Aflion Blue Sky vs. KTT Semi Mute

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that offer distinct advantages are the Aflion Blue Sky and the KTT Semi Mute. The Blue Sky switch is well-known for its long pole stem, which provides a crystal clear linear typing experience. With a sparkling sound profile and a remarkably smooth push feel, this switch is perfect for those looking for a high-pitched and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Semi Mute switch, despite its name, operates silently, making it ideal for individuals who value a noise-free environment, especially during late-night typing sessions. With its linear actuation and advanced dampening technology, this switch offers a buttery and gratifying typing feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Aflion Blue Sky Linear

KTT Semi Mute Linear

$6.00

$4.07 per 10

$3.97

$3.55 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Aflion Blue Sky and the KTT Semi Mute are quite similar in terms of the polycarbonate top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate as their top housing material, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound. This makes it an ideal choice for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting due to its translucency. Therefore, users can expect comparable sound profiles and aesthetics from both the Blue Sky and the Semi Mute when it comes to their top housing.

However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing materials. The Blue Sky features a nylon bottom housing, which is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound overall. On the other hand, the Semi Mute uses a polycarbonate bottom housing. This means that while the top housing's qualities primarily influence the sound when letting go of a key, the bottom housing's qualities have a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. Therefore, users can expect a difference in the typing experience and sound between the two switches due to their contrasting bottom housing materials.

In summary, the Aflion Blue Sky and the KTT Semi Mute share a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in similar sound profiles and compatibility with RGB lighting. However, their bottom housing materials differ as the Blue Sky utilizes nylon while the Semi Mute uses polycarbonate. This leads to a variation in the typing experience and sound produced by the switches. Users can expect a deeper and fuller sound from the Blue Sky due to its nylon bottom housing, while the Semi Mute's polycarbonate bottom housing may contribute to a sharper and crisper sound.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, we can see some similarities and differences. In terms of actuation force, the Blue Sky requires a slightly heavier force of 50 grams compared to the Semi Mute's 43 grams. This means that users who prefer a stronger push feel may find the Blue Sky more suitable for a substantial typing experience. However, both switches fall under the medium category, so they are relatively light and suitable for longer typing or gaming sessions.

Moving on to the bottom out force, the Blue Sky has a slightly heavier force of 60 grams compared to the Semi Mute's 58 grams. Again, this indicates that the Blue Sky provides a slightly more substantial typing experience when fully pressing down the keys. However, the difference between the two switches in terms of bottom out force is minimal.

When considering weight, some users may prefer lighter switches for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may prefer heavier switches for a more substantial feel. In this case, the Blue Sky can be considered the heavier option due to its higher actuation and bottom out forces. However, both switches fall within the medium range, so the difference may not be significant for most users.

Overall, the Aflion Blue Sky and the KTT Semi Mute linear switches offer similar results in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. While the Blue Sky requires a slightly heavier force, both switches provide a medium typing experience that can cater to users who prefer a moderate push feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing or gaming and whether a slightly heavier or lighter force is desired.

Travel distance

The travel distance of a switch is an important factor to consider when choosing a keyboard. It determines the distance the switch travels from the top position to the bottom when a key is pressed. In the case of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either switch, you will experience the same distance of travel. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both the Aflion Blue Sky and the KTT Semi Mute offer similar results.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Blue Sky linear switch is best known for providing a crystal clear and sparkling sound profile during typing. It is described as having a high-pitched sound, which produces a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. This makes it suitable for those who prefer a more rich and bassy sound profile. In terms of feel, the Blue Sky switch offers a mild and polished typing experience. It falls in a safe, middle-ground zone, providing a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.

On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute linear switch is known for its completely silent operation, making it ideal for individuals who value a noise-free environment and undisturbed typing, especially during late-night sessions. Despite its name, the Semi Mute switch does not produce a completely mute sound. It is described as muted, meaning it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular mechanical keyboard switches. Similar to the Blue Sky, the Semi Mute switch also falls under the neutral category in terms of sound, having a moderate actuation force requirement and sound profile.

When it comes to feel, the Semi Mute switch is described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. It offers a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Like the Blue Sky, the Semi Mute switch is also classified as a mild switch, offering a gentle typing experience suitable for most individuals.

In conclusion, the Blue Sky and KTT Semi Mute linear switches have distinct subjective qualities. The Blue Sky switch provides a crystal clear and high-pitched sound profile along with a mild and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Semi Mute switch offers completely silent operation, with a muted sound profile and a buttery and mild typing experience. Both switches fall under the neutral category in terms of sound profile, making them suitable for various purposes. However, if a noise-free environment is a priority, the Semi Mute switch would be the preferred choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and requirements.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you prioritize a crystal clear linear typing experience with a sparkling sound profile and exquisitely smooth push feel, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch is the choice for you. With its medium bottom out force of 60 grams, it strikes a balance between ease of typing and tactile feedback. On the other hand, if you value a noise-free environment and desire undisturbed typing, especially during late-night sessions, the KTT Semi Mute linear switch is the way to go. Despite being completely silent, these switches offer a comfortable and gratifying typing feel, thanks to their linear actuation and advanced dampening technology. With a slightly lower bottom out force of 58 grams, the Semi Mute switch provides a similar level of smoothness and accessibility. Ultimately, the decision between the Blue Sky and Semi Mute switches depends on your preferences for sound and feel. If you prefer a high-pitched, neutral sound with a mild and polished typing experience, opt for the Blue Sky. However, if you prefer a muted, neutral sound with a buttery and mild typing experience, the Semi Mute is the better choice for you.

Mentioned in this article

Aflion Blue Sky Linear

$6.00

$4.07 per 10

Learn more

KTT Semi Mute Linear

$3.97

$3.55 per 10

Learn more