Aflion Blue Sky vs. Outemu Crystal
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the Outemu Crystal switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Blue Sky and the Outemu Crystal are two options worth considering. The Blue Sky switch is a linear switch that stands out for its long pole stem, offering a crystal clear typing experience. With an exquisitely smooth push feel and a sparkling sound profile, it falls into the categories of 'High-pitched', 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Crystal switch also falls into the linear switch category, but it has a fairly elastic type feel and a medium-light weight. This combination creates a unique typing experience characterized by a neutral sound profile. The Crystal switch is categorized as 'Chirpy', 'High-pitched', and 'Polished.' Both switches offer their own distinct qualities, 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
55g
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
Partial box
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Aflion Blue Sky and the Outemu Crystal both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a similar sound profile. Polycarbonate is a relatively stiff plastic, which leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This material is especially advantageous for those who plan to use RGB lighting, as polycarbonate's translucency allows for better illumination. Aesthetically speaking, both switches feature a clear housing, indicating the use of polycarbonate. When typing on these switches, the top housing will play a significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key.
On the other hand, the Blue Sky incorporates a nylon bottom housing, while the Crystal features a polycarbonate bottom housing. The choice of housing material for the bottom of the switch affects the sound profile when pressing down on a key. The nylon housing of the Blue Sky elicits a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder profile. In contrast, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Crystal contributes to a sharper and clearer sound. Therefore, when using the Blue Sky, the bottom-out sound and feel will be influenced by the nylon housing, while the Crystal's bottom-out experience will reflect the qualities of the polycarbonate housing.
In conclusion, the similarity between the Aflion Blue Sky and the Outemu Crystal lies in their utilization of polycarbonate for the top housing, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile when releasing a key. Both switches are aesthetically transparent, providing compatibility with RGB lighting. However, their differences lie in the materials used for the bottom housing. The Blue Sky's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, whereas the Crystal's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper sound. Thus, the material of the bottom housing will impact the haptic feedback and overall typing experience when pressing down on the keys.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Outemu Crystal linear switch, it is evident that they both fall within the medium weight range, with the Blue Sky being slightly heavier. The Blue Sky has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Crystal has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that for those who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience, the Blue Sky would be the better choice. On the other hand, for individuals who value a lighter switch to type for longer periods or engage in extended gaming sessions, the Crystal's lighter actuation force would be more suitable. Overall, both switches offer a solid experience, catering to different preferences in terms of weight and typing feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch is an important factor to consider when choosing a keyboard, as it directly affects the typing experience. In comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Outemu Crystal linear switch, both switches have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience a similar distance of travel. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both the Aflion Blue Sky and the Outemu Crystal switches offer the same level of tactile feedback and typing experience.
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 Outemu Crystal comes in at $3.40 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 offers a high-pitched and neutral sound profile. The high-pitched nature of these switches produces a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, which some individuals may prefer over the richer and bassy sound profiles of other switches. With a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, the Blue Sky is suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use them at home or work. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal linear switch provides a chirpy and high-pitched sound profile. These switches have a unique acoustic signature that sets them apart from others, featuring a little squeak when pressed. Similar to the Blue Sky, the Crystal switch is also high-pitched, producing a sharp and crisp sound. However, the Crystal's sound profile is neutral, making it an excellent choice for those who desire a more balanced and moderate sound experience. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, both the Aflion Blue Sky and the Outemu Crystal linear switches share a polished characteristic. A polished switch indicates a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. This can be attributed to the materials used and/or factory lubing. Both switches provide reduced friction and smooth key travel, enhancing the overall typing feel. The Blue Sky offers a mild typing experience, which is more gentle compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Its qualities fall in a safe, middle-ground zone, making it approachable to most users. The Crystal, although lacking a specific descriptor for its feel, can be expected to provide a similarly polished and refined typing experience due to its shared characteristic with the Blue Sky.
In conclusion, the Aflion Blue Sky and Outemu Crystal linear switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and share similar characteristics when it comes to feel. The Blue Sky provides a crystal clear, high-pitched, and neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various situations. It also offers a mild and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Crystal switch delivers a chirpy and high-pitched sound profile, making it distinct with its unique acoustic signature. While the specific feel descriptor for the Crystal switch is unknown, it shares the polished characteristic with the Blue Sky, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. Overall, both switches offer desirable qualities and can provide satisfying results based on individual preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you value a crystal clear linear typing experience with a sparkling sound profile and exquisitely smooth push feel, then the Aflion Blue Sky switches are the way to go. With a bottom out force of 60 grams, they offer a medium level of resistance. On the other hand, if you prefer a unique, linear typing experience with a fairly elastic type feel and a neutral sound profile, then the Outemu Crystal switches would be your best choice. These switches have a bottom out force of 55 grams, making them medium-light. When it comes to sound, the Blue Sky switches are described as either neutral or high-pitched, while the Crystal switches are described as chirpy and high-pitched. In terms of feel, both switches are described as polished, providing a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, the decision between the Aflion Blue Sky and Outemu Crystal switches comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking for.
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