Aflion Blue Sky vs. Outemu Silent Yellow
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Aflion Blue Sky and the Outemu Silent Yellow mechanical keyboard switches, it ultimately boils down to personal preference and specific needs. The Blue Sky linear switch stands out for its long pole stem, offering a crystal clear typing experience with a sparkling sound profile and smooth push feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch is known for its quiet operation. If you prioritize a quiet typing experience, the Silent Yellow switch may be the better 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
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 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
Both the Aflion Blue Sky and the Outemu Silent Yellow feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for RGB lighting. However, the differences may lie in the bottom housing material. The Blue Sky utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Silent Yellow's nylon bottom housing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
While both switches share the same top housing material, the Aflion Blue Sky and the Outemu Silent Yellow differ in their bottom housing material, potentially affecting the overall sound profile and typing experience. The Blue Sky's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound, while the Silent Yellow's nylon bottom housing may produce a slightly different tone due to its material properties. Despite the variability in sound, both switches offer a unique typing experience based on the combination of their housing materials. It is important to consider how the top and bottom housings interact to create the overall sound and feel of the switch.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Aflion Blue Sky and the Outemu Silent Yellow play a significant role in shaping the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. The differences in top and bottom housing materials can lead to variations in sound quality and overall feel when typing. While both switches may share a polycarbonate top housing for a sharper sound profile, the nylon bottom housing of the Blue Sky creates a deeper and fuller sound compared to the Silent Yellow. Understanding the impact of each housing material on the switch's sound profile and typing feel can help users make informed decisions when choosing between these two switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, the Blue Sky switch is lighter with an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Silent Yellow switch is heavier with an actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams. This means that the Blue Sky switch would be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time, such as for work or gaming sessions, while the Silent Yellow switch would cater to those who enjoy a more substantial push feel while typing. Both switches provide a different typing experience based on the actuation and bottom out forces, offering options for varying preferences in terms of typing force.
Travel distance
Both the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel from the top to the bottom. The equal travel distance ensures that you will get a consistent typing experience with both switches. In terms of travel distance, there is no difference between the two switches, making them equally suitable for those looking for a linear switch with a 4 mm 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 Silent Yellow 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, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a sharp sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch does not have any specific sound descriptions available, so it is difficult to directly compare the sound qualities of the two switches. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard itself and the keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch provides a mild and gentle typing experience, making it suitable for a wide range of users. Additionally, this switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined finish for a sleek typing experience with reduced friction. In contrast, there are no specific feel descriptions available for the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, making it challenging to directly compare the feel of these switches.
Overall, while the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch is known for its high-pitched sound and mild, polished feel, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch does not have specific descriptions available for comparison. If you are looking for a switch with similar qualities to the Blue Sky, you may expect to get a comparable result in terms of sound and feel from the Silent Yellow. However, it is important to consider your personal preferences and the overall setup of your keyboard when choosing between these switches.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, you'll want to consider a few key factors. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and are looking for a smooth linear typing experience 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 heavier bottom out force and a silent typing experience, the Silent Yellow switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and bottom out force. Happy typing!
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