Aflion Blue Sky vs. Gazzew U4T

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Blue Sky and the Gazzew U4T are two popular options with distinct characteristics. The Blue Sky, a linear switch, is widely esteemed for its long pole stem, providing users with a crystal clear typing experience. With a sparkling sound profile and an exquisitely smooth push feel, this switch falls under the categories of 'High-pitched', 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T, a tactile switch, showcases a harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility. Each keystroke on the U4Ts delivers both auditory and tactile satisfaction, thanks to its bassy 'thock' sound profile and assertive tactile feedback. Categorized as 'Bassy', 'Thocky', and 'Sharp', this switch offers a unique typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your individual preferences.

By the numbers

Aflion Blue Sky Linear

Gazzew U4T Tactile

$6.00

$4.07 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The Aflion Blue Sky and the Gazzew U4T differ in their housing materials, providing unique sound profiles for users. The Blue Sky features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness, which creates a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisp sound. This material is also translucent, making it ideal for RGB lighting enthusiasts. In contrast, the U4T utilizes Gazzew's proprietary plastic blend, referred to as "boba plastic," which provides a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. This softer material allows for a more mellow typing experience.

The housing materials also differ in their impact on the overall sound character when releasing a key. With the Blue Sky, the polycarbonate top housing plays a more significant role in the sound produced when a key is released. Its stiffness contributes to a clear and resonant sound, enhancing the overall auditory experience. On the other hand, the U4T's Gazzew blend top housing further enhances the switch's deep and rich sound, adding to the satisfaction of letting go of a key.

Moving on to the bottom housing, the Blue Sky utilizes a nylon material. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. As a softer plastic, nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. Similarly, the U4T's proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing, also referred to as "boba plastic," contributes to its rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. This shared characteristic ensures that both switches offer a satisfying auditory experience.

In summary, the Aflion Blue Sky and the Gazzew U4T differ in their housing materials, leading to distinct sound profiles. The Blue Sky's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharp and crisp sound, while its nylon bottom housing produces a deeper tone. In contrast, the U4T's Gazzew blend top and bottom housings contribute to a rich and deep sound. Although their materials vary, both switches deliver high-quality results, ensuring an enjoyable typing experience for users.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, it is evident that they share some similarities. Both switches have a medium level of force required for bottoming out, with the Blue Sky having a bottom out force of 60 grams and the U4T having a bottom out force of 62 grams. However, there is a difference in their actuation force. The Blue Sky requires a force of 50 grams to trigger a keystroke, whereas the actuation force of the U4T is unknown.

Considering weight, some individuals may prefer a lighter switch like the Blue Sky, as it allows for longer periods of typing without causing fatigue. This makes it ideal for those who bring their keyboards to work or engage in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, others may prefer a heavier switch like the U4T for a more substantial typing experience, as it provides a stronger push feel.

Overall, while the Aflion Blue Sky and Gazzew U4T have similar bottom out forces, their actuation forces vary. Those seeking a lighter switch may opt for the Blue Sky, while those desiring a heavier switch would lean towards the U4T, although the exact actuation force of the U4T remains unknown.

Travel distance

The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent and satisfying typing experience in terms of travel distance. Therefore, you can expect similar results and a consistent feel when using either the Blue Sky or U4T switches.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch offers a high-pitched sound profile. When pressed, these switches produce a sharp and crisp sound. This makes them suitable for those who prefer a more elevated and clear sound during typing. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch has a bassy 'thock' sound profile. This means that the sound produced is deeper and richer, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. It also offers a satisfying thocky sound when pressed and released. Depending on your preference, the Blue Sky switch provides a higher-pitched sound, while the U4T switch offers a deeper and bassier sound.

Moving on to feel, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch provides a mild typing experience. These switches offer a more gentle feel compared to switches with more pronounced tactile or clicky characteristics. The sound and feel of the Blue Sky switch are approachable to most, as its qualities fall within a safe, middle-ground zone. Additionally, it is described as a polished switch, meaning it has a smooth and refined finish. This results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.

On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch provides a sharp tactile feedback. With each keypress, you can distinctly feel a strong and crisp tactile bump. This switch is known for its high feedback intensity, offering a pronounced tactile experience. If you prefer a switch that provides a strong and defined tactile feedback, the U4T switch would be a suitable choice.

To summarize, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch offers a high-pitched sound profile and a mild, polished feel. It provides a crystal clear linear typing experience and a smooth push feel. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch offers a bassy 'thock' sound profile and a sharp tactile feel. It embodies a harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility. Depending on your preferences, you can choose between a higher-pitched sound with a mild feel or a bassy sound with a sharp tactile feedback. Overall, both switches give unique and satisfying typing experiences, providing auditory and tactile satisfaction.

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 switches would be an excellent choice for you. These switches offer a smooth and polished feel, making them approachable to most typists. With their high-pitched sound profile, they produce a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a slightly higher bottom-out force, the Gazzew U4T switches would be a great fit. These switches provide a harmonious fusion of thockiness and tactile feedback, resulting in a satisfying typing experience. With their bassy and thocky sound profile, each keystroke delivers both auditory and tactile satisfaction. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound.

Mentioned in this article

Aflion Blue Sky Linear

$6.00

$4.07 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4T Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more