with the Blue Sky switch being high-pitched and the Tourmaline Blue switch being deep and thocky, users can expect a satisfying typing experience from both switches. It is worth noting that the sound of the switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

In conclusion, the Aflion Blue Sky and Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches offer subjective qualities that cater to different preferences. The Blue Sky switch excels in providing a crystal clear linear typing experience with a high-pitched sound and a polished feel. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switch offers a deep and thocky sound, along with an easy-to-press and bouncy feel. Both switches provide a mild and approachable typing experience, ensuring user satisfaction. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, either switch can deliver a delightful typing experience.

Conclusion

In closing, both the Aflion Blue Sky and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches offer a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience. If you are looking for a switch with a crystal clear and sparkling sound profile, along with an exquisitely smooth push feel, the Blue Sky would be the perfect choice for you. With its mild and polished characteristics, this switch provides a gentle and refined typing experience that most users will find approachable.

On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper and thocky sound profile that immerses you in your typing experience, along with a bouncy feel with each keystroke, the Tourmaline Blue is the switch for you. With its easy-to-press and buttery characteristics, this switch offers a smooth and fluid typing sensation, allowing for effortless and comfortable typing.

Furthermore, both switches have a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making them suitable for a wide range of users, whether beginner or advanced, and for use at home or work.

Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Blue Sky and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel. Consider what type of sound profile and typing experience you prefer, and make your decision based on that. Whichever switch you choose, you can be assured of a high-quality and enjoyable mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

Aflion Blue Sky Linear

$6.00

$4.07 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn more