Aflion Blue Sky vs. SP-Star Duck
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the SP-Star Duck switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that stand out are the Aflion Blue Sky and the SP-Star Duck. The Blue Sky is a linear switch, while the Duck is a tactile switch. The Blue Sky switch is best known for its long pole stem, providing a crystal clear linear typing experience. The switch offers a sparkling sound profile and an exquisitely smooth push feel. On the other hand, if you're in search of a more subtle tactile typing experience, the Duck switch is perfect. It offers a gentle tactility while typing and a clean and crispy sound profile. Both switches have their unique characteristics that make them appealing, but let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preference.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
Comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Blue Sky and the SP-Star Duck, both keyboards utilize polycarbonate in their top housing. This choice of material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal option for users who prioritize sound quality. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to be effectively showcased, enhancing the aesthetic of both keyboards.
Where the two keyboards differ is in their choice of bottom housing material. The Blue Sky features a nylon bottom housing while the Duck incorporates polycarbonate. Nylon is renowned as a classic switch housing material, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Its softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the use of polycarbonate in the Duck's bottom housing complements the sharp and crisp sound profile produced by its top housing. With polycarbonate's stiffness, the bottom-out sound and feel of the Duck switch are likely to be more impactful.
While the top and bottom housings differ between the two keyboards, it is important to note that the qualities brought by each material are distributed accordingly. When pressing down on a switch, the bottom housing is more influential, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, when releasing a key, the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound. Therefore, despite the variations in housing materials, both the Aflion Blue Sky and SP-Star Duck have considered the balance between top and bottom housing to provide an optimal typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, there are some notable similarities and differences to consider. The Aflion Blue Sky has an actuation force of 50 grams, while the exact actuation force of the SP-Star Duck is unknown. However, both switches have a medium level actuation force.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Aflion Blue Sky requires 60 grams of force to bottom out, whereas the SP-Star Duck requires 58 grams. Here, we can see that the Aflion Blue Sky is slightly heavier in terms of bottom out force compared to the Duck.
When it comes to weight, some individuals prefer lighter switches for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming periods. In this case, either the Aflion Blue Sky or the SP-Star Duck could be suitable choices, as both have medium actuation forces. However, for those who seek a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, they may lean towards options with heavier forces. In such a scenario, the SP-Star Duck with its slightly lighter bottom out force of 58 grams may be preferable over the Aflion Blue Sky.
In summary, while the actuation force of the Aflion Blue Sky is known at 50 grams, the SP-Star Duck's exact actuation force remains unknown. Both switches have medium actuation forces, but when it comes to the bottom out force, the Aflion Blue Sky is slightly heavier than the SP-Star Duck. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences regarding weight and typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a keyboard. In the case of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, both switches have an identical travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. So, whether you opt for the Aflion Blue Sky or the SP-Star Duck, you can expect similar results in terms of the travel distance. The two switches provide the same tactile experience and level of key depression, ensuring consistent performance for typists and gamers alike.
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 SP-Star Duck has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Duck for $5.40.
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 sound profile with sharp and crisp tones. This can be preferred by those who enjoy a more vibrant and lively sound when typing. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch has a neutral sound profile, which means it produces a more moderate and balanced sound. This makes it suitable for a wide range of users, whether they are beginners or advanced typists. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used, so individual customization may lead to different results.
In terms of feel, both the Blue Sky and Duck switches provide a mild typing experience with a safe and approachable middle-ground feel. This means that they offer a more gentle and comfortable typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Additionally, both switches are described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in sleek key travel and reduced friction. This adds to the overall comfortable typing experience for both switches. The Duck switch goes a step further by offering a buttery feel, implying a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that provides a seamless and effortless typing sensation.
In conclusion, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch provides a crystal clear linear typing experience with a high-pitched sound profile and a mild, polished feel. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch offers a more subtle tactile typing experience with a neutral sound profile and a mild, polished, and buttery feel. These switches cater to different preferences, with the Blue Sky being more vibrant in sound and the Duck offering a smoother and more tactile feel. However, both switches are suitable for a wide range of users and provide a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience. So, if you prefer one over the other, you can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel, but with their respective unique qualities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for a linear switch with a crystal clear and smooth typing experience, the Aflion Blue Sky switch is the way to go. With its long pole stem, it offers a sparkling sound profile and exquisitely smooth push feel. Additionally, the Blue Sky switch has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is medium. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle tactile typing experience, the SP-Star Duck switch would be a better choice. It offers a gentle tactility when typing and a clean and crispy sound profile. The Duck switch also has a bottom out force of 58 grams, which is medium. Both switches have a neutral sound profile and a polished finish, ensuring a moderate actuation force requirement, reduced friction, and smooth key travel. Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Blue Sky and SP-Star Duck switches depends on your preference for linear or tactile typing experiences.
Mentioned in this article
