Aflion Blue Sky vs. Akko V3 Cream Black Pro
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch, there are some key differences to consider. The Blue Sky switch offers a crystal clear linear typing experience with a sparkling sound profile and smooth push feel, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a high-pitched and neutral typing experience. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Black Pro switch is a budget-friendly option that still provides a unique poppy and clacky sound with a smoothness that is hard to beat, perfect for those who prefer a creamy and bouncy typing experience. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
20mm
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Blue Sky and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro, it is evident that both keyboards utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting effects. However, where the keyboards differ is in their bottom housings. The Blue Sky features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer plastic properties, while the V3 Cream Black Pro also uses nylon for its bottom housing to create a similar typing experience.
Despite both keyboards employing polycarbonate for their top housings, the distinction in their bottom housing materials leads to varying sound profiles and typing experiences. The Blue Sky's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing, whereas the V3 Cream Black Pro's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound. These differences in material composition highlight how the choice of housing materials can significantly impact the overall user experience when typing on a mechanical keyboard.
Ultimately, the housing materials of the Aflion Blue Sky and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro demonstrate how the combination of polycarbonate and nylon can influence the sound profile and feel of a mechanical keyboard. While both keyboards utilize polycarbonate for their top housings to create a sharp and crisp sound, the use of nylon in the bottom housings contributes to distinct typing experiences. Whether one prefers a deeper and fuller sound or a rounder and duller sound, the choice of housing materials plays a crucial role in shaping the overall tactile and auditory feedback of the keyboard.
Weight
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch, which has an actuation force of 55 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Blue Sky requires 60 grams, while the V3 Cream Black Pro needs 65 grams to bottom out. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range of force. The difference in actuation and bottom out forces means that the Blue Sky may feel slightly lighter to type on compared to the V3 Cream Black Pro. For those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, the V3 Cream Black Pro might be the better choice. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and the desired weight of key presses.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Blue Sky offers a slightly longer travel distance compared to the V3 Cream Black Pro. This means that the Blue Sky switch will have a slightly deeper feel when pressing down on the key, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a bit more feedback while typing. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Black Pro provides a shorter travel distance, making it a good choice for gamers or individuals who value faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either a longer or shorter travel distance.
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 Akko V3 Cream Black Pro has an MSRP of $3.77 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Black Pro for $2.70.
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, both the Blue Sky and V3 Cream Black Pro switches are described as having a high-pitched profile. This means they produce a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, which can be pleasing to those who prefer a more prominent key noise. However, it is important to note that the overall sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard casing and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Blue Sky switch is characterized as offering a mild and polished typing experience. This means that it provides a gentle and approachable typing feel, while also having a smooth and refined finish that enhances the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Black Pro switch is described as creamy, bouncy, snappy, and polished. This indicates that it offers a smooth and buttery typing feel, with a spring-like feedback sensation and super responsiveness, all while maintaining a sleek and polished finish.
In conclusion, while both switches have different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel, it is important to consider personal preferences and typing habits when choosing between the Blue Sky and V3 Cream Black Pro switches. If you prefer a high-pitched sound profile and a mild typing experience, the Blue Sky switch may be the better option. On the other hand, if you are looking for a creamy and bouncy typing feel with snappy responsiveness, the V3 Cream Black Pro switch would be the ideal choice. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and enjoy a high-pitched sound profile with a smooth push feel, the Blue Sky switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force, a unique poppy and clacky sound profile right out of the box, and a creamy, bouncy, or snappy typing experience, then the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switch is the better choice for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and bottom out force.
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