Aflion Blue Sky vs. Bsun Ragdoll
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the Bsun Ragdoll switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves debating the merits of various options, including the Aflion Blue Sky and the Bsun Ragdoll, both of which are linear switches designed for smooth keystrokes. The Aflion Blue Sky is revered for its long pole stem, providing a crystal clear typing experience that combines a sparkling sound profile with an exquisitely smooth push feel. This switch is characterized by its high-pitched, polished sound, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a more vibrant auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Bsun Ragdoll boasts a Y3 stem that facilitates smooth travel, complemented by a nylon-fiberglass bottom housing that contributes to its clackier sound. Although it lacks specific sound profile categorizations, its design suggests a focus on a balanced tactile sensation. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Blue Sky appealing to users whofavor clarity and a shiny sound, while the Ragdoll may attract those who desire a bit more auditory character without sacrificing smoothness. 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
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Y3
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
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Blue Sky and Bsun Ragdoll switches exemplify the diverse materials used in switch design, highlighting how these materials influence sound profiles and typing experiences. The Blue Sky features a polycarbonate top housing, which provides a sharper and more resonant sound due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. This material contributes to a crisp sound profile that is particularly enhanced when RGB lighting is used, as its translucency allows for a visually appealing display. In stark contrast, the Ragdoll utilizes a nylon top housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon absorbs sound more effectively due to its softer composition, resulting in a duller yet warmer output that caters to users seeking a more subdued typing experience.
Interestingly, both the Blue Sky and Ragdoll share the same nylon material in their bottom housing. This commonality means that when typing, both switches elicit a similar deeper and rounder sound profile at the point of bottoming out. The nylon's inherent properties allow for an absorption of sound that enriches the overall acoustic feedback, adding to the tactile sensation when keys are fully pressed. Therefore, regardless of the variance in the top housings, both switches will provide a harmonious, resonant base sound when bottomed out, leading to a consistent experience for those looking for that characteristic warmth and fullness.
Overall, the difference in top housing materials significantly shapes the character of each switch’s sound profile during use. While the polycarbonate top of the Blue Sky contributes to a brighter sound when keys are released, the nylon top of the Ragdoll offers a more muted and gentle sound upon release. Consequently, users will perceive a notable difference in acoustic feedback when the keys are pressed and released. This contrast demonstrates how the interaction between various housing materials affects the sound experience, highlighting the importance of material choice in designing keyboard switches. Ultimately, both switches leverage the benefits of nylon in their bottom housings, creating a unique balance of auditory feedback that caters to different preferences.
Weight
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch offer distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different user preferences. The Blue Sky has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium-weight option. In contrast, the Ragdoll features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, with a bottom out force of 52 grams, classifying it as medium-light. This means that the Ragdoll requires less force to actuate, making it more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, the Blue Sky's heftier actuation and bottom out forces provide a more substantial feel for those who appreciate a stronger push sensation. Ultimately, users who prioritize lighter switches might gravitate towards the Ragdoll, while those who enjoy a more robust typing experience may favor the Blue Sky.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option compared to the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. This difference, though slight, could impact user experience significantly; the Blue Sky’s 4 mm travel distance provides a more substantial feel which some users may prefer for the tactile feedback it offers, while the Ragdoll's slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm may cater to gamers looking for quicker response times. In this context, the Ragdoll switch leans towards a more responsive feel, appealing to those who favor faster actuation. Ultimately, the choice between the two may come down to personal preference: if you value depth and a fuller keystroke, the Aflion Blue Sky would be the better option, while those seeking brevity may enjoy the Bsun Ragdoll.
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 Bsun Ragdoll has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ragdoll for $3.29.
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
The sound profile of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch is characterized by a high-pitched and neutral quality. The high-pitched aspect provides a sharp and crisp auditory feedback that is appealing to those who prefer clearer sounds over deeper, bass-heavy tones. This switch can suit a variety of environments, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced users. On the other hand, while the specific sound profile of the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch is not detailed, it is mentioned to produce a clacky sound due to its nylon-fiberglass bottom housing. This suggests a richer texture than the Blue Sky, but the lack of specific descriptors leaves its full acoustic nature somewhat ambiguous. The overall sound experience may be influenced by other factors like the keyboard and keycap choices, so users seeking a particular auditory experience in their setup might need to experiment.
When it comes to feel, the Blue Sky linear switch excels with its mild and polished characteristics. The mild nature provides a gentle typing experience that is approachable, allowing users to type comfortably without any harsh or jarring feedback. This switch also boasts a polished finish, likely due to superior materials or factory lubrication, leading to reduced friction and a smoother key travel experience. In contrast, there is no specific information regarding the feel of the Ragdoll switch. Given this lack of detail, it is uncertain how it compares in terms of smoothness or travel dynamics.
Overall, while the Aflion Blue Sky switch presents a clear advantage in both sound and feel with its well-defined qualities, the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch remains a bit of an enigma in these respects, particularly regarding its tactile feedback and acoustic profile. For users seeking a defined linear switch experience, the Blue Sky is a solid choice, while those willing to explore may find the Ragdoll switch could offer unique auditory properties that might suit their preferences. Ultimately, each switch will cater to different typing styles and user preferences, so trying both could yield the best results for newcomers looking to find their perfect mechanical keyboard feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and what you value most in your typing experience. If you seek a typing experience characterized by a smooth, polished feel with a moderate bottom-out force, and you appreciate a brighter, high-pitched sound profile, the Blue Sky switches may be the ideal choice for you. They provide a versatile option that fits well in both work and home environments, making them suitable for a wider range of users, from beginners to experienced typists. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom-out force for less finger fatigue and enjoy a clackier sound that comes from the nylon-fiberglass housing, the Ragdoll switches would be a better fit. Their smooth travel and unique construction create a different tactile experience that might appeal to those looking for something distinct. Ultimately, consider how you plan to use your keyboard and which characteristics resonate with your typing style to make the best decision.
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