Aflion Blue Sky vs. Bsun Jade Rosales
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the Bsun Jade Rosales switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Aflion Blue Sky and Bsun Jade Rosales present two compelling options that cater to different preferences. The Aflion Blue Sky is celebrated for its long pole stem, which provides a sparkling sound profile and an exquisitely smooth push feel. Its linear design allows for a fast and consistent keystroke without tactile feedback, making it an attractive choice for those seeking a clean and quiet typing experience. Conversely, the Bsun Jade Rosales switches stand out due to their meticulous refinement over a year, incorporating custom housings, stems, and advanced lubrication techniques to afford an exceptionally smooth typing experience. While both switches fall into the linear category, the Blue Sky is known for its high-pitched yet polished sound, whereas the Jade Rosales focuses more on providing a refined tactile sensation without pronounced sound. Choosing between these two switches largely hinges on the user's priorities—whether that be a distinctive auditory experience or an ultimate smoothness in typing. 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
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Custom Milky Material
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
20.5mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Blue Sky and the Bsun Jade Rosales share similarities, particularly in their top housing, both of which utilize polycarbonate. This choice of material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches, attributed to polycarbonate’s relative stiffness. The translucency of polycarbonate not only enhances aesthetic appeal but also optimizes the effectiveness of RGB lighting, making it an excellent choice for enthusiasts who appreciate visual customization alongside performance. Given that both models incorporate this material in their top housings, users can expect a similar auditory experience when pressing the keys, as the high-frequency sound characteristics provided by polycarbonate will be evident in both switches.
In contrast, the bottom housing of the Blue Sky utilizes nylon, while the Jade Rosales features a proprietary Custom Milky Material. The nylon material is well-known for producing a deeper, fuller sound profile, primarily because its softer nature absorbs more sound. This absorption contrasts with the crisper high frequencies generated by the polycarbonate top housing. On the other hand, the specific acoustic qualities and performance of the Jade Rosales's Custom Milky Material are less documented, but it likely aims to optimize sound characteristics in a unique way. The differences in material properties between the two bottom housings suggest that while both top sections will deliver a similar high-end auditory clarity, the overall sound profile will diverge when considering the press and release of the keys.
Ultimately, these distinct housing materials reveal distinct impacts on the overall performance of the switches. The Blue Sky's nylon bottom housing will contribute a fuller sound and feel, emphasizing a bassier response, while the Jade Rosales's proprietary blend may provide a more customized sound experience that remains to be evaluated thoroughly. While users can anticipate a broadly similar sound when actuating the keys due to the polycarbonate top, the total experience during both key press and release will certainly reflect the different bottom housing materials, highlighting the importance of both components in defining the character and quality of the switch.
Weight
The Aflion Blue Sky and Bsun Jade Rosales linear switches exhibit distinct characteristics in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Blue Sky requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Jade Rosales, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. This difference makes the Jade Rosales the lighter option, appealing to users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, particularly beneficial during long keyboard sessions. In terms of bottoming out, the Blue Sky's force is 60 grams, while the Jade Rosales's bottom out force is 53 grams, again favoring the Jade Rosales as the lighter choice overall. Those who enjoy a more substantial feel while typing may find the Blue Sky's heavier forces more satisfying, while the Jade Rosales will suit those seeking a more nimble and less fatiguing experience. Ultimately, users can expect a similar typing feel with the Jade Rosales being more user-friendly for extended use, while the Blue Sky provides a firmer push.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch measures 4 mm, while the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Blue Sky switch provides a deeper press, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial tactile experience when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Jade Rosales, with its shorter distance, is likely to offer a more responsive feel, making it ideal for gamers seeking quicker actuation for fast-paced gameplay. While both switches cater to different preferences, the choice between them hinges on whether one prioritizes depth and stability or responsiveness and speed. In summary, the Blue Sky is the longer travel switch at 4 mm, compared to the Jade Rosales's 3.5 mm distance.
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 Jade Rosales has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jade Rosales for $5.39.
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
The sound profile of the Aflion Blue Sky switch is characterized by its high-pitched notes, offering a crisp and sharp auditory experience that many typists may find appealing, especially if they prefer a sound that bites through the background. In contrast, the sound characteristics of the Bsun Jade Rosales switches remain unspecified, leaving it unclear how they compare in auditory qualities. However, it's important to note that sound can vary greatly depending on the keyboard build and keycaps used, which means users of either switch could potentially achieve results that align with their preferences by making deliberate choices in those areas.
In terms of feel, the Blue Sky offers a mild and polished typing experience, striking a balance that caters well to both novices and experienced users alike. The smoothness of the push is enhanced by its refined finish, which reduces friction and promotes effortless key travel. Conversely, no specific details about the feel of the Jade Rosales switches are provided, so it’s difficult to draw direct comparisons. However, the mention of meticulous refinement in the Jade Rosales implies that they also prioritize a smooth typing experience, potentially offering a similarly enjoyable feel once their distinctive characteristics are understood.
Overall, while there are clear indicators of sound and feel in the Aflion Blue Sky switches, the Bsun Jade Rosales switches remain somewhat of an unknown entity in those categories. With the Blue Sky's high-pitched sound and mild, polished feel, it provides a defined typing experience that is likely satisfying for many users. To evaluate the Jade Rosales switches fully, further details on their sound and feel would be essential, but given their careful design process, they may very well meet or exceed the pleasant qualities offered by the Blue Sky. Ultimately, the choice between these two may boil down to personal preference and the overall keyboard setup chosen.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you're looking for a switch that offers a crystal-clear typing experience with a higher-pitched sound profile, the Blue Sky may be the better option for you. Its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams strikes a balance that many typists find comfortable, and its polished feel ensures a smooth keypress without excessive friction. This makes it suitable for both casual and more intense typing sessions, and it adapts well whether you’re using it at home or in a more formal work environment. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly lighter touch with less resistance, the Jade Rosales, with its 53 grams of bottom-out force, provides a medium-light feel that can enhance your typing speed and agility. Known for its exceptionally smooth operation due to meticulous craftsmanship, the Jade Rosales may appeal to gamers or those who favor rapid, repeated keystrokes. Ultimately, assess what matters most to you—whether it’s sound profile, actuation force, or the feel of the switch—and choose accordingly to enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.