Aflion Blue Sky vs. Bsun Bumblebee Linear
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Blue Sky and Bsun Bumblebee Linear both stand out as exceptional options for those seeking a linear typing experience. The Aflion Blue Sky is renowned for its long pole stem, which delivers a crystal clear typing experience complemented by a sparkling sound profile and an exquisitely smooth push feel. Its categorization of 'High-pitched,' 'Neutral,' 'Mild,' and 'Polished' denotes a switch that balances both auditory and tactile satisfaction. On the other hand, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience with a bright sound profile that makes it a popular choice among gamers and typists alike. While both switches present linear characteristics aimed at minimizing tactile feedback and creating a seamless keystroke, they cater to slightly different preferences in sound and feel. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
21mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Blue Sky and the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switches exhibit distinct sound profiles largely due to their differing top housing materials. The Blue Sky features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness, which results in a sharper and crisper sound profile. This material promotes clarity and enhances the resonance, making it an excellent choice for users who enjoy brighter, more defined acoustics. In contrast, the Bumblebee Linear employs a POM top housing that produces a deeper, more muted sound. While both switches can achieve satisfying auditory experiences, the Blue Sky caters to those who prefer a high-pitched clarity, while the Bumblebee appeals to users seeking a warmer, rounded tone.
When examining the bottom housing, however, both switches utilize nylon, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile for each. The qualities of nylon, being a softer plastic, help in absorbing sound, producing a duller and rounder output that is consistent across multiple switch variations. Thus, despite the differing materials used in the top housings, users of both the Blue Sky and Bumblebee Linear switches will enjoy a similar auditory depth and fullness when the switch bottoms out. This commonality in bottom housing contributes to a unified feel during typing, balancing the auditory experience between the two models.
Ultimately, the interaction between the respective top and bottom housings highlights the nuanced acoustics of each switch. The Aflion Blue Sky, with its polycarbonate top and nylon bottom, provides a contrast between the sharpness of its upper housing and the fullness of its lower counterpart. Meanwhile, the Bumblebee Linear's POM top paired with a nylon bottom fosters a unified, muted sound profile that resonates with a different audience. Regardless of the preferences for high-pitched clarity versus deeper tones, both switches can satisfy diverse user needs, demonstrating how variations in housing materials impact acoustic results yet can still offer enjoyable typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Bsun Bumblebee Linear linear switch, there's a noticeable difference in both actuation and bottom-out forces. The Blue Sky switch has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom-out force of 60 grams, which places it in the medium range, offering a more substantial typing experience that some users may prefer for longer sessions. In contrast, the Bumblebee Linear switch features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom-out force of 50 grams, making it feel less strenuous during extended use. Consequently, the Bumblebee Linear is the lighter option, while the Blue Sky is heavier. For those who appreciate a softer touch, the Bumblebee's lower forces can help reduce fatigue during prolonged typing or gaming, whereas the Blue Sky's stronger resistance may appeal to users seeking a firmer key response. Overall, the differences in force create distinct typing experiences catered to varying user preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Bsun Bumblebee Linear linear switch, the Aflion Blue Sky stands out with a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Bumblebee Linear offers a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference highlights the preference dynamics in switch selection; those who enjoy a substantial key feel may gravitate towards the Blue Sky's longer travel, which provides a more traditional and hearty depth. Conversely, gamers and users seeking quicker response times might benefit from the Bumblebee Linear's shorter travel distance, making it more suitable for fast-paced activities. Overall, while both switches offer unique advantages, the Aflion Blue Sky is the option for those who favor depth, whereas the Bsun Bumblebee Linear caters to a preference for responsiveness.
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 Bumblebee Linear comes in at $2.99 per 10 switches.
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 characterized by its high-pitched and neutral sound profile. The high-pitched descriptor suggests that it produces a sharp and crisp sound with each press, making it ideal for users who prefer a cleaner auditory feedback over deeper, bass-heavy tones. The neutral aspect caters to a wider audience, ensuring that the sound level is manageable for various environments, whether you're typing away at home or in an office. In contrast, the acoustic qualities of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear are unknown, leaving a gap in the comparison regarding its specific sound profile. However, we can infer that the Bumblebee's bright sound aligns with a potentially clearer auditory experience, similar to that of the Blue Sky.
In terms of feel, the Blue Sky linear switch excels with its mild and polished characteristics. A mild feel means it offers an approachable and gentle typing experience that accommodates a broad range of users, especially those who may be new to mechanical keyboards. The polished quality indicates a smooth key travel, attributed either to the materials used or factory lubing, significantly enhancing the overall typing experience with reduced friction. On the other hand, information about the tactile feel of the Bumblebee Linear is unknown. While we can speculate that it aims for a smooth experience as well, without additional details, we cannot draw a direct comparison.
In summary, both the Aflion Blue Sky and Bsun Bumblebee Linear switches promise a smooth typing experience, with the Blue Sky providing specific sound and feel qualities that cater to different user preferences. While the Blue Sky offers clarity in its sound and mild, polished touch, the Bumblebee holds potential for a similarly bright sound profile, although its tactile characteristics remain unspecified. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches may come down to personal preference regarding sound, as you'll likely experience a smooth feel with either option.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing between the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and intended usage. If you prefer a medium bottom-out force and a typing experience marked by a crystal clear sound profile and smooth action, the Blue Sky switch might be your go-to option. Its high-pitched sound and polished feel can make typing enjoyable, particularly in quiet environments where you value a refined auditory experience. Conversely, if you lean towards a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of just 50 grams and seek a highly smooth typing experience, the Bumblebee Linear could be the better choice for you. While it doesn’t boast as defined a sound profile, its bright and clear sound coupled with a generally gentle touch can be especially appealing for those who type for extended periods or enjoy fast-paced gaming. Ultimately, it’s about finding what feels right for you—whether that means embracing the unique characteristics of each switch or finding harmony in their differences.
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