Aflion Blue Sky vs. Huano Elf
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the Huano Elf switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, both the Aflion Blue Sky and the Huano Elf offer unique features that cater to different typing preferences. The Aflion Blue Sky is celebrated for its long pole stem, which not only contributes to a remarkably smooth keystroke but also produces a high-pitched and sparkling sound profile, appealing to those who enjoy a clear auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Huano Elf switches prioritize acoustics with their POK top housing, delivering a deeper sound signature and a medium-light tactile feel that many users find satisfying for extended typing sessions. While the Blue Sky excels in providing a polished and neutral experience, the Elf captivates with its rich audio characteristics. Ultimately, your choice may depend on whether you prioritize auditory feedback or a smooth feel. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Blue Sky and the Huano Elf showcase significant contrasts, especially regarding their top housing materials. The Blue Sky employs polycarbonate for its top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This characteristic arises from polycarbonate's stiffer composition, promoting clarity and resonance in sound. Furthermore, its translucency makes it a favorable choice for RGB lighting applications, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switches. In contrast, the Huano Elf utilizes POK (polyketone) for its top housing, a material recognized for its smoothness and durability. POK has a slightly higher coefficient of friction compared to other materials, contributing to a very smooth operation. While both materials serve the purpose of enhancing the switch's performance, they deliver contrasting auditory experiences, with the Blue Sky focusing on crispness and the Elf emphasizing smoothness.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Aflion Blue Sky and Huano Elf rely on the classic material of nylon, which results in a similar auditory profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs sound effectively, yielding a deeper and fuller tone when typing. This shared material ensures that the bottoming-out experience of both switches remains consistent, creating a duller and rounder sound. Consequently, while their top housings diverge in their properties and resultant sound profiles, the use of nylon in the bottom housing keeps an element of uniformity in their overall sound experience.
The interplay between the distinct top housing materials and the common bottom housing of nylon suggests that the overall acoustic characteristics of each switch will manifest in various ways. The polycarbonate top of the Blue Sky allows for higher-pitched, resonant sounds, particularly noticeable when releasing keys, while the smooth POK of the Elf contributes a different texture and experience that may be perceived as clacky or smooth during typing. However, the mutual use of nylon in the bottom housing mitigates these differences in the bottoming-out sounds, ensuring that both switches deliver a fuller auditory experience at that point. In essence, while the switches present unique features through their choice of top materials, the commonality in the bottom housing works to create an evocative tactile sensation and sound profile that typists can appreciate in both designs.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Huano Elf linear switch, the difference in actuation force is notable. The Blue Sky switch has an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Elf switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams. This makes the Elf more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch, allowing for longer typing or gaming sessions without excessive fatigue. However, the bottom out force is a different story; the Blue Sky has a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial feel when pressing the key all the way down. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Elf switch is not available, making it difficult to draw direct comparisons regarding this aspect. In summary, the Blue Sky offers a heavier and more substantial tactile experience with a defined bottom out force, while the Elf caters to those who favor a lighter actuation feel, though further information on its bottom out characteristics is needed for a complete comparison.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Huano Elf linear switch, the Blue Sky features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Elf has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Blue Sky offers a deeper feel, suitable for those who prefer a more substantial keypress experience that provides tactile feedback, which can make typing feel more satisfying. On the other hand, the Huano Elf's shorter 3.6 mm travel distance caters to those who favor quicker response times, often preferred by gamers for rapid key actuations. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches depends on individual preferences—if you value a more pronounced keypress, the Blue Sky is the better option, while the Elf is ideal for those seeking faster and more responsive actions.
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 Huano Elf has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Elf 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, the Aflion Blue Sky switch stands out with its high-pitched profile, delivering a sharp and crisp auditory experience when engaged. This makes it ideal for those who prefer a cleaner, less muted sound and may not enjoy deeper bass tones. Additionally, the Blue Sky switch also offers a neutral sound that caters to a wide audience, making it practical for varying environments, whether at home or in a professional setting. The Huano Elf switch, while less detailed in the sound profile provided, is known to have a deep sound signature, which suggests a richer auditory experience, contrasting with the Blue Sky's brighter tones. However, sound can be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard housing and keycap materials, meaning both switches could yield different sound experiences depending on those elements.
When considering feel, the Blue Sky offers a mild and polished typing experience. With its gentle touch and refined finish, users can expect smooth key travel and minimal friction, making it exceptionally user-friendly for long typing sessions. The Elf switch's tactile feedback is not explicitly described, leaving a bit of ambiguity; however, if it follows the trend of accommodating linear switches, it may also provide a pleasant typing experience. The Blue Sky's attributes suggest it is well-suited for those desiring comfort and ease, while the Elf may similarly meet this need, fostering a satisfactory feel.
Overall, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Huano Elf linear switch present distinct sound profiles, with the Blue Sky catering to those who prefer higher-pitched, clearer tones, while the Elf offers a deeper sound signature. On the feel front, the Blue Sky's mild and polished characteristics promise a refined typing experience, albeit the Elf's feel remains less defined. If you're looking for an approachable switch, the Blue Sky is a solid choice, while the Elf may serve well if you enjoy deeper acoustics. The ultimate decision may hinge on personal preference for audio and tactile feedback during typing but expect a satisfying overall performance from both options.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Huano Elf linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you are someone who enjoys a typing experience that is both smooth and bright, the Blue Sky switch would be an excellent choice due to its 60-gram bottom out force, polished feel, and high-pitched sound profile. These features combine to offer a refined and engaging typing experience that is suitable for both work and leisure. On the other hand, if you prefer a more acoustic typing environment with a deeper sound signature and a medium-light feel, the Huano Elf switch may be the better option for you. Although the bottom out force for the Elf is not specified, its POK top housing enhances acoustics, providing a satisfying and rich sound that can make typing feel more fulfilling. In summary, consider the Blue Sky for a lively, smooth typing experience, while the Elf would be your go-to if you value depth in sound and a softer actuation feel. Your preferences in sound and feel should guide your decision in selecting the switch that will enhance your mechanical keyboard journey.
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