Aflion Blue Sky vs. Outemu Red
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the Outemu Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Blue Sky and Outemu Red switches both offer unique features worth considering. The Blue Sky is a linear switch characterized by its long pole stem, providing a crystal clear typing experience with a sparkling sound profile and smooth push feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Red switch is also linear but lacks any standout features. While the Blue Sky switch may appeal to those who prefer a high-pitched, polished typing experience, the Red switch may be preferred by those looking for a more neutral and mild feel. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.10 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
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 Red switches share many similarities, as both feature polycarbonate top housings. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of switches creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiff plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. However, one key difference between the Blue Sky and Red switches lies in their bottom housings. The Blue Sky utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Red switch also features a nylon bottom housing, highlighting the similarities in sound profile created by this material.
In terms of aesthetics, both the Blue Sky and Red switches feature clear housings for their polycarbonate top portions, allowing users to easily see the internal components of the switches. This transparency is a characteristic feature of polycarbonate housings, providing a modern and sleek look to the switches. However, the nylon bottom housings of both switches add a classic touch, as nylon has long been a preferred material for switch housings due to its sound-absorbing properties. The differences in sound profile between the two switches can be attributed to the contrasting characteristics of their bottom housings - the Blue Sky's nylon bottom housing creates a duller and rounder sound, while the Red's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound.
Overall, while both the Aflion Blue Sky and the Outemu Red switches feature polycarbonate top housings that create similar sharp and crisp sound profiles, their differences lie in the material of their bottom housings. The effectiveness of the nylon bottom housing in absorbing sound and creating a deeper sound profile is evident in both switches, showcasing the important role that housing materials play in the overall typing experience. Whether you prefer the sharper sound of the Blue Sky or the deeper sound of the Red, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in typing sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, we can see that the Blue Sky requires a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Red's 46 grams. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Red switch is slightly heavier at 62 grams compared to the Blue Sky's 60 grams. Both switches fall within the medium range in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Red switch for its lower actuation force, while those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may prefer the slightly heavier bottom out force of the Blue Sky. Ultimately, both switches offer similar results in terms of weight and force, making them suitable for various typing preferences.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. Both switches offer a consistent typing experience with a moderate travel distance, allowing for efficient and comfortable typing. The similarity in travel distance between the two switches makes them suitable options for those who prefer a standard key press depth. Overall, the Aflion Blue Sky and Outemu Red linear switches offer comparable typing experiences in terms of travel distance.
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 Red 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 offers a high-pitched and crisp sound profile, ideal for those who prefer a bright and clear typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Red linear switch's sound profile is unknown, so it's difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect. However, keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Blue Sky linear switch is characterized by its mild and polished typing experience. This means that users can enjoy a smooth and refined key press with reduced friction, making typing more comfortable and pleasant. On the contrary, the feel of the Outemu Red linear switch is unknown, so we can't provide a direct comparison here. Nevertheless, with the Blue Sky switch offering a safe and middle-ground typing experience, it's likely that users will also get a similar level of comfort and satisfaction with the Outemu Red linear switch.
In conclusion, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch stands out for its high-pitched sound and mild, polished feel, providing users with a clear and smooth typing experience. While the specific sound and feel qualities of the Outemu Red linear switch are unknown, it's safe to say that users can expect a comparable level of satisfaction and comfort based on the characteristics of the Blue Sky switch. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between Aflion Blue Sky linear switches and Outemu Red linear switches, you should consider a few key factors. If you are looking for a medium bottom out force with a high-pitched sound profile and a mild, polished feel, the Blue Sky switches may be the perfect choice for you. These switches offer a smooth typing experience with a sparkling sound that is sure to enhance your typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly higher bottom out force with a neutral sound profile and are indifferent about the feel, the Outemu Red linear switches might be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, it all comes down to personal preference and what characteristics are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch. Consider these factors carefully before making your decision to ensure you have the best typing experience possible.
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