Aflion Blue Sky vs. Huano Sakura
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the Huano Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Blue Sky and Huano Sakura present enticing options for enthusiasts seeking linear switch experiences. The Aflion Blue Sky is celebrated for its long pole stem, providing a crystal clear linear typing experience marked by a sparkling sound profile and an exquisitely smooth push feel. With categories like 'High-pitched' and 'Polished', it caters to users who appreciate an elevated auditory experience alongside tactile responsiveness. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura stands out with its feather-light touch and medium acoustics, making it an excellent choice for extended typing sessions without fatigue. Both switches offer their unique advantages, appealing to different preferences in typing experience and sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Blue Sky and the Huano Sakura, distinct differences can be highlighted in the materials used for the top housings. The Blue Sky features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper and crisper sound profile. This is largely due to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, which allows sound waves to resonate more clearly. The translucency of polycarbonate also enhances the aesthetic appeal of the switch, particularly when RGB lighting is employed, as it allows more light to penetrate and illuminate the switch. In contrast, the Huano Sakura utilizes a polyketone (POK) material for its top housing. While POK is distinguished by its smoothness and durability, it offers a different auditory experience, contributing a smooth and clacky sound, albeit with less resonation than polycarbonate. The choice of POK in the Sakura indicates a design focus on both tactile feedback and longevity.
Both the Aflion Blue Sky and Huano Sakura use nylon for their bottom housings, showcasing a common ground in material selection. Nylon is renowned for generating a deeper, fuller sound profile when typing, and this is experienced similarly in both switches. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, leading to a muted and rounder sound when the switch is bottomed out. Since both switch designs utilize nylon in their bottoms, the acoustic characteristics will reflect this shared material despite their different top housing materials. This synergy between the top and bottom housings can lead to a unique blend of sound and feel that can satisfy different user preferences.
When considering the overall impact of these materials, it's essential to note how they work together to produce the complete typing experience. The Aflion Blue Sky’s polycarbonate top housing contributes a clear, resonant quality during key releases, while the nylon bottom cushioning provides depth during key presses. Conversely, the Sakura's POK top housing offers smoothness and shock resistance, complementing the bottom nylon to produce a slightly softer, more controlled auditory experience. Users who seek a pronounced sound profile may gravitate toward the Blue Sky, while those who prefer a smoother feel might opt for the Sakura. Ultimately, both designs leverage the strengths of nylon, creating a rounded and satisfying typing experience while diverging in their approach to the top housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Blue Sky switch has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a medium resistance that some may find appealing for a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Sakura switch features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a preferable option for those who favor extended typing sessions or lighter key presses. Thus, the Blue Sky is the heavier switch, while the Sakura is lighter. This distinction means that users looking for a softer feel and less fatigue during long periods of use would benefit from the Sakura, whereas those who appreciate a stronger push may opt for the Blue Sky for its more resistant qualities.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Huano Sakura linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference in travel distance reflects how each switch caters to different user preferences. The Blue Sky, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial feel during keystrokes, appealing to those who enjoy a deeper typing experience. In contrast, the Sakura, with its shorter travel distance, is likely to offer quicker response times, making it a suitable option for gamers who prioritize speed and efficiency. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to whether you prefer the added depth of the Blue Sky or the snappy responsiveness of the Sakura.
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 Huano Sakura comes in at $3.50 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
When it comes to sound, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch stands out with its high-pitched, crisp sound profile that offers a bright auditory experience. Users who prefer a sharp sound will find this appealing, especially if they wish to avoid the more bass-heavy characteristics prevalent in other switch types. Additionally, the Blue Sky switch is also characterized as having a neutral sound profile, making it versatile enough for various environments, whether you're at home or in an office setting. Unfortunately, there isn’t specific sound information provided for the Huano Sakura linear switch, leaving its sound characteristics unclear. Thus, if sound is a significant consideration, the Blue Sky presents clear advantages, while the Sakura remains an unknown variable.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Blue Sky switch is described as mild, providing a gently approachable typing experience that suits many users, both novice and advanced. The polished nature of the Blue Sky enhances this experience even further, allowing for smooth key presses with reduced friction. This refined functionality makes it great for long typing sessions or quick gaming actions. Information about the feel of the Sakura switch is absent, so its tactile feedback cannot be compared or defined. Consequently, the Blue Sky clearly excels in this aspect, offering a noticeable advantage for those focused on a refined touch.
In conclusion, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch impresses with its high-pitched sound profile and smooth, polished feel, making it an excellent option for users looking for clarity in both audio and tactile feedback. In contrast, the attributes of the Huano Sakura linear switch remain unspecified, presenting a gap in comparison. Thus, if you are looking for a more defined auditory experience and tactile response, the Blue Sky is the clear choice, while the Sakura's qualities, including sound and feel, need further exploration to assess their suitability.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the environment in which you’ll be using your keyboard. If you value a richer sound and a more pronounced tactile experience, especially during extended typing sessions, the Blue Sky is an excellent choice. Its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams combined with its high-pitched sound profile provides a crisp and clear response that many typists appreciate, particularly those who enjoy a smooth yet slightly firmer key press. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter typing experience, where a feather-light touch is paramount—ideal for prolonged usage—the Sakura shines with its lighter bottom-out force of 45 grams. This makes it a suitable option for those who prioritize comfort and ease of actuation in their daily tasks. The Sakura’s medium acoustics offer a balanced sound profile, ensuring a less obtrusive typing experience, which can be particularly beneficial in quiet environments. Ultimately, your decision should align with whether you prefer a smooth and polished feel with a bit more resistance, or a feather-light, comfortable experience for longer typing sessions.
Mentioned in this article
