Aflion Blue Sky vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Aflion Blue Sky and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade. The Blue Sky switch is a linear switch known for its crystal clear typing experience and smooth push feel, offering a high-pitched and polished sound profile. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade switch is a tactile option that provides a quiet typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound, thanks to its punchy tactile bump and unique translucent jade yellow housing. Each switch caters to different preferences and typing styles, with the Blue Sky being ideal for those who prefer a linear feel, and the Silent Yellow Jade appealing to tactile typists. 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
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Blue Sky and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade, it is evident that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This similarity in bottom housing material suggests that both switches may provide a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile and feedback when keys are pressed.
However, the key point of differentiation between the two switches lies in their top housing materials. The Blue Sky features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate plastic contributes to a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade utilizes a nylon top housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Blue Sky's polycarbonate top housing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder sound that may appeal to those seeking a quieter typing experience.
In terms of functionality, the combination of different housing materials in the top and bottom of a switch can impact the overall typing experience. The qualities of the bottom housing material, such as nylon in both the Blue Sky and Silent Yellow Jade, will influence the bottom-out sound and feel when keys are pressed. On the other hand, the top housing material, whether polycarbonate or nylon, will have a more pronounced effect on the sound when keys are released. This distinction highlights how the choice of housing materials can significantly impact the sound profile and overall typing feel of mechanical switches.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, it is evident that both switches share the same actuation force of 50 grams. This means that users will experience a similar amount of force needed to trigger a keystroke on both switches. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Blue Sky requires 60 grams, while the Silent Yellow Jade requires 65 grams. This makes the Silent Yellow Jade slightly heavier in terms of bottoming out compared to the Blue Sky. The lighter actuation force of both switches allows for a smoother typing experience, ideal for extended periods of typing or gaming. On the other hand, the heavier bottom out force of the Silent Yellow Jade provides a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a stronger push when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Silent Yellow Jade is the shorter option, providing a slightly quicker response time for users who prefer a more immediate keystroke. On the other hand, the Blue Sky offers a longer travel distance, which may feel more substantial and satisfying for users who prefer a deeper key press. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distances, with the Blue Sky providing a bit more depth compared to the Silent Yellow Jade. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key press feel and response time.
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 Jade 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 clear typing experience, perfect for those who prefer a sharp and crisp sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch provides a quiet and "thocky" sound, ideal for those who appreciate a more subdued and tactile typing experience. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, so the choice between them will ultimately depend on individual auditory preferences and the overall setup of the keyboard.
In terms of feel, the Blue Sky linear switch provides a mild and polished typing experience, offering a gentle and smooth push feel that is approachable to most users. The Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, on the other hand, offers a punchy tactile bump, providing a more pronounced tactile experience for those who enjoy a bit of feedback while typing. Like with sound, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in terms of the typing feel desired, with the Blue Sky offering a more nuanced and refined typing experience compared to the more tactile and pronounced feedback of the Silent Yellow Jade.
Overall, both the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch provide unique and distinct typing experiences in terms of sound and feel. While the Blue Sky switch offers a high-pitched and polished typing experience, perfect for those looking for a smooth linear feel, the Silent Yellow Jade switch caters to individuals seeking a quiet and tactile typing experience with a punchy feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preferences in sound, feel, and typing style, ensuring that whatever decision is made, the user will be satisfied with the typing experience they receive.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium bottom out force, a high-pitched sound profile, and a mild and polished typing feel, then the Blue Sky switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force, a quiet "thocky" sound profile, and a unique tactile bump sensation, then the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch would be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what typing experience you value the most.
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