Aflion Blue Sky vs. Bsun Chiikawa - 28g
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Blue Sky and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g both present compelling options, yet they cater to different preferences and typing experiences. The Blue Sky is celebrated for its long pole stem, which provides a crystal-clear linear typing experience accompanied by a polished yet neutral sound profile, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate a smooth and satisfying keystroke without any disruptive noise. In contrast, the Chiikawa - 28g stands out with its notably light actuation force, resulting in a highly responsive feel and a bright, high-pitched sound that makes every keystroke a delightful auditory experience. While the Blue Sky may appeal to those who favor a more muted environment and a smooth push, the Chiikawa - 28g is perfect for users who prefer a lighter touch and an engaging sound profile. 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
28g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
34g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
Y3X
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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Blue Sky and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g feature strikingly similar housing materials that yield comparable auditory experiences. Both switches utilize a polycarbonate top housing, known for its ability to generate a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This commonality derives from the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which enhances the clarity and resonance of sound when the switch is actuated. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for effective RGB lighting effects, producing an aesthetically pleasing illumination that is equally effective in both models. Therefore, regardless of the brand, users can expect a certain high-fidelity sound experience when either of these switches is employed in a keyboard featuring RGB backlighting.
In contrast, the bottom housings of both switches are made from nylon, another shared feature that enhances the overall sound characteristics of the two models. Unlike polycarbonate, nylon is softer and tends to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory response. This contributes to a rounder, muted tone compared to the sharper output of the top housing, which is impacted more by the polycarbonate composition. As a result, when typing on either the Aflion Blue Sky or the Chiikawa - 28g, users will experience a unique blend of sounds that maintains the rich acoustic qualities typical of switches with nylon bottom housings, providing a satisfying typing experience that is consistent across both models.
Ultimately, while the Aflion Blue Sky and Bsun Chiikawa - 28g share the same housing materials and consequently the same sound profile dynamics, their individual constructions allow for a nuanced yet cohesive interaction between top and bottom housings. The combined effects of the sharper output from the polycarbonate top housing and the deeper resonance from the nylon bottom housing ensure that each model delivers a balanced auditory experience, whether in moments of actuation or release. Therefore, users can enjoy a seamless continuity in sound and performance across these two switches, making either option an excellent choice for tactile and auditory satisfaction when keyboarding.
Weight
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch differ significantly in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Blue Sky features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, indicating a medium resistance that strikes a balance between tactile feedback and ease of use. In contrast, the Chiikawa - 28g is much lighter, with an actuation force of only 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams. This makes the Chiikawa significantly easier to press, ideal for users who prefer lighter switches for long typing sessions or extended gaming without fatigue. Therefore, the Blue Sky, being heavier, offers a more substantial typing experience for those who enjoy a firmer key press. Ultimately, if you prefer a lighter tactile experience, the Chiikawa - 28g will provide that, while the Blue Sky is your go-to for a more robust feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch, there is a notable difference. The Blue Sky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Chiikawa - 28g switch boasts a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This indicates that the Blue Sky switch offers a more traditional depth, which may appeal to users who prefer a fuller keypress experience. Conversely, the Chiikawa - 28g's shorter travel distance aligns with the trend towards quicker response times, making it a possible choice for gamers who favor faster actuation. Ultimately, while both switches serve their purpose well, the Blue Sky switch is longer and provides a more substantial feel, whereas the Chiikawa - 28g switch is designed for those seeking enhanced 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 Chiikawa - 28g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Chiikawa - 28g for $3.29.
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 Aflion Blue Sky and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switches exhibit bright sound profiles, albeit with distinct characteristics. The Blue Sky is noted for its high-pitched sound that is sharp and crisp, making it suitable for users who prefer a less bass-heavy audio experience. This quality ensures a clean auditory feedback during typing. On the other hand, while the Chiikawa - 28g is also characterized by a bright sound, its specifics remain less defined; however, it produces a notable crispness as well. The similarities in their sound profiles suggest that both switches cater well to those who favor a light, airy auditory output, particularly in conjunction with the choice of board and keycaps.
Regarding the feel, the Blue Sky switch is noted for offering a mild and polished typing experience. This means that users can expect a gentle touch with smooth key travel, which is enhanced by the refined design and potential factory lubing. The attention to a polished finish ensures that the friction is minimized, making for a pleasant typing experience. In comparison, information about the Chiikawa - 28g's feel is not specifically detailed; thus, it remains unknown. However, given its extremely light actuation force, it is likely that the Chiikawa also provides a responsive and potentially smooth experience, similar to the Blue Sky.
In conclusion, while the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch is recognized for its exceptional sound clarity and polished feel, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g offers a light actuation force and a bright sound profile. Both are designed to deliver an enticing typing experience, particularly for those who appreciate higher-pitched auditory feedback. The similarities in sound and the potential parallels in feel suggest that users can look forward to an engaging experience with either option, although the specifics of the Chiikawa's feel require further exploration for complete comparison.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch, your choice should hinge on your personal typing preferences and the type of experience you seek. If you enjoy a traditional feel with a balanced actuation force of 60 grams, then the Aflion Blue Sky is an excellent choice. Its long pole stem and polished characteristics ensure a smooth, refined typing experience, complemented by a bright yet mild sound profile. This makes it well-suited for both work environments and casual gaming, giving you a versatile option for everyday use. On the other hand, if you prefer an ultra-light touch with an actuation force of just 34 grams, the Chiikawa - 28g will serve you well. Its responsive nature and crisp, high-pitched sound offer a unique typing experience that can be exhilarating for enthusiasts looking for something different. This switch is particularly well-suited for rapid typing or gaming scenarios where every keystroke counts. Ultimately, your decision comes down to whether you prioritize a medium feel with satisfying heft or a very light, responsive touch perfect for speed.
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