Aflion Blue Sky vs. Outemu Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, both offer a smooth typing experience. The Blue Sky stands out with its long pole stem, providing a crystal clear linear typing experience with a sparkling sound profile. On the other hand, the Silent Ocean remains silent in its operation. The Blue Sky switch is categorized as 'High-pitched', 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished', while the Silent Ocean does not fall into any specific category. If you prefer a switch with a distinct sound profile and smooth push feel, the Blue Sky may be the ideal choice for you. 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
45g
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
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Blue Sky and the Outemu Silent Ocean, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This shared characteristic means that both switches will exhibit a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate lends itself to a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches that prioritize sound quality. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding an extra visual appeal to the switches.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Blue Sky and the Silent Ocean opt for nylon as their material of choice. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use nylon bottom housing. By incorporating nylon in the bottom housing, both switches are able to enhance the overall typing experience by providing a deeper sound and a more tactile feel.
It can be observed that the division of housing materials between the top and bottom of a switch impacts the overall sound and feel of typing on the switches. While the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This distinction highlights the importance of carefully selecting housing materials to achieve the desired sound and tactile feedback in mechanical keyboards. Both the Aflion Blue Sky and the Outemu Silent Ocean demonstrate the significance of housing materials in defining the typing experience for users.
Weight
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch both offer a medium actuation force, with the Blue Sky requiring 50 grams and the Silent Ocean needing 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Blue Sky is lighter at 60 grams compared to the Silent Ocean's heavier 65 grams. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Blue Sky may be more suitable, as it allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue. On the other hand, the Silent Ocean provides a stronger push feel, which some users may find more satisfying for a substantial typing experience. In either case, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their medium actuation forces, ensuring similar results in terms of performance.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches travel a distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom when pressed. Consequently, users can expect to get similar keypress response and feel from both switches. The compact travel distance of both switches allows for quick and efficient typing, making them suitable options for those who prioritize speed and responsiveness in their keyboards. Overall, while the Aflion Blue Sky and Outemu Silent Ocean switches may come from different brands, they offer the same level of travel distance, ensuring a consistent typing experience for users.
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 Ocean 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 known for its high-pitched and crisp sound profile, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a sharp and clear typing experience. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch is unknown, so it is difficult to compare the two in this aspect. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to feel, the Blue Sky linear switch is often described as offering a mild and polished typing experience. This means that users can expect a gentle and approachable feel when using these switches, with smooth key travel and reduced friction. In contrast, the feel of the Silent Ocean linear switch is unknown, making it hard to draw a direct comparison in terms of typing experience.
Overall, if you are looking for a linear switch that provides a high-pitched sound profile and a polished, gentle feel, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch may be the ideal choice for you. However, if you are interested in a silent linear switch with unknown sound and feel qualities, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch could potentially offer a unique typing experience. Keep in mind that personal preference plays a significant role in choosing the right switch, so it is recommended to try out both options if possible to see which one suits your preferences best.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when it comes to choosing between the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, you should consider your preferences in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a high-pitched sound profile with a mild and polished typing experience, then the Blue Sky switch would be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more neutral sound profile and are looking for a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, then the Silent Ocean switch might be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal typing preferences and what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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