Aflion Blue Sky vs. Outemu Lotus
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the Outemu Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Aflion Blue Sky and the Outemu Lotus mechanical keyboard switches, it is important to note their differences and similarities. The Blue Sky is a linear switch that stands out for its long pole stem, providing users with a crystal clear typing experience. Known for its high-pitched sound profile and neutral feel, the Blue Sky offers a smooth push feel that is polished and mild. On the other hand, the Lotus is also a linear switch but lacks any specific standout feature. While the Blue Sky excels in providing a unique typing experience with its smooth feel and sparkling sound, the Lotus offers a more standardized linear switch option. 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
35g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
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 Lotus both showcase different housing materials that contribute to their unique sound profiles. The Blue Sky features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer plastic composition. In contrast, the Lotus utilizes a nylon top housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound with its softer plastic makeup. While the Blue Sky's top housing is more ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency, the Lotus's nylon top housing offers a classic feel to typing.
When it comes to the bottom housing materials of the Blue Sky and the Lotus, both switches opt for nylon, emphasizing a deeper and fuller sound profile that is characteristic of this classic housing material. Nylon's ability to absorb sound with its softer plastic composition impacts the overall typing experience of both switches, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. This choice in housing material showcases a preference for a more muted sound profile that appeals to users seeking a quieter typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Aflion Blue Sky and the Outemu Lotus differ in their top housing materials with polycarbonate and nylon respectively, they both share a similar approach in using nylon for their bottom housing. This choice results in a consistent emphasis on a deeper and fuller sound profile that is characteristic of nylon material. Whether it be the sharper sound profile of polycarbonate in the Blue Sky or the more classic feel of nylon in the Lotus, both switches offer distinct typing experiences based on their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch, there are notable differences. The Blue Sky has a higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Lotus's lighter 35 grams. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Blue Sky is 60 grams, while the Lotus requires 50 grams for bottoming out. This makes the Lotus switch overall lighter in terms of force required for both actuation and bottom out. Those who prefer a softer, more effortless typing experience may lean towards the Lotus switch due to its lighter touch. On the other hand, the Blue Sky offers a bit more resistance, which could appeal to users craving a more substantial keystroke feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing comfort and feedback.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Blue Sky has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Lotus. The 4.0mm travel distance of the Blue Sky is more traditional and provides a deeper press feel, which may be preferred by those who like a more substantial key press. On the other hand, the 3.3mm travel distance of the Lotus is shallower and may be preferred by those looking for a faster response time, such as gamers. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distances, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference on which one to 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 Lotus 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
When it comes to sound, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch is best known for its high-pitched and crisp sound profile, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a sharper sound when typing. In contrast, the Outemu Lotus linear switch does not have a specific sound profile mentioned, leaving it up to personal preference and experimentation. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can be influenced by various factors like the keyboard's build and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Blue Sky linear switch offers a mild and polished typing experience, with a gentle touch and smooth key travel due to its refined finish. This makes it a versatile choice suitable for a wide range of users, as it falls in a middle-ground zone in terms of typing feel. On the other hand, there is no specific feel descriptor provided for the Outemu Lotus linear switch, which means users may need to try it out firsthand to determine if it meets their preferences.
Overall, both the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. While the Blue Sky switch is known for its high-pitched sound and mild, polished feel, the Lotus switch may provide a different experience that could appeal to those looking for something outside the typical descriptions. Depending on your individual preferences and typing style, either of these switches could provide a satisfying typing experience, and experimenting with both can help you determine which one suits you best.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch, you should consider your preferences for typing experience. If you value a slightly heavier bottom out force and enjoy a high-pitched sound profile with a smooth push feel, then the Blue Sky switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and are looking for a neutral sound profile with a gentle typing experience, then the Lotus switch might be more suitable for you. Ultimately, it all comes down to personal preference and what characteristics you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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