Aflion Blue Sky vs. Outemu Silent White
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the Outemu Silent White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Blue Sky and Outemu Silent White both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Blue Sky is a linear switch with a long pole stem that provides a crystal clear typing experience, featuring a high-pitched sound profile and a smooth push feel. On the other hand, the Silent White is also a linear switch but lacks any standout defining features. In general, the Blue Sky switch may be preferred for those seeking a more polished and mild typing experience, while the Silent White switch could appeal to those looking for a more neutral 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
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Blue Sky and the Outemu Silent White, we can see that they both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. Both the Blue Sky and Silent White switches will deliver similar results in terms of sound quality and aesthetics with their polycarbonate top housings.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Blue Sky utilizes nylon while the Silent White also uses nylon. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Both switches will provide a unique typing experience with their nylon bottom housings, allowing users to enjoy a different tactile and auditory feedback compared to switches with different housing materials for the bottom.
In terms of overall typing experience, the qualities of the housing materials of the Blue Sky and Silent White switches are split between the bottom and top housings. The bottom housing will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing will influence the sound when letting go of a key. Despite these differences, both switches offer a unique and customizable typing experience that caters to users looking for specific sound profiles and tactile feedback.
Weight
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch both fall into the medium weight category when it comes to actuation force and bottom out force. The Blue Sky requires an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Silent White requires 45 grams, making the Silent White slightly lighter in this aspect. However, both switches share the same bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that while typing on the Silent White switch might feel slightly lighter when initially pressing the key, the overall typing experience when fully pressing down will be the same on both switches. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Silent White for extended typing sessions, while others may appreciate the slightly heavier push feel of the Blue Sky for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, we can see that the Blue Sky has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Silent White's 3.3 mm. This means that the Blue Sky switch will require a slightly deeper press to actuate compared to the Silent White switch. Gamers and those looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Silent White, while others who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Blue Sky. In general, shorter travel distances are gaining popularity, but the preference ultimately depends on individual typing preferences. Both switches offer reliable performance, but the choice between them will ultimately come down to personal preference for key press depth.
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 White 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 offers a high-pitched and crisp sound when pressed, ideal for those who prefer a sharp and clear sound profile. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Silent White linear switch is unknown. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch provides a mild and gentle typing experience, making it approachable for most users. Additionally, it is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined finish for a sleek typing experience with reduced friction. In contrast, the feel of the Outemu Silent White linear switch is unknown.
Overall, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch stands out for its high-pitched sound profile and mild, polished feel, making it a great choice for those who prefer a clear sound and smooth typing experience. While the sound and feel of the Outemu Silent White linear switch are unknown, it's safe to assume that if you prefer the qualities of the Aflion Blue Sky switch, you will likely get similar results with the Outemu Silent White switch in terms of sound and feel. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience desired.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, you should consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you prefer a high-pitched and sparkling sound profile with a polished and smooth typing experience, the Blue Sky switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a silent typing experience and do not have specific preferences for sound and feel, the Silent White switch may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you are looking for.
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