Aflion Blue Sky vs. Cherry MX Orange

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, two noteworthy contenders are the Aflion Blue Sky and the Cherry MX Orange, both of which are linear switches that provide distinct tactile experiences. The Aflion Blue Sky is celebrated for its long pole stem, which delivers a crystal-clear linear typing experience marked by a sparkling sound profile and a wonderfully smooth keystroke. This switch is perfect for those who appreciate nuanced audio feedback alongside their typing feel. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange switches, a revival of the original MX Orange, are enhanced with MX2A generation features, catering to the high demand for a reliable and enjoyable typing experience. While both switches aim to provide a linear feel, the Aflion Blue Sky leans towards a more expressive sound profile, whereas the Cherry MX Orange focuses on a refined, consistent performance. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your personal preferences.

By the numbers

Aflion Blue Sky Linear

Cherry MX Orange Linear

$6.00

$4.07 per 10

$4.10

$3.89 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Blue Sky and the Cherry MX Orange switches, a stark contrast emerges primarily due to the top housing compositions. The Aflion Blue Sky utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile. This material's inherent stiffness promotes a clear resonance that is particularly enhanced by its translucency, making it an ideal choice for RGB lighting applications. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange is constructed with a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. As a softer plastic, nylon absorbs sound rather than amplifying it, giving it a duller and more rounded auditory characteristic compared to the Aflion’s polycarbonate top.

Both the Blue Sky and MX Orange employ nylon for their bottom housings, which introduces a layer of similarity despite their differences in the top housings. The nylon material in both switches contributes to a deeper and more resonant sound, primarily influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. This shared characteristic ensures that users experience a consistent sense of dampening and depth in feedback when pressing the keys. Thus, regardless of the variations in the top housing materials, both switches will still deliver an enriched sound experience due to their identical nylon bottom housings.

Ultimately, the combination of materials in both switches yields distinct acoustic profiles driven by their unique top housing choices. The Aflion Blue Sky’s polycarbonate top brings clarity and brightness to its sound signature, while its nylon bottom may establish a rounded base. Conversely, the Cherry MX Orange showcases a consistent nylon sound profile throughout both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a more cohesive yet muted experience. Users who appreciate tactile feedback and a pronounced sound upon key release may prefer the Aflion, whereas those seeking a more subdued typing experience may gravitate towards the MX Orange. Despite these contrasts, the inclusion of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches ensures a foundational depth that resonates as a common thread between the two.

Weight

When comparing the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch to the Cherry MX Orange linear switch, we see distinct differences in actuation force, while the bottom out force for the Cherry MX Orange remains unknown. The Blue Sky switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams, making it potentially more comfortable for prolonged use during typing or gaming sessions, while the Cherry MX Orange requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams, appealing to those who prefer a stronger tactile response. In terms of bottom out force, the Blue Sky’s is measured at 60 grams, indicating a more substantial feel when pressing the key all the way down. Conversely, without a specified bottom out force for the Cherry MX Orange, we cannot make a direct comparison for that aspect. Ultimately, for users who like lighter switches, the Blue Sky would likely be preferred, while those desiring a heavier and more deliberate keystroke experience might lean towards the Cherry MX Orange.

Travel distance

Both the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch feature a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect of their design. This similarity means that users can expect a comparable experience when pressing down on the keys of either switch, providing a consistent feel across both options. Since the travel distances are identical, whether one is using the Blue Sky or the MX Orange, the length of keypress and the resulting tactile feedback will be similar, thus ensuring satisfaction for those who prefer a standard linear switch.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch is characterized by its high-pitched and somewhat neutral sound profile, producing a sharp, crisp auditory feedback when pressed. This makes it an excellent choice for users who prefer a more pronounced sound without the richness or bass typical of other switches. On the other hand, the sound characteristics of the Cherry MX Orange remain unspecified, which means that comparisons in this regard are limited. However, users can expect that the choice of keyboard and keycaps will also influence how each switch's sound is perceived in practice.

When it comes to feel, the Blue Sky switch stands out with its mild nature, providing a gentle typing experience. This mildness makes it approachable for both beginners and experienced keyboard enthusiasts alike, establishing a comfortable midpoint in tactile feedback. Additionally, its polished design enhances the overall experience by ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel, contributing to a refined feel as users type. The tactile qualities of the Cherry MX Orange are not explicitly described, so it’s difficult to make a direct comparison in this area, leaving some uncertainty about the experience it offers.

In conclusion, while the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch is well-defined in terms of both sound and feel, offering a high-pitched, mild, and polished experience, the Cherry MX Orange lacks detailed descriptors that would allow for an equivalent comparison. Thus, while users may find both switches appealing, those interested in the Aflion Blue Sky can expect a specific and refined typing experience, while the Cherry MX Orange's performance remains uncertain, inviting further exploration to understand its characteristics feel and sound thoroughly.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you are looking for a smooth and polished typing experience with a high-pitched sound profile that is crystal clear, the Aflion Blue Sky is a great choice. Its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams strikes a balance for those who prefer a more tactile feel without feeling overly resistant. This makes it ideal for users who enjoy a lively typing experience, whether for gaming or general use. On the other hand, if you are drawn to the historical significance and enhancements of the Cherry MX Orange switches, you might lean toward their unique characteristics, particularly in a nostalgic setup or for those who appreciate the sought-after traits of their predecessors. While specific performance details are not as extensively described, the emphasis on revitalization and enhanced design speaks to their quality. In essence, if smoothness and sound clarity are your priorities, opt for the Blue Sky; if you appreciate heritage and potential performance upgrades, look into the Cherry MX Orange.

Mentioned in this article

Aflion Blue Sky Linear

$6.00

$4.07 per 10

Learn more

Cherry MX Orange Linear

$4.10

$3.89 per 10

Learn more