Aflion Blue Sky vs. Outemu Dustproof Purple
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the Outemu Dustproof Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, the Blue Sky and Dustproof Purple offer unique features for different typing experiences. The Aflion Blue Sky is a linear switch that stands out for its long pole stem, providing a smooth and clear typing experience. With a high-pitched sound profile and polished feel, this switch is ideal for those who prefer a subtle yet satisfying typing sensation. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Purple is a clicky switch that offers a distinct tactile feedback with each press. While it lacks specific standout features, this switch is perfect for those who enjoy a more pronounced typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference; 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
55g
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
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 Aflion Blue Sky and the Outemu Dustproof Purple both feature polycarbonate top housing which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, both switches are aesthetically pleasing when used with RGB lighting due to the translucency of the polycarbonate material. This results in a more vibrant and visually appealing keyboard setup. Overall, the top housing material of both switches offers similar benefits in terms of sound and aesthetics.
In contrast, the Blue Sky utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, while the Dustproof Purple also incorporates nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon as a switch housing material elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use nylon for the bottom housing. Despite using the same material for the bottom housing, the combination of the top and bottom housings in each switch may lead to different overall typing experiences in terms of sound and feel.
It is important to note that the qualities of the housing materials for the top and bottom of a switch are split between the Blue Sky and Dustproof Purple. The bottom housing material has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing material plays a larger role in the sound when releasing a key. This distinction highlights how the choice of housing materials can influence the overall typing experience and sound profile of a mechanical keyboard.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch, we can see that the Blue Sky is the lighter option with an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. In contrast, the Dustproof Purple is slightly heavier, with an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range, providing a balance between typing comfort and tactile feedback. The lighter actuation force of the Blue Sky may appeal to those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions, while the heavier forces of the Dustproof Purple could cater to users seeking a more substantial typing experience. Overall, both switches offer a solid performance, with the choice between them ultimately coming down to personal preference for weight and typing feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch, both switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same amount of travel from the top to the bottom. Despite having different switch types (linear vs clicky), the travel distance remains consistent between the two. As a result, users can expect similar results in terms of keypress feel and feedback, regardless of whether they opt for the Blue Sky or Dustproof Purple switch.
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 Dustproof Purple 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 known for its high-pitched sound profile, producing a sharp and crisp noise when pressed. This can be appealing for those who prefer a more distinct and clear typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch does not have any specific sound characteristics mentioned, so it is difficult to compare in this aspect. When it comes to the feel of the Blue Sky switch, it is described as mild and polished, offering a gentle typing experience with smooth key travel. This polished finish enhances the overall typing experience by reducing friction and providing a sleek feel. Unfortunately, there is no information available on the feel of the Dustproof Purple switch.
Taking all the available information into consideration, it can be concluded that the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch is more detailed and defined in terms of both sound and feel compared to the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch. While the Blue Sky switch offers a high-pitched sound profile and a mild, polished feel, the Dustproof Purple switch lacks specific descriptions in these areas. As such, it is likely that the Blue Sky switch will provide a more unique and satisfying typing experience overall. However, if the Dustproof Purple switch is selected, it may still offer similar results in sound and feel depending on other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific characteristics desired in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and enjoy a smooth linear typing experience with a high-pitched sound profile, then the Blue Sky switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and like the crisp clicky sound of a clicky switch, then the Dustproof Purple switch might be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and the sound and feel you prefer in a mechanical keyboard switch. Choose wisely to ensure a satisfying typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
