Aflion Blue Sky vs. Gateron Weightlessness

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference and typing style. The Aflion Blue Sky switch, a linear option, is celebrated for its long pole stem that provides a crystal clear typing experience coupled with an exquisitely smooth push feel. This switch delivers a sparkling sound profile that many users find appealing, especially for those who prefer a quiet yet satisfying typing experience without any tactile bump. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness switch caters to those who enjoy a tactile feedback sensation with its subtle to moderate tactile feel. This switch strikes a balance not only in terms of responsiveness but also boasts a sound profile that harmonizes well with its tactile characteristics, making it an appealing choice for users who appreciate both feedback and a pleasant auditory experience. Each switch has its unique strengths: opt for the Blue Sky for an ultra-smooth, linear typing experience, or choose the Weightlessness for the satisfying feedback of tactile engagement. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

Aflion Blue Sky Linear

Gateron Weightlessness Tactile

$6.00

$4.07 per 10

$6.10

$5.50 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Blue Sky and the Gateron Weightlessness switches, notable differences arise primarily from their top housing choices. The Aflion Blue Sky employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is characterized by its stiffer composition, leading to a sharper and crisper sound profile. This material is particularly advantageous for users interested in RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for enhanced light diffusion, ensuring an aesthetically appealing keyboard experience. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness features a nylon top housing, a material recognized for its softer, more absorbent nature. This softness results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, which contrasts with the brighter tonal characteristics of the Blue Sky. Therefore, users can expect a distinctly different auditory experience when engaging with these switches due to the contrasting properties of their respective top housing materials.

Conversely, both the Aflion Blue Sky and Gateron Weightlessness utilize nylon for their bottom housings, creating a shared element in terms of sound absorption and impact on typing feel. The nylon bottoms in both switches contribute to a muted, rounded sound during keystrokes, emphasizing a fuller auditory experience as compared to top housings made with harder plastics. This equality of material means that when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel, both switches offer similar performance characteristics—emphasizing a soft touch and sound profile. Because of this commonality, users can expect a level of consistency in the typing experience when both switches are pressed down, despite the differences in their upper housing materials.

The interaction between the top and bottom housing materials in these two switches ultimately results in a unique yet comparable typing experience. While the Aflion Blue Sky's polycarbonate top creates a bright and piercing sound during release, the Gateron Weightlessness's nylon top generates a deeper tonal resonance. However, the nylon bottom in both switches balances this out, providing a mutual softness that leads to a fuller sound on bottoming out. Users who prioritize sound profiles or aesthetics may find their preferences swayed by the materials in these switches, but overall, the combination of a nylon bottom in both models ensures a level of similarity in the base tactile experience, regardless of the noticeable differences in their upper housings.

Weight

The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch both have an actuation force of 50 grams, indicating that they require the same amount of pressure to trigger a keystroke, making them equally suitable for long typing sessions. However, the Blue Sky switch has a defined bottom out force of 60 grams, allowing users to feel a noticeable resistance when the switch is fully pressed down. In contrast, the Weightlessness switch has an unknown bottom out force, which leaves it unclear how much force is required when bottoming out. This ambiguity might encourage some users to try it out firsthand to discover its tactile feedback during extensive use. While both switches have the same actuation force, the Blue Sky offers a heavier bottom out feel compared to the uncertain resistance of the Weightlessness, making it more appealing to those who prefer a substantial typing experience. Overall, the Blue Sky switch is the heavier option due to its defined bottom out force, while the Weightlessness could be lighter depending on its unmeasured characteristics.

Travel distance

The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch differ in their travel distances, with the Blue Sky measuring 4 mm and the Weightlessness at 3.4 mm. This makes the Blue Sky the longer option, providing a more pronounced keypress feel that some users may prefer for a deeper, more satisfying tactile experience. In contrast, the Weightlessness offers a shorter travel distance, which caters to those who favor quicker response times, particularly in gaming scenarios. While both switches can deliver satisfying results, the Blue Sky may be ideal for users seeking a more substantial depth to their keystrokes, whereas the Weightlessness could appeal to those looking for a more rapid actuation with less travel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch is characterized by its high-pitched and neutral qualities. The high-pitched sound offers a sharp and crisp auditory experience, making it ideal for users who prefer a less bass-heavy sound. Its neutral characteristics allow for a moderate sound profile that suits a variety of environments, whether at home or in an office setting. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switches do not have a defined sound descriptor, which leaves the exact auditory experience somewhat unknown; however, the mention of a balanced sound profile suggests it provides a more subdued auditory feedback that dances between quiet and assertive—a good match for those who enjoy a less intrusive typing sound.

When it comes to feel, the Blue Sky switches excel with their mild and polished characteristics. The mild nature of these switches delivers a gentle typing experience, making them approachable for users who may be new to mechanical keyboards. Coupled with a polished finish, the smooth key travel is enhanced, ensuring reduced friction throughout each keystroke. The Gateron Weightlessness tactile switches, while not specified in feel descriptors, are known for their subtle to moderate tactile feedback, which may provide an enjoyable contrast with the smoother experience offered by the Blue Sky. This tactile bump allows for a more pronounced feeling of actuation compared to the linear feel of the Blue Sky.

In summary, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch delivers a high-pitched, crisp sound and a refined, smooth typing experience, making them ideal for those who prefer a decidedly linear feel. The Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, while lacking specific sound and feel descriptors, offers a balanced sound and a mild tactile experience that appeals to users who appreciate a touch of feedback without overwhelming a linear typing style. Both switches may attract different kinds of users based on their auditory and tactile preferences, but each provides a unique typing experience that showcases what mechanical keyboards have to offer.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch largely depends on your typing preferences and typing environment. If you thrive on a smooth, linear typing experience with a clear sound profile, the Blue Sky switch is likely your best bet. Its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams provides a satisfying response without being overly taxing on your fingers, making it suitable for both long typing sessions and gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile feedback with a balanced sound that's subtle yet noticeable, the Gateron Weightlessness switch is worth considering. Its tactile qualities can enhance your typing experience without overwhelming you with noise, which is ideal for quieter workspaces or shared environments. Ultimately, think about the sound and feel that resonate with you—if you enjoy the high-pitched, polished feedback of linear switches, go for the Blue Sky; however, if tactile feedback and a sense of balance are what you seek, the Weightlessness would be the appropriate choice.

Mentioned in this article

Aflion Blue Sky Linear

$6.00

$4.07 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Weightlessness Tactile

$6.10

$5.50 per 10

Learn more