Aflion Blue Sky vs. Kailh BCP
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the Kailh BCP switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches like the Aflion Blue Sky and the Kailh BCP, it's important to consider the unique characteristics that each brings to the typing experience. The Aflion Blue Sky is celebrated for its long pole stem, delivering a crystal clear linear feel that enhances typing with its smooth push and sparkling sound profile categorized as high-pitched and polished. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prioritize a refined and responsive typing experience, perfect for enthusiasts who value auditory feedback along with tactile pleasure. On the other hand, the Kailh BCP offers a distinctive interpretation of the classic Black Cherry Pie switches, featuring a creamy and elastic feel that is both bouncy and poppy, along with a signature clacky sound profile. This switch is ideal for users who enjoy a more playful, dynamic typing sensation without the hassles of disassembly often associated with switch customization. Both switches have their merits, catering to different preferences in typing feel and sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
52g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
20mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Blue Sky and the Kailh BCP switches showcase contrasting sound profiles that stem from the differing materials used in their top housings. The Aflion Blue Sky employs a polycarbonate top housing, praised for imparting a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to this resonance, maximizing clarity — particularly beneficial for those who want a vibrant sound profile, especially when RGB lighting is utilized, given the material's transparency. In contrast, the Kailh BCP utilizes a nylon top housing, a classic choice in the switch industry, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound, providing a distinctly rounder audio experience, making it preferable for users who enjoy a more subdued keystroke sound.
Interestingly, both switches feature nylon for their bottom housings. This shared material results in a consistent auditory quality between both models in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel. The nylon's ability to absorb sound contributes to a fuller experience when the key is pressed down in both switches. Consequently, the typing experience across both the Blue Sky and BCP models benefits from a similar base sound profile due to their identical bottom housing materials. The impact of the bottom housing is significant, as it mainly affects the sound upon key press and contributes to the feel of the switch during typing.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Aflion Blue Sky offers a unique juxtaposition, whereas the Kailh BCP maintains uniformity in nylon throughout. The differences in the top housing materials ultimately result in unique auditory experiences: the sharper notes from the Blue Sky and the rounder tones from the BCP. However, both switches harness the benefits of nylon at the bottom, creating a foundational similarity that ties the two experiences together. For enthusiasts or casual users alike, the choice between these two switches will ultimately depend on the desired sound profile — a crisp and bright experience with the Blue Sky, or a mellower, fuller sound with the BCP.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Kailh BCP linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Blue Sky has a measured actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a moderately weighted option. In contrast, the Kailh BCP features a slightly heavier actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. Consequently, the Aflion Blue Sky switch is the lighter option, which may appeal to users who prioritize comfort for extended typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, the Kailh BCP offers a stronger push feel, ideal for those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Therefore, while both switches provide distinct tactile feedback, users should choose based on their preference for lighter or heavier actuation forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Kailh BCP linear switch, a noticeable difference is apparent. The Aflion Blue Sky boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Kailh BCP features a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that if you're seeking a more responsive feel during gameplay or typing, the Kailh BCP may be the preferable choice due to its shorter travel distance. However, for those who appreciate a more substantial key press and greater depth, the Aflion Blue Sky with its longer travel distance would be more appealing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches hinges on personal preference for response time versus keypress depth, with the Aflion Blue Sky providing a deeper experience and the Kailh BCP delivering a quicker response.
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 Kailh BCP has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the BCP for $4.75.
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 Aflion Blue Sky linear switch is characterized by its high-pitched sound profile that produces a sharp and crisp acoustic feedback during use, appealing to those who prefer a less bass-heavy typing experience. This switch combines this higher tone with a neutral sound characteristic that caters to a wide range of users. The auditory experience is both clear and unobtrusive, making it suitable for use in various environments, whether at home or work. In contrast, the Kailh BCP linear switch does not have a specified sound description, so its acoustic qualities remain largely unknown, but users should consider that any differences in sound will ultimately depend on factors like the keyboard's construction and keycap choice.
When it comes to feel, the Blue Sky switch is recognized for its mild and polished characteristics. These traits deliver a gentle yet smooth typing experience, accentuating reduced friction and slick key travel that can be appreciated by both beginners and seasoned typists. The mild nature of the switch ensures that it remains approachable, maintaining a comfortable balance that avoids extreme sensory feedback. On the other hand, the feel of the Kailh BCP switch is not explicitly detailed, leaving its tactile qualities uncertain; this may lead to variations in user experience compared to the refined smoothness of the Blue Sky.
In summary, the Aflion Blue Sky switch offers a well-defined sound and tactile feedback that leans toward clarity and smoothness, making it a versatile choice for many typists. In contrast, the Kailh BCP linear switch lacks specific descriptions, particularly in regard to sound and feel. While the Blue Sky provides a known experience bolstered by its mild and polished characteristics, the Kailh BCP remains an enigma, and potential users may need to test it to fully understand its attributes. If you're seeking a linear switch with certain auditory and tactile guarantees, the Aflion Blue Sky is a solid choice, whereas the Kailh BCP might appeal to those looking for something different, but specifics on its performance remain unclear.
Conclusion
To wrap up, your choice between the Aflion Blue Sky and Kailh BCP linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a lighter force with a smooth and refined typing experience, the Aflion Blue Sky is an excellent option, especially with its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams and high-pitched sound profile. This makes it a suitable pick for both work and home environments, with the polished feel ensuring a gentle yet engaging experience. On the other hand, if you enjoy a slightly heavier tactile experience paired with a more pronounced sound, the Kailh BCP switch, featuring a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 63.5 grams, provides a bouncy and elastic feel that’s both satisfying and lively. The signature poppy sound adds an element of fun to your typing sessions. Ultimately, consider the environments you'll be using them in along with your personal sound and feel preferences; both switches have their unique strengths, making them fantastic choices depending on your needs.
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