Aflion Blue Sky vs. Outemu Spring Breeze
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to comparing the Aflion Blue Sky and the Outemu Spring Breeze mechanical keyboard switches, one key difference lies in their operating mechanisms. The Blue Sky is a linear switch, known for its long pole stem that provides a crystal clear typing experience with a sparkling sound profile and smooth push feel. On the other hand, the Spring Breeze is a clicky switch, offering a more tactile typing feedback. The Blue Sky switch falls under the categories of 'High-pitched', 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished', while the Spring Breeze does not have any specific categorization. Depending on personal preference, one might choose the Blue Sky for its smooth linear feel or the Spring Breeze for its satisfying tactile feedback. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 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
Nylon
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Blue Sky and the Outemu Spring Breeze, it is clear that they both utilize nylon for their bottom housings. Nylon, being a softer plastic, creates a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to switches with harder plastic bottom housings. The similarities in bottom housing material indicate that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel between these two switches.
However, the top housings of the Blue Sky and Spring Breeze differ, with the Blue Sky featuring a polycarbonate top housing while the Spring Breeze uses a nylon top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Blue Sky creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, perfect for those who prioritize clarity and resonance in their typing experience. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the Spring Breeze offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound and resulting in a rounder sound. This contrast in top housing material highlights the different aesthetic and auditory experiences each switch provides.
Overall, the contrasting housing materials of the Aflion Blue Sky and the Outemu Spring Breeze reveal the importance of bottom and top housing materials in shaping the typing experience. While both switches share a nylon bottom housing for a deep and full sound profile, the differences in top housing material give each switch its unique sound characteristics. Whether you prefer the crispness of polycarbonate in the Blue Sky or the rounder sound of nylon in the Spring Breeze, the housing materials play a key role in determining the overall typing feel and sound of these switches.
Weight
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams. Both switches have a medium bottom out force, with the Blue Sky requiring 60 grams and the Spring Breeze needing 55 grams. Those who prefer a lighter actuation force may lean towards the Spring Breeze for a more effortless typing experience, while those who enjoy a more substantial push may opt for the Blue Sky. Both switches provide a decent balance between actuation and bottom out forces, ensuring a comfortable typing experience for users.
Travel distance
Both the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in that aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, users will experience a similar distance traveled by the switch. This standard travel distance of 4 mm allows for consistent and comfortable typing experiences with both switches. Overall, the Aflion Blue Sky and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches offer users a familiar and reliable typing experience with their identical 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 Spring Breeze 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 Blue Sky linear switch offers a high-pitched, sharp, and crisp sound when pressed, making it suitable for those who prefer a brighter sound profile. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch is unknown, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect.
When it comes to feel, the Blue Sky linear switch provides a mild and gentle typing experience, with a polished finish that results in smooth and refined key travel. This switch is suitable for users looking for a comfortable and approachable typing feel. As for the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, information regarding its feel is currently unknown.
Overall, based on the available information, the Blue Sky linear switch excels in providing a high-pitched sound profile and a mild, polished feel. For those looking for a linear switch with a bright sound and smooth key travel, the Blue Sky switch would be a good option. If looking for a clicky switch with similar qualities, exploring options from other brands known for clicky switches may be beneficial.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and a linear typing experience with a sparkling sound profile, opt for the Blue Sky switch. This switch offers a smooth push feel and a high-pitched sound that is sharp and crisp. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a clicky typing experience, the Spring Breeze switch may be more suitable for you. It is important to note that the Spring Breeze does not have a specific sound or feel descriptor provided, so it may be best suited for those who enjoy a traditional clicky switch. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience, sound profile, and bottom out force.