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Aflion Blue Sky vs. Outemu Silver

An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the Outemu Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Blue Sky and the Outemu Silver both offer a linear typing experience, but with some key differences. The Blue Sky is praised for its long pole stem, providing a crystal clear and smooth push feel, accompanied by a high-pitched and polished sound profile. On the other hand, the Silver switch does not have specific standout features mentioned, falling into a neutral category. While both switches offer a linear typing experience, the Blue Sky seems to focus more on providing a unique sound profile and smooth feel. 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

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

The Aflion Blue Sky and Outemu Silver both feature 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 more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. Both switches offer a similar sound profile thanks to their polycarbonate top housing, providing users with a dynamic typing experience.

In terms of bottom housing, the Blue Sky and Silver both utilize nylon, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switches. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, leading to a duller and rounder sound. This aspect of the housing material enhances the overall typing experience and contributes to the unique sound profile of each switch. Despite the differences in top housing material, both switches offer a similar sound experience due to their shared use of nylon for the bottom housing.

When it comes to the impact of housing materials on the typing experience, the qualities of each material will be felt differently. The bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. This division of qualities between the top and bottom housing allows for a balanced and nuanced typing experience, with each material contributing its unique characteristics to the overall sound profile of the switch. Whether it's the Blue Sky with its polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housing, or the Silver with the same combination, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with a blend of sharpness, depth, and clarity in their sound profile.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, we see that the Blue Sky has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Silver's 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Blue Sky requires 60 grams while the Silver needs 65 grams, making the Silver slightly heavier in this aspect. Both switches fall into the medium to medium-heavy category, providing a good balance between responsiveness and feedback. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Blue Sky, while users who enjoy a bit more resistance may prefer the Silver. Overall, both switches offer similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.

Travel distance

Both the Aflion Blue Sky and the Outemu Silver linear switches have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing their travel distances to other switches with longer or shorter distances, these two switches provide a moderate keypress depth that is comfortable for most users. The 4 mm travel distance allows for a responsive typing experience without the need for excessive force to actuate the keys. Overall, both the Blue Sky and Silver switches offer a consistent and satisfying typing experience with their similar travel distances.

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 Silver 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

Overall, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch offers a high-pitched sound profile, making it ideal for those who prefer a sharp and crisp typing experience. Pairing this with its mild and polished feel, the Blue Sky switch provides a gentle and smooth typing experience that is approachable to most users. On the other hand, not much is known about the sound and feel qualities of the Outemu Silver linear switch. However, based on the available information, it is likely that the Silver switch may offer a similar high-pitched sound profile and smooth typing feel like the Blue Sky switch. In conclusion, whether you choose the Aflion Blue Sky or the Outemu Silver linear switch, you can expect a satisfying typing experience with a distinctive sound profile and comfortable feel. Remember that your choice of keyboard, keycaps, and personal preference will also play a significant role in the overall typing experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, you should choose the Blue Sky if you prefer a lower bottom out force of 60 grams and enjoy a high-pitched sound profile with a mild and polished typing feel. The Blue Sky is ideal for those who appreciate a crystal-clear linear typing experience with a smooth push feel. On the other hand, opt for the Silver if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force of 65 grams and a neutral sound and feel. The Silver switch may be a better choice for those who prefer a more neutral typing experience without any specific standout characteristics. Ultimately, your decision will depend on your personal preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel.

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