Aflion Blue Sky vs. Outemu Lime
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the Outemu Lime switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Blue Sky and the Outemu Lime are two popular options to consider. The Blue Sky switch is a linear switch, offering a crystal clear typing experience with its long pole stem. It provides a smooth push feel and emits a sparkling sound profile. On the other hand, the Lime switch is a tactile switch that stands out for its lightweight design, approachable tactility, and silent operation. It is perfect for those who prefer a feathery light typing experience with a subtle touch of tactility. Both switches fall under the category of polished switches, but they have their distinctive characteristics. However, let's now dive deeper beyond generalities so you can determine which switch is the best fit for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Blue Sky and the Outemu Lime switches differ in terms of the top housing. The Blue Sky utilizes polycarbonate, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. It is known for its translucency, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Lime features a nylon top housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, while the Blue Sky's polycarbonate top housing provides a clear and resonant sound, the Lime's nylon top housing creates a richer and fuller auditory experience.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Blue Sky and the Lime switches employ nylon material. As a result, typing on both switches will elicit a similar deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for its sound-absorbing properties. The relatively softer nature of nylon leads to a duller and rounder sound, which enhances the overall typing experience. Therefore, in terms of the bottom housing, both the Blue Sky and the Lime switches will provide similar results in terms of sound.
It's important to note that the top and bottom housings play different roles in the switch's sound profile. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the "bottom-out" sound and feel, which is experienced when pressing down on a key. Conversely, the top housing has more influence on the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, while the Blue Sky and Lime switches may have different top and bottom housing materials, these materials contribute to different aspects of the overall sound experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The Blue Sky has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Lime's 35 grams, making it require more force to trigger a keystroke. Similarly, the Blue Sky also has a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Lime has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams. These differences suggest that the Blue Sky offers a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, whereas the Lime provides a lighter and potentially more comfortable typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter switch for longer typing sessions or gaming may find the Lime more suitable, while individuals seeking a more substantial key press may lean towards the Blue Sky. It is worth mentioning that while the forces differ, both switches fall within the medium to light range, so users can expect similar results in terms of overall typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch is 4 mm, while the travel distance of the Outemu Lime tactile switch is 3.3 mm. This means that the Blue Sky has a longer travel distance compared to the Lime switch.
In general, a travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered more traditional, providing a deeper key press experience. On the other hand, a travel distance of 3.3 mm is slightly shallower, which can have advantages for gamers who prioritize faster response times.
If you prefer a keyboard with a shorter travel distance, the Outemu Lime tactile switch would be the better choice as it offers a slightly shallower key press. This can be beneficial for gamers or individuals who want a more responsive typing experience.
However, if you prefer a more substantial and deeper key press, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch with its 4.0 mm travel distance would be more suitable. This switch would provide a more traditional typing feel and might be preferred by those who desire a hearty key press.
Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on personal preference and typing style. Both options offer different travel distances, allowing individuals to select the one that aligns with their desired 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 Lime 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 profile, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. This allows for a more vibrant and distinct typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Lime tactile switch has a neutral sound profile, providing a moderate and balanced sound. It is not as rich or bassy as some other switches, making it suitable for a wider range of users and environments. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, both the Blue Sky and Lime switches offer a mild typing experience that most users will find approachable. They both fall in the middle-ground zone, neither too stiff nor too light. Both switches provide a smooth and refined typing experience due to their polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Lime switch, specifically, offers a feathery light actuation force, reducing strain on the fingers and making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. Additionally, the Lime switch also has a subtle resistance, maintaining a light typing feel without being overly feather-light. This makes it suitable for shared spaces where a quieter typing experience is preferred.
Considering all the available information, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch offer different subjective qualities. The Blue Sky switch provides a crystal clear linear typing experience with a high-pitched sound profile and a gentle, polished feel. On the other hand, the Lime switch offers a lightweight and tactile typing experience with a neutral sound profile, a feathery touch of tactility, and a polished, subtle feel. While they differ in certain aspects, both switches are suitable for various users and environments. If you prefer a more vibrant and distinct sound with a linear feel, the Blue Sky switch is a great choice. If you prefer a lighter and tactile typing experience with a quieter sound profile, the Lime switch would be a better fit.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a unique and lightweight typing experience with a touch of tactility, the Outemu Lime tactile switch is the way to go. These switches offer a feathery light actuation force of 45 grams, making them comfortable for extended typing sessions and reducing finger fatigue. The Lime switches are also silenced, producing a quieter sound compared to regular switches, which is great for shared spaces. Additionally, the Lime switches have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a crystal clear linear typing experience, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch is the better choice. With a bottom out force of 60 grams, these switches offer a medium actuation force, suitable for most intents and purposes. The Blue Sky switches are known for their sparkling sound profile and exquisitely smooth push feel. They also have a mild and polished feel, providing a gentle and sleek typing experience.
Overall, both switches have a neutral sound profile and offer a mild and polished typing experience. However, the choice between the Blue Sky and Lime switches ultimately depends on whether you prefer a linear or tactile switch, as well as your preference for sound and actuation force. Consider your typing preferences and needs to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup. In the end, it's all about finding the switch that enhances your typing comfort and enjoyment.
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