Aflion Blue Sky vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the Aflion Blue Sky and the TTC Venus, both linear switches. The Blue Sky is known for its crystal clear linear typing experience, offering a sparkling sound profile and incredibly smooth push feel. Categorized as high-pitched, neutral, mild, and polished, the Blue Sky switch provides a consistent and enjoyable typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Venus stands out for its unique internal configuration that delivers a seamless glide and a distinct "Q-texture" resistance. This switch offers a matte sensation with very light actuation for rapid typing and a muted sound signature for a subdued auditory experience. Categorized as buttery, gummy, frictionless, low-pitched, mild, muted, neutral, polished, subdued, and thocky, the Venus switch provides a smooth and engaging typing feel. While both switches have their advantages, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and usage needs. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond 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
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Blue Sky's housing materials, including a polycarbonate top and nylon bottom, offer a unique combination for sound profiles. The polycarbonate top housing provides a sharp, high-pitched sound profile, especially enhanced when using RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound, creating a duller and rounder sound due to its softer nature. In contrast, the TTC Venus features a POM top housing which produces a pleasing and unique deeper sound while the polycarbonate bottom housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile.
Both the Blue Sky and Venus switches showcase the importance of housing materials in determining the overall sound profile of the switch. While the Blue Sky uses a mix of polycarbonate and nylon for its top and bottom housings respectively, the Venus utilizes POM and polycarbonate. These differences in materials lead to distinct sound qualities, with the Blue Sky offering a combination of sharpness and depth, while the Venus focuses on a more muted and clear sound profile. Despite the variation in materials, both switches aim to provide users with a satisfying typing experience that can be customized based on individual preferences.
The impact of housing materials on the sound and feel of a switch is crucial to the overall typing experience. In switches like the Blue Sky and Venus where different materials are used for the top and bottom housings, users will notice a split in the sound qualities between pressing down and releasing a key. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when letting go of a key. Understanding how each housing material contributes to the overall sound profile can help users make informed decisions when choosing switches that align with their preferences for typing feel and sound.
Weight
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the TTC Venus linear switch. The Blue Sky requires 50 grams of force to actuate and 60 grams to bottom out, while the Venus only needs 45 grams to actuate and 52 grams to bottom out. Both switches fall within the medium range in terms of force required, with the Blue Sky leaning towards the heavier side and the Venus being on the lighter end. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time, the Venus may be the better choice. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial push feel while typing, the Blue Sky might be the preferred option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, we can see that the Blue Sky has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Venus has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Therefore, the Venus linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Blue Sky linear switch. Gamers who prioritize fast response times may lean towards the TTC Venus switch due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Aflion Blue Sky switch with its slightly longer travel distance. Both switches offer a balance of responsiveness and key depth, catering to different preferences among users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual typing preferences and usage scenarios.
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 Venus has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Venus for $5.09.
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
In terms of sound, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch offers a high-pitched profile, providing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. On the other hand, the TTC Venus linear switch provides a low-pitched and muted sound, creating a bass-heavy and mellow tone while minimizing noise associated with mechanical keyboards. While the Blue Sky switch may offer a more vibrant and prominent typing sound, the Venus switch focuses on a subdued and softer auditory experience. However, both switches fall under the category of neutral sound profiles, suitable for various purposes depending on individual preferences and the overall setup of the keyboard.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch is described as mild and polished, offering a gentle and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the TTC Venus linear switch is characterized by its buttery and frictionless feel, providing a seamless and fluid keystroke experience with minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable and effortless typing sensation, catering to different preferences in terms of the typing experience.
In conclusion, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Those who prefer a sharper and more vibrant sound profile with a gentle and polished typing feel may lean towards the Blue Sky switch, while individuals seeking a smoother and more fluid auditory and tactile experience might find the Venus switch to be more appealing. Ultimately, both switches provide unique characteristics that can enhance the overall typing experience, ensuring that users will achieve satisfying results with either choice.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a high-pitched sound profile with a polished and mild typing feel, the Blue Sky switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter bottom out force, a low-pitched and muted sound profile, and a buttery and frictionless typing experience, the Venus switch could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and bottom out force. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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