Aflion Blue Sky vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, there are various factors to consider. Two popular options that stand out are the Aflion Blue Sky, a linear switch, and the Outemu Silent Grey, a tactile switch. The Blue Sky switch is known 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 Silent Grey switch offers a quiet and highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke. Both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and needs. If you prefer a linear typing experience with a high-pitched and polished feel, the Blue Sky switch might be the ideal choice for you. However, if you seek a tactile typing experience that is quiet and satisfying, the Silent Grey switch could be the perfect 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
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
Both the Aflion Blue Sky and the Outemu Silent Grey feature polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This material is ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting as its translucency enhances the visual appeal. The nylon bottom housing of both switches, on the other hand, produces a deeper and fuller sound profile because of its softer nature that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder tone.
In terms of material composition, the Blue Sky and the Silent Grey are similar with their polycarbonate top housing, providing a clear and resonant sound profile. However, the difference lies in their nylon bottom housing, where the Blue Sky offers a deeper and fuller sound, while the Silent Grey creates a duller and rounder tone. The split in housing materials affects the overall typing experience, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing influencing the sound when releasing a key.
While both switches share the benefits of polycarbonate in their top housing for a sharper and crisper sound profile, the use of nylon in their bottom housing brings about distinct differences in sound quality. The Blue Sky's nylon bottom housing results in a deeper sound, while the Silent Grey's nylon bottom housing contributes to a duller tone. These subtle variations in housing materials enhance the typing experience and cater to different preferences in sound profiles for mechanical keyboard users.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch offer different experiences for users. The Blue Sky has a medium actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Silent Grey has a medium-heavy actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. Both switches have the same actuation force, providing a similar initial keystroke feel. However, the Silent Grey requires a slightly heavier force to bottom out, resulting in a more substantial typing experience. For those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions, the Blue Sky may be the preferred choice. In contrast, the Silent Grey offers a heavier feel that some users may find more satisfying for a tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch are both 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that both switches will provide a similar user experience in terms of key travel distance. Users can expect a consistent feel when pressing down on keys with either of these switches. The identical travel distance ensures that the typing experience will be similar for users who choose either switch. Overall, the Blue Sky and Silent Grey switches offer the same level of key travel distance, making them equally suitable for users looking for a standard travel distance in their mechanical keyboards.
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 Silent Grey 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 provides a high-pitched, sharp, and crisp sound when pressed, perfect for those who prefer a more distinct typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch offers a quiet typing experience, making it ideal for users who prefer a more subtle and discreet sound profile. Both switches have their own unique sound characteristics, so your choice will depend on your personal preference and the setup of your keyboard.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch offers a mild and polished typing experience, with a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek and comfortable typing feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch provides a highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, offering a satisfying and responsive feel with each press. Both switches offer different typing experiences, so the choice between them will depend on whether you prefer a more gentle and polished feel or a more tactile and satisfying feel.
Overall, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a high-pitched sound and a mild, polished typing feel, the Blue Sky switch would be a great choice. Conversely, if you are looking for a quiet typing experience with a highly tactile and satisfying feel, the Silent Grey switch would be the better option. Ultimately, both switches offer excellent qualities, so you can expect similar results depending on your personal preference and the setup of your keyboard.
Conclusion
Therefore, when deciding between the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, consider your personal preference for typing experience. If you prioritize a crystal clear linear typing feel with a high-pitched sound profile, the Blue Sky switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quiet and highly tactile typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Silent Grey switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the specific qualities you value in a mechanical keyboard switch, whether it be sound, feel, or typing style.
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