Aflion Blue Sky vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Blue Sky and Dareu Violet Gold Pro offer unique typing experiences worth considering. The Blue Sky, a linear switch, stands out for its long pole stem that provides a crystal clear typing sensation with a smooth push feel and sparkling sound profile. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro, a tactile switch, offers a medium tactility and lighter touch, making it a balanced option for those seeking a comfortable typing experience without excessive feedback. While the Blue Sky is known for its high-pitched and polished characteristics, the Violet Gold Pro is recognized for its stepped and neutral qualities. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal, making them suitable choices for different preferences. However, let's delve deeper into the specifics to help you make an informed decision on which switch is best suited for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Blue Sky and Dareu Violet Gold Pro both use polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which creates a more resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Blue Sky and Violet Gold Pro differ in their bottom housing material, with the Blue Sky using nylon and the Violet Gold Pro also utilizing nylon. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs sound, creating a duller and rounder sound.
While the top housing of the Blue Sky and Violet Gold Pro switches are the same material, the nylon bottom housing of the Blue Sky and Violet Gold Pro produce similar effects in creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The split between the top and bottom housing materials means that the qualities they bring to the switch are divided between the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, and the sound when releasing a key. The Blue Sky and Violet Gold Pro both benefit from the unique properties of polycarbonate in the top housing, resulting in a clear and resonant sound profile that is enhanced by the nylon bottom housing.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the Aflion Blue Sky and Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches ultimately impacts the sound profile and feel of typing on these switches. The stiffness of polycarbonate in the top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, while the softer nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound experience. Whether it be for aesthetic reasons or functional purposes, the selection of housing materials in mechanical switches plays a significant role in the overall typing experience and performance of the keyboard.
Weight
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Blue Sky is 60 grams, while the bottom out force of the Violet Gold Pro is unknown. This means that while the Blue Sky requires a bit more force to actuate and bottom out, the Violet Gold Pro may have a softer feel, especially since the bottom out force is not specified. Both switches fall into the medium range of actuation forces, making them suitable for a variety of users. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Violet Gold Pro, while those who prefer a bit more resistance may opt for the Blue Sky. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it slightly longer than the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch with a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Blue Sky offering a slightly deeper press compared to the Violet Gold Pro. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Violet Gold Pro for faster response times, while those seeking a more substantial key press may lean towards the Blue Sky. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and key feel.
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 Dareu Violet Gold Pro has an MSRP of $7.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet Gold Pro for $4.76.
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
When it comes to sound, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch offers a high-pitched and sharp sound profile, making it ideal for those who prefer a more crisp and clear typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch provides a neutral sound signature, which is suitable for a wide range of users and environments. Both switches offer a moderate sound profile, ensuring that they will not be too loud or too soft for most users. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference in terms of sound.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Blue Sky switch provides a mild and polished typing experience, offering a gentle and refined feel that falls within a safe middle ground for most users. Conversely, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch offers a stepped tactile sensation, providing a more subtle and nuanced typing experience with distinct pre-travel and post-travel feelings. Both switches offer unique tactile experiences that cater to different preferences in terms of typing feel. Again, the decision on which switch to choose will depend on individual typing preferences.
Overall, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch both offer distinct sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard users. Whether you prefer a high-pitched and polished typing experience or a neutral and stepped tactile sensation, both switches provide quality options for users seeking specific qualities in their typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer solid performance and can deliver satisfying results depending on the user's personal preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, consider the key characteristics of each. If you prefer a smooth linear typing experience with a crystal clear sound profile, then the Blue Sky switch would be the optimal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a balanced tactile option with a medium tactility and light touch, the Violet Gold Pro switch would be more suitable. Both switches offer a neutral sound profile, but the Blue Sky provides a mild and polished feel while the Violet Gold Pro offers a stepped tactile sensation. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience.
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