Aflion Blue Sky vs. Outemu Tom

Overview

When comparing the Aflion Blue Sky and the Outemu Tom mechanical keyboard switches, one can immediately notice the distinct differences in their features. The Blue Sky, a linear switch, stands out for its long pole stem, providing users with a crystal clear typing experience complemented by a smooth push feel and sparkling sound profile. On the other hand, the Tom, a tactile switch, lacks any specific standout features but is known for its reliable performance. While the Blue Sky is categorized as 'High-pitched', 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished', the Tom does not fall into any specific categories. Choosing between these switches would depend on personal preferences - whether you prefer a smooth linear typing experience or a reliable tactile response. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Aflion Blue Sky Linear

Outemu Tom Tactile

$6.00

$4.07 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Aflion Blue Sky and the Outemu Tom are both made of polycarbonate for the top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Due to polycarbonate's stiffness, it leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for RGB lighting effects. However, while both switches use polycarbonate for the top housing, they differ in their bottom housing material.

The Blue Sky utilizes nylon for the bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Tom's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is known for absorbing more sound due to its softer nature, creating a duller and rounder sound. This difference in bottom housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience, as the bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.

Overall, while both the Blue Sky and the Tom have similar polycarbonate top housings that provide clear and resonant sound profiles, the difference in their bottom housing materials, nylon for the Blue Sky and polycarbonate for the Tom, leads to variations in sound depth and texture. The bottom housing material plays a significant role in the overall typing experience, affecting the sound when pressing down on a key and the impact of the bottom-out sound. Whether you prefer a sharper sound profile with polycarbonate or a fuller sound profile with nylon, understanding the impact of housing materials can help you choose the right switch for your typing preferences.

Weight

The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Outemu Tom tactile switch, which requires 55 grams of force. On the other hand, the Blue Sky has a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Tom's bottom out force is unknown. Both switches offer a different typing experience due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces. Some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Blue Sky for extended typing sessions, while others may enjoy the stronger push feel of the Tom for a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces of these switches play a significant role in determining the typing feel and performance of a keyboard.

Travel distance

The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Tom tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. This makes the Tom switch the shorter option compared to the Blue Sky. The Blue Sky's 4 mm travel distance is more traditional, offering a deeper press, which some users may find more satisfying. On the other hand, the Tom's 3.3 mm travel distance provides a quicker response time, making it a preferred choice for gamers or those who prioritize speed. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distance, catering to users with varying preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on whether you prioritize depth in key presses or faster response times.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Blue Sky linear switch offers a high-pitched sound profile, giving a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, making it suitable for those who prefer a more bright and clear typing experience. On the other hand, the Tom tactile switch's sound profile is unknown, so it may not offer the same level of clarity and sharpness in sound. When it comes to feel, the Blue Sky switch provides a mild and polished typing experience, with a gentle and smooth key travel that is approachable to most users. Unfortunately, the feel of the Tom tactile switch is unknown, so it's unclear how it compares in terms of smoothness and refinement. Overall, if you are looking for a linear switch with a high-pitched sound and a polished feel, the Blue Sky switch would be a great choice. However, if you prefer a tactile switch with unknown sound and feel qualities, the Tom switch may provide similar results in terms of typing experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, when choosing between the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, consider the specific qualities you are looking for in a keyboard switch. If you prioritize a crystal clear linear typing experience with a sparkling sound profile and smooth push feel, the Blue Sky switch with its 60-gram bottom out force may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a tactile bump for added feedback during typing, the Tom switch with an undefined bottom out force could be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Aflion Blue Sky Linear

$6.00

$4.07 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Tom Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more