Aflion Blue Sky vs. Outemu Maple Leaf
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the Outemu Maple Leaf switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Aflion Blue Sky, a linear switch, with the Outemu Maple Leaf, a tactile switch, there are key differences to consider. The Blue Sky is praised for its long pole stem, providing a crystal clear linear typing experience with a sparkling sound profile and smooth push feel. On the other hand, the Maple Leaf does not have any specific standout features described. The Blue Sky switch falls under categories such as 'High-pitched', 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished', while the Maple Leaf does not have any specific categories listed. Choosing between these switches may come down to individual preferences in terms of typing experience and sound profile. 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
2.30 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 uses a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile compared to the Outemu Maple Leaf's nylon top housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound. This contrast in sound profiles can greatly impact the typing experience for users, as the Blue Sky will produce a crisper sound while the Maple Leaf will provide a more muted and rounder sound. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Blue Sky allows for RGB lighting effects to be more vibrant and pronounced compared to the Maple Leaf's nylon top housing.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Blue Sky and the Maple Leaf utilize nylon material, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile for each switch. The relatively softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound when compared to harder plastic materials. Despite both switches sharing the same bottom housing material, the impact of the bottom housing on the overall sound and feel of the switch cannot be overlooked. Users will notice a difference in the bottom-out sound and feel based on the qualities of the bottom housing, showcasing how housing materials can play a crucial role in the typing experience.
Overall, while the Aflion Blue Sky and the Outemu Maple Leaf may differ in their housing materials and resulting sound profiles, they both excel in providing a unique typing experience for users. The Blue Sky's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and more resonant sound, especially when coupled with RGB lighting effects, while the Maple Leaf's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound. The shared use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches highlights the importance of housing materials in determining the overall sound and feel of a switch, showcasing how each component plays a vital role in providing a personalized and enjoyable typing experience for users.
Weight
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch is lighter in both actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch. The Blue Sky requires 50 grams of force to actuate and 60 grams to bottom out, making it a medium-weight option. On the other hand, the Maple Leaf has a higher actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy range. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Blue Sky for longer typing sessions, while those seeking a more substantial feel may opt for the Maple Leaf for a stronger push sensation. In the end, both switches offer different weight options to cater to varying preferences, allowing users to select the one that best suits their typing style.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Blue Sky has a longer travel distance compared to the Maple Leaf. In terms of typing experience, the Blue Sky may provide a deeper and more satisfying key press due to its longer travel distance, whereas the Maple Leaf might offer a quicker and more responsive typing experience with its shorter travel distance. It ultimately comes down to personal preference - if you prefer a more responsive feel, the Maple Leaf may be the better option, but if you enjoy a deeper key press, the Blue Sky could be the way to go. Both switches have their own advantages, so it's important to consider what type of typing experience you prefer before making a decision.
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 Maple Leaf 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 provides a high-pitched and crystal clear typing experience, which may be preferred by those who enjoy sharp and crisp sound profiles. On the other hand, the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch does not have a specific sound descriptor provided, so it may offer a more neutral sound profile. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's build quality and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch is described as offering a mild and polished typing experience. This means that it provides a gentle and refined feel with smooth key travel, making it suitable for a wide range of users. Conversely, the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch does not have any specific feel descriptors provided, so it is unclear how it compares in terms of typing experience.
Overall, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch seems to excel in both sound and feel qualities, making it a versatile option for users looking for a smooth and crisp typing experience. While the specific qualities of the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch are unknown, it is possible that it may offer similar results to the Blue Sky in terms of sound and feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing experience desired by the user.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear typing experience with a crystal clear sound profile and smooth push feel, the Aflion Blue Sky switch with its 60 gram bottom out force may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile typing experience with a slightly heavier 65 gram bottom out force, the Outemu Maple Leaf switch may be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision will come down to your preference for either a linear or tactile feel and the specific typing experience you desire. Both switches offer their own unique qualities, so it's important to consider what is most important to you in a keyboard switch before making your selection.
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