Aflion Blue Sky vs. Haimu Neo White
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the Haimu Neo White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for a mechanical keyboard switch, the Aflion Blue Sky and the Haimu Neo White are two options worth considering. The Blue Sky's long pole stem delivers a crystal-clear linear typing experience with a sparkling sound profile and smooth push feel, perfect for those who prefer a high-pitched and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Neo White stands out with its medium weight and slightly reduced total travel, offering a distinctive typing feel with a smooth actuation thanks to the Ly stem. This switch is ideal for individuals seeking a mild and neutral typing experience. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
Both the Aflion Blue Sky and the Haimu Neo White utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through and create a visually appealing effect. This material's stiffness contributes to a clear and resonant sound that enhances the overall typing experience. While both switches share this top housing material, they may differ in their bottom housing composition.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Aflion Blue Sky and the Haimu Neo White feature nylon, a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softness absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that can provide a more satisfying typing experience. The bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, highlighting the importance of a well-designed housing combination to achieve the desired typing sensation.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the top and bottom housings of the switches, they each play a critical role in shaping the overall sound and feel of the typing experience. While the top housing material may impact the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing material influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down. Understanding the qualities that polycarbonate and nylon bring to the table allows for a more informed decision when choosing between the Aflion Blue Sky and the Haimu Neo White, ensuring a customized typing experience based on individual preferences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, we find that the Blue Sky has a slightly lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Neo White, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Neo White has a lighter bottom out force of 58 grams compared to the Blue Sky's 60 grams. Both switches fall under the category of medium force, making them suitable for a wide range of typing preferences. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Blue Sky, while those who prefer a slightly stronger push may prefer the Neo White. Ultimately, both switches offer a balanced typing experience with similar actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it a more traditional option compared to the Haimu Neo White linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Blue Sky offers a slightly longer travel distance, providing a deeper press feel compared to the Neo White. Gamers who value faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Neo White, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Blue Sky. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and keypress feel.
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 Haimu Neo White comes in at $2.70 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
In terms of sound, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch offers a high-pitched, sharp, and crisp sound when pressed, ideal for those who prefer a brighter sound profile. On the other hand, the Haimu Neo White linear switch provides a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, suitable for a wide range of users and environments. Both switches offer a pleasant typing experience, with the Blue Sky having a more distinctive sparkling sound, while the Neo White provides a more balanced and neutral sound. Keep in mind that the overall sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps used.
When considering the feel of the switches, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch is described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. The switch has a polished finish, resulting in smooth key travel and reduced friction for a sleek typing experience. Similarly, the Haimu Neo White linear switch also provides a mild typing experience with a neutral feel, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. Both switches offer a smooth actuation, with the Blue Sky having a slightly more refined feel due to its polished finish.
In conclusion, while the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch may have some differences in sound and feel, overall, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience with smooth actuation. If you prefer a brighter, high-pitched sound profile and a polished feel, the Blue Sky switch is a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a more neutral sound profile and a comfortable, mild typing experience, the Neo White switch would be a suitable option. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking to achieve.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a crystal clear linear typing experience with a high-pitched sound profile and a polished feel, the Blue Sky may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a distinctive typing feel with a slightly reduced total travel and a neutral sound profile, the Neo White could be more suitable. Ultimately, your choice should be based on your personal preferences for typing sound and feel.
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