Aflion Blue Sky vs. Cherry MX Black
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the Cherry MX Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the Aflion Blue Sky and the Cherry MX Black. Both switches are linear, providing a smooth typing experience without the tactile feedback of other switch types. The Blue Sky switch is best known for its long pole stem, offering a crystal clear linear typing experience. It boasts a high-pitched sound profile and a polished, mild feel when typing. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black switch has been perfected by Cherry, featuring their new Hyperglide tooling which enhances the textured smoothness of the switch. Typing on the MX Black provides a deep sound profile and a stiff feel. These general descriptions can give you a sense of what to expect, however, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision on which switch is best for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Blue Sky and the Cherry MX Black switches differ in their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Blue Sky features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the Blue Sky's polycarbonate top housing is translucent, making it ideal for use with RGB lighting. In contrast, the MX Black utilizes a nylon top housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound profile.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Blue Sky and MX Black switches use nylon. This material is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. By utilizing a softer plastic, nylon absorbs more sound and contributes to a duller and rounder sound profile in both switches. So, while the top housing materials differ, the bottom housing materials result in similar sound profiles for the Blue Sky and MX Black switches.
When it comes to typing experience, the bottom housing material has a significant impact on the overall sound and feel of the switch. Since the Blue Sky and MX Black switches share the same nylon bottom housing material, they will both elicit a similar deep and full sound when pressed. The bottom housing material absorbs more sound and influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the key press. On the other hand, the top housing material affects the sound when you release a key. Thus, the differing top housing materials of polycarbonate for the Blue Sky and nylon for the MX Black will create distinct sound profiles when keys are released, with the Blue Sky having a sharper and crisper sound, while the MX Black will produce a slightly duller tone.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, some noticeable differences arise. The Aflion Blue Sky has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams, allowing for a quicker and more responsive keystroke initiation. Conversely, the Cherry MX Black requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 60 grams. This results in a more deliberate keystroke initiation, which may be preferred by individuals who desire a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Aflion Blue Sky has a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Cherry MX Black requires a heavier 80 grams. This means that when fully pressing down the key, the MX Black provides a noticeably stronger resistance, providing users with a more pronounced tactile feedback.
Considering the weight aspect, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch offers a relatively lighter typing experience due to its lower actuation and bottom out forces. This can be advantageous for individuals who wish to type for extended periods without experiencing fatigue. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black linear switch delivers a heavier keystroke experience due to its higher actuation and bottom out forces. For those seeking a more substantial and robust typing sensation, the MX Black would be the preferred choice.
In summary, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch features a lighter actuation force and bottom out force, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. Conversely, the Cherry MX Black linear switch requires a heavier actuation force and bottom out force, catering to individuals who desire a stronger and more substantial keystroke feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch is an important factor to consider when choosing a keyboard. The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key, you will feel the same distance of movement for both switches. This similarity in travel distance ensures a consistent typing experience between the two switches. Whether you prefer the Aflion Blue Sky or the Cherry MX Black, you can expect the same level of key travel, allowing for comfortable and accurate typing.
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 Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 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 comparing the sound qualities of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, the Blue Sky switch is best described as having a high-pitched sound profile. This means that when pressed, these switches produce a sharp and crisp sound. On the other hand, the MX Black switch has a low-pitched sound profile, featuring a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Depending on your preference for sound, whether you prefer a higher-pitched or a lower-pitched sound, you can choose between the Blue Sky or MX Black switches accordingly. Additionally, 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.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Blue Sky switch offers a mild typing experience. It has a gentle feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. This makes it approachable for most users, as its qualities remain in a safe, middle-ground zone. Additionally, the Blue Sky switch is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish resulting in a sleek typing experience. This could be due to the materials used or factory lubrication, providing reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the MX Black switch is described as having a textured feel, meaning it has noticeable friction when pressed. Some users prefer a subtle texture, while others prefer a smoother, friction-free typing experience. Furthermore, the MX Black switch is also considered stiff, requiring a higher amount of force to actuate and/or bottom-out. This means that more force needs to be applied when pressing the keys with these switches.
In conclusion, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Blue Sky switch has a high-pitched sound profile, providing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, while the MX Black switch has a low-pitched sound profile, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. In terms of feel, the Blue Sky switch is mild and polished, ensuring a gentle and refined typing experience with reduced friction, while the MX Black switch is textured and stiff, providing noticeable friction and requiring more force for actuation and bottom-out. Depending on your preferences and typing style, you can choose between these switches for a tailored keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium bottom out force and a sparkling sound profile, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch is a great choice. With its long pole stem, it offers a crystal clear linear typing experience that is smooth and satisfying. Additionally, the Blue Sky has a mild and polished feel, making it approachable and comfortable for most typists.
On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force and a classic textured smoothness, the Cherry MX Black linear switch is the way to go. Cherry has perfected these switches with their new Hyperglide tooling, resulting in a familiar deep sound profile and a smooth typing experience. The MX Black has a low-pitched sound, which adds a bass-heavy and mellow tone to your typing.
Ultimately, your choice between the Blue Sky and MX Black switches will depend on your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a medium force, sparkling sound, and mild polished feel, the Blue Sky is the switch for you. However, if you prefer a heavier force, classic textured smoothness, and low-pitched sound, the MX Black is the switch that will meet your needs.
In the end, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so make sure to consider your typing preferences before making a decision.
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