Aflion Blue Sky vs. Kailh Plum
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the Kailh Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, choosing the right one can greatly enhance your typing experience. Two popular options to consider are the Aflion Blue Sky, a linear switch, and the Kailh Plum, a tactile switch. The Blue Sky switches are best known for their long pole stem, offering a crystal clear linear typing experience. With a sparkling sound profile and an exquisitely smooth push feel, these switches provide a high-pitched and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Plum switches feel quite hefty but feature a unique characteristic - a lack of a pronounced tactile bump. This sets them apart from other tactile switches where tactility and weightiness are closely linked. Despite this, the Plum switches still offer an enjoyable and neutral sound profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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 housing materials of the Aflion Blue Sky and the Kailh Plum switches are quite similar. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate is especially beneficial for those who plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows for a visually appealing illumination. Overall, users can expect similar sound characteristics from the polycarbonate top housing of both switches.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Blue Sky and the Plum switches employ nylon. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic and absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This creates a duller and rounder sound upon typing. Therefore, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound when using either the Blue Sky or the Plum switches.
It is worth noting that even though the top and bottom housings differ in material for these switches, each housing brings distinct qualities to the typing experience. When pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing's material plays a crucial role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Despite these variations, both the Aflion Blue Sky and the Kailh Plum switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their respective housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch, there are a few key differences to consider. Firstly, in terms of weight, the Blue Sky is lighter with an actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Plum's unavailable grams. This means that the Blue Sky requires a lighter touch to trigger a keystroke. However, both switches have a medium bottom out force, with the Blue Sky at 60 grams and the Plum at 70 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Blue Sky with its lower actuation force could be a favorable choice. This switch allows for longer periods of typing without causing fatigue and is suitable for continuous use during work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Plum switch offers a slightly heavier push feel with its medium-heavy bottom out force. This can provide a more substantial typing experience for individuals who prefer a stronger tactile feedback while typing.
Although the actuation force of the Plum switch is unavailable, it can be assumed that it falls within the medium range since it shares a similar bottom out force with the Blue Sky. Both switches provide a satisfactory level of resistance during regular typing, ensuring a comfortable and responsive typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch depends on the individual's preference for the weight and feel of their keyboard. Those seeking a lighter typing experience may opt for the Blue Sky, while individuals who prefer a stronger push feel may lean towards the Plum switch. However, both switches offer similar results in terms of bottoming out force, providing a consistent and reliable keystroke feel during use.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is longer compared to the Kailh Plum tactile switch with a travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Blue Sky's 4.0mm travel distance is closer to the traditional range, providing a more typical key press experience. On the other hand, the Plum's 3.6 mm travel distance falls on the shallower side, making it suitable for those who prefer a shorter travel distance for quicker response times, such as gamers. However, some may find the shorter travel distance of the Plum switch to feel more abrupt. Therefore, individuals who prefer a more substantial depth when pressing keys may opt for the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch with its longer travel distance. In summary, if responsiveness is a priority, the shorter travel distance of the Plum switch may be the preferred choice, while the Blue Sky switch may be favored by those who prefer a deeper key press sensation.
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 Kailh Plum comes in at $6.25 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 is best described as having a high-pitched sound profile. When pressed, these switches produce a sharp and crisp sound, making them suitable for those who prefer a more vibrant and lively sound when typing. On the other hand, the Plum tactile switch has a neutral sound profile, providing a moderate and pleasing sound experience. Both switches offer a sound profile that is pleasant to the ear, with the Blue Sky leaning towards a higher-pitched tone and the Plum being more neutral. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Blue Sky linear switch offers a mild and polished typing experience. These switches have a gentle feel, providing a comfortable and approachable typing experience for most users. Additionally, the Blue Sky switches have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Plum tactile switch also offers a mild typing experience but with a stepped characteristic. Stepped switches have two stages in the keystroke, allowing users to feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel. This unique feature sets the Plum switches apart from other tactile switches and adds a sense of mild tactility to the typing experience. Both switches provide a pleasant and comfortable typing feel, with the Blue Sky being mild and polished and the Plum having a more distinct stepped characteristic.
In conclusion, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Blue Sky switches are best known for their high-pitched sound profile and mild, polished feel, providing a crystal clear and smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Plum switches have a neutral sound profile and a mild, stepped feel, adding a unique tactile characteristic to the typing experience. While they have their differences, both switches are suitable for most intents and purposes and provide enjoyable typing experiences. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, either switch can be a great choice. Keep in mind that factors such as keyboard board and keycaps used can also influence the overall sound and feel of the switches.
Conclusion
To summarize, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium bottom out force, the Aflion Blue Sky switch would be a great choice. With its long pole stem, you can expect a crystal clear linear typing experience that offers a smooth push feel. The sound profile of the Blue Sky switch is described as high-pitched or neutral, depending on your preference. This switch selection is known for its mild and polished feel, providing a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Kailh Plum switch would be an excellent option. These switches feel hefty without a pronounced tactile bump, giving them a unique typing experience. The sound profile of the Plum switch is described as neutral, making it suitable for any purpose. In terms of feel, the Plum switch offers a mild and stepped experience, providing a safe middle-ground zone with some pre-travel and/or post-travel sensation.
Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Blue Sky and Kailh Plum switches comes down to your preferences. If you prefer a linear switch with a crystal clear typing experience and a medium bottom out force, the Blue Sky switch would be ideal for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a unique typing feel, the Plum switch would be a great fit. Consider your typing style, sound preference, and desired feel when making your decision.
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