Aflion Blue Sky vs. Bsun Olive
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the Bsun Olive switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch stand out for their unique features. The Blue Sky switch offers a crystal clear linear typing experience with a sparkling sound profile and smooth push feel, making it ideal for those who prefer a high-pitched and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive switch provides a deep, resonant sound and pronounced tactile feedback, creating a satisfying and invigorating typing experience for those who enjoy a sharp and snappy feel. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
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 Bsun Olive provide contrasting characteristics in terms of sound profile. The Blue Sky's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound, while the Olive's POM top housing produces a deep and relatively muted sound. This demonstrates how different materials can greatly influence the overall auditory experience of keyboard switches. While the Blue Sky's polycarbonate top housing is ideal for those seeking a clearer and more resonant sound, the Olive's POM top housing offers a unique and deeper sound profile.
On the other hand, both the Blue Sky and the Olive utilize different materials for their bottom housings, with the Blue Sky featuring a nylon bottom housing and the Olive incorporating a POM bottom housing. Nylon bottom housings, as seen in the Blue Sky, provide a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer and more sound-absorbent nature. Similarly, the POM bottom housing of the Olive contributes to a pleasing and deep sound, showcasing how different materials can offer similar qualities in terms of sound aesthetics. Despite the differences in material, both housings ultimately aim to enhance the overall typing experience for users.
When it comes to the impact of housing materials on the typing experience, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of a switch, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This highlights the importance of considering both top and bottom housing materials when designing or selecting keyboard switches. By understanding the unique characteristics of materials like polycarbonate, POM, and nylon, users can tailor their typing experience to suit their preferences in terms of sound profile and tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the Blue Sky and the Olive will depend on individual preferences for sound aesthetics and typing feel.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch, it is evident that the Blue Sky requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Olive's 45 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Olive is higher at 65 grams, while the Blue Sky requires 60 grams. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range in terms of force requirements. Those looking for a lighter typing experience may prefer the Olive due to its lower actuation force, while those seeking a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Blue Sky for its slightly higher bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing and gaming experiences.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Bsun Olive tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Olive switch has a shorter travel distance compared to the Blue Sky switch. The 4.0mm travel distance of the Blue Sky is more traditional, offering a deeper feel when typing, while the 3.4mm travel distance of the Olive switch provides a shallower and faster typing experience. Gamers may prefer the Olive switch for its shorter travel distance, allowing for quicker response times, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the Blue Sky switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for travel distance and typing 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 Bsun Olive has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Olive for $4.70.
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 Blue Sky linear switch offers a high-pitched sound, providing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive tactile switch does not have a specific sound description provided. 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 being used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Blue Sky switch is characterized as having a mild and polished experience. This means that it offers a gentle and approachable typing experience with a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Bsun Olive switch is described as accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy. This indicates that it provides a medium tactile feedback with a pronounced and reactive feel, creating an immersive and distinctly tactile typing sensation.
Overall, when comparing the subjective qualities of the Blue Sky linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch, it is clear that they offer different experiences in both sound and feel. The Blue Sky switch provides a high-pitched sound and a mild, polished feel, while the Bsun Olive switch offers a resonant, deep sound with pronounced tactile feedback that is accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy. Depending on your preferences for sound profile and typing feel, you can choose between these two switches to achieve your desired typing experience. Just keep in mind that results may vary depending on your choice of keyboard board and keycaps.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a smooth and crystal-clear linear typing experience with a medium bottom out force, then the Blue Sky switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a deep, resonant sound and pronounced tactile feedback, along with a slightly heavier bottom out force, then the Olive switch would be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal typing feel and sound preferences. Choose the switch that aligns best with your preferred typing experience for optimal satisfaction.
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