Aflion Blue Sky vs. Outemu Crystal Brown
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch offer unique typing experiences. The Blue Sky is praised for its long pole stem, providing a crystal clear linear typing experience with a sparkling sound profile and exceptionally smooth push feel. On the other hand, the Crystal Brown switch does not have any specific standout features mentioned but falls under a different category. If you're looking for a high-pitched, neutral, mild, and polished typing experience, the Blue Sky may be the way to go. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision on which switch is right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
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
Both the Aflion Blue Sky and the Outemu Crystal Brown utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate leads to a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches that plan on using RGB lighting due to its translucency. This material choice also contributes to the overall aesthetics of the switches, as clear housings are more likely to be made of polycarbonate. While both switches share this characteristic, they may differ in the composition or design of their top housings, leading to slightly varied sound profiles.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Blue Sky and the Crystal Brown feature nylon material. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound, contributing to a different tactile experience compared to switches with harder bottom housings. Despite having the same material for the bottom housing, slight variations in design or thickness may lead to subtle differences in the typing experience between the two switches.
When considering the impact of different housing materials on the overall sound and feel of a switch, it's important to note that the qualities of the top and bottom housings will be felt differently during keypresses. The bottom housing tends to influence the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing plays a larger role in the sound when a key is released. By combining polycarbonate and nylon in their housing designs, the Blue Sky and Crystal Brown achieve a balance between sharpness and depth in sound, catering to the preferences of users who value both clarity and richness in their typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, it is evident that the Blue Sky requires slightly more force to actuate and bottom out compared to the Crystal Brown. The actuation force of the Blue Sky is 50 grams, while the Crystal Brown requires 45 grams, making the Crystal Brown the lighter option in terms of actuation force. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Blue Sky is 60 grams, whereas the Crystal Brown requires 55 grams, again making the Crystal Brown the lighter option in terms of bottom out force. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-light force category, providing a balance between typing comfort and tactile feedback. Ultimately, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Outemu Crystal Brown, while those who prefer a slightly more substantial push feel may opt for the Aflion Blue Sky.
Travel distance
Both the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. 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. While the physical travel distance is the same for both switches, the tactile experience differs between the linear and tactile switches. The Blue Sky linear switch provides a smooth and consistent keystroke with no tactile bump, ideal for fast typists and gamers who prefer linear switches. On the other hand, the Crystal Brown tactile switch offers a tactile bump during the keystroke, providing feedback to the user that the key has been actuated. This can be beneficial for typists who enjoy the feedback of a tactile switch. Despite these differences, the travel distance remains consistent between the two switches, allowing for a reliable and familiar typing experience no matter which one you choose.
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 Crystal Brown 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
In terms of sound, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch offers a high-pitched and crisp sound when pressed, making it suitable for those who prefer a sharper sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch does not have a specific sound description available. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Blue Sky linear switch provides a mild and gentle typing experience with a polished finish, resulting in smooth key travel and reduced friction. This makes it a great option for those looking for a comfortable and refined typing experience. Unfortunately, there is no specific feel description available for the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch.
In conclusion, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch offers a high-pitched sound profile and a mild, polished feel, making it a great choice for those who prefer a sharp sound and smooth key travel. On the other hand, while specific details about the sound and feel of the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch are unavailable, you can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel by considering other factors such as keycaps and keyboard setup. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique qualities to consider when making a decision based on personal preferences.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, you should opt for the Blue Sky if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and enjoy a high-pitched sound profile with a smooth push feel. This switch is ideal for those seeking a sparkling typing experience without any tactile feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a more neutral sound profile, the Crystal Brown tactile switch would be the better choice. This switch offers a moderate typing experience suitable for a wide range of users. Consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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