Aflion Blue Sky vs. Bsun Pine
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the Bsun Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between two mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Blue Sky, a linear switch, and the Bsun Pine, a tactile switch, it all comes down to the typing experience you prefer. The Blue Sky switch offers a crystal clear linear typing experience with a sparkling sound profile and smooth push feel. On the other hand, the Pine switch provides a unique tactile experience with a sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out, making it favored for those who appreciate direct tactility. While the Blue Sky switch is categorized as high-pitched, neutral, mild, and polished, the Pine switch is categorized as accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy. 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Blue Sky and the Bsun Pine are quite similar in terms of their polycarbonate top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect a consistent sound and aesthetic experience with the polycarbonate top housing of both switches.
However, when it comes to the nylon bottom housing, the Aflion Blue Sky and the Bsun Pine differ slightly. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. The Blue Sky's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound due to its softer nature, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the Pine's nylon bottom housing offers the same qualities, providing users with a satisfying typing experience characterized by a deep sound profile. While both switches share the use of nylon in their bottom housing, the slight differences in sound profile may appeal to different preferences.
Overall, the housing materials of the Aflion Blue Sky and the Bsun Pine play a significant role in shaping the sound profile and feel of the switches. The split between the top and bottom housings allows users to experience a combination of qualities when typing on these switches. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has a stronger impact on the sound when releasing a key. This distinction may provide users with a more dynamic typing experience, depending on their preferences for sound and tactile feedback.
Weight
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Bsun Pine tactile switch both fall into the medium weight category when it comes to actuation force and bottom out force. The Blue Sky requires 50 grams of force to actuate and 60 grams to bottom out, while the Pine needs 45 grams to actuate and 65 grams to bottom out. In terms of weight, the Pine is slightly lighter in terms of actuation force but heavier for bottom out force compared to the Blue Sky. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Pine may be more suitable, while those looking for a more substantial push feel might lean towards the Blue Sky. Both switches provide a good balance between actuation force and bottom out force, ensuring a comfortable typing experience for users who prefer different levels of resistance.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Bsun Pine tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Blue Sky has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Pine. A 4.0mm travel distance is considered more traditional, offering a balanced feel when typing. On the other hand, the Pine's 3.4 mm travel distance is slightly shorter, making it a preferred choice for gamers who value faster response times. Those who prefer a more responsive typing experience may opt for the Pine switch, while those who prefer a deeper key press may prefer the Blue Sky switch. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience desired.
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 Bsun Pine has an MSRP of $4.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $3.70.
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
When it comes to sound, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch is best described as high-pitched, offering a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. This can be a preferred choice for those who enjoy a more distinct and clear sound profile. On the other hand, the Bsun Pine tactile switch's sound profile is unknown, so it's difficult to compare directly in this aspect. However, both switches may offer similar sound results when considering the overall setup of the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Blue Sky switch provides a mild and polished typing experience. With a gentle and refined touch, these switches offer a smooth and approachable feel that can suit a wide range of users. On the other hand, the Bsun Pine switch is described as accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy. This combination suggests a tactile switch with a prominent tactile bump and responsive feedback, offering a more immersive and lively typing sensation compared to the Blue Sky linear switch.
Considering both switches, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch is known for its clear linear typing experience with a high-pitched sound and polished feel. In contrast, the Bsun Pine tactile switch offers a quick bottom-out with sharp tactile feedback and a more pronounced typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing style. Both switches have their own unique qualities that can cater to different preferences, providing users with a diverse range of options to choose from in the mechanical keyboard world.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Bsun Pine tactile switch, your choice should depend on your preference for typing experience. If you prefer a smooth and linear typing experience with a medium bottom out force, then the Blue Sky switch with its high-pitched sound profile and mild feel would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a sharp tactile bump with a slightly heavier bottom out force, the Pine switch with its invigorating and sharp feel would suit your typing style better. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal preference for typing feel and sound profile.
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