Aflion Blue Sky vs. Outemu Blue
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the Outemu Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at the Aflion Blue Sky and Outemu Blue mechanical keyboard switches, there are clear differences that set them apart. The Aflion Blue Sky is a linear switch known for its long pole stem, offering a crystal clear typing experience with a smooth push feel and sparkling sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue is a clicky switch with no specific standout feature besides its clickiness. If you are looking for a switch with a high-pitched, neutral, mild, and polished typing experience, the Blue Sky might be the way to go. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
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 Outemu Blue switches differ in terms of their compositions and resulting sound profiles. The Blue Sky utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound compared to the Outemu Blue's unspecified material. Polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound, making it ideal for switches intended for RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Outemu Blue's housing material remains unknown, leaving its sound profile and aesthetic features a mystery.
On the other hand, both the Blue Sky and the Outemu Blue switches share a nylon bottom housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This similarity in the bottom housing material suggests that both switches may offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel. However, without knowing the material of the top housing for the Outemu Blue, it remains uncertain how the overall sound profile of the switches compares when considering the balance between the qualities brought by the top and bottom housing materials.
Ultimately, the choice of housing materials for a switch plays a significant role in determining its sound profile and overall typing experience. The differences between the polycarbonate top housing of the Blue Sky and the unknown material of the Outemu Blue highlight the importance of material selection in achieving desired sound characteristics. Likewise, the shared nylon bottom housing between the two switches showcases how a common material can influence the typing experience in a similar manner. Understanding the impact of each housing material on sound and feel can help users make informed decisions when selecting switches for their keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch to the Outemu Blue clicky switch, it is clear that the Blue Sky requires a slightly lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Blue, while the bottom out force of the Blue Sky is 60 grams, which is not available for the Blue switch. The actuation force of both switches is the same, but the bottom out force differs. The Blue Sky provides a medium actuation and bottom out force, making it a good option for those who prefer a balance between light and heavy switches. In contrast, the Outemu Blue clicky switch offers a lighter actuation force but lacks information on the bottom out force, making it harder to determine its overall feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for typing experience and force feedback.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch both have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will feel the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Despite their similarities in travel distance, the two switches differ in their tactile feedback and sound. The Blue Sky linear switch provides a smooth and consistent typing experience without any audible click, while the Outemu Blue clicky switch offers a more tactile feel with an audible click sound. While the travel distance is the same for both switches, the typing experience will vary depending on personal preference for tactile feedback and sound.
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 Blue comes in at $3.10 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
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch is noted for its high-pitched sound profile, giving off a sharp and crisp noise when pressed. This can be appealing to those who prefer a brighter sound rather than a deeper, bassier tone. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue clicky switch does not have specific sound descriptors available, so it is unclear how it compares in terms of audio feedback. When it comes to feel, the Blue Sky switch is described as providing a mild and polished typing experience, offering a gentle yet refined touch that falls in a comfortable middle ground. The Outemu Blue switch's feel is unknown, leaving a question mark on how it stacks up against the smoothness and approachability of the Blue Sky.
In conclusion, if you opt for the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch, you can expect a high-pitched sound and a polished, mild tactile experience. However, since the sound and feel qualities of the Outemu Blue clicky switch are unknown, it is difficult to make a direct comparison. Keep in mind that individual preferences play a significant role in choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, and trying out different options may yield the best results for your typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch, consider the differences in typing experience and sound profile. If you prefer a smooth and crystal-clear linear typing experience with a sparkling sound profile, the Aflion Blue Sky switch with a bottom out force of 60 grams would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more clicky and tactile typing experience with a clicky sound profile, the Outemu Blue switch could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound.
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