Aflion Blue Sky vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Aflion Blue Sky and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear. The Blue Sky switch is best known for its long pole stem, which provides a crystal clear linear typing experience. This switch offers a sparkling sound profile and an exquisitely smooth push feel. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear switch is highly innovative, with a semi-silent topping-out sound that is whisper-quiet, while still maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound. Its type feel is silky smooth, striking a balance between being polished without being over-polished. While both switches fall under the linear category and have a neutral and mild feel, they differ in terms of sound and typing experience. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Aflion Blue Sky and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear both use polycarbonate for their top housings. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its relatively stiffer nature. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of these switches also allows for better resonance and clarity in the sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it a great choice for switches that utilize RGB lighting. Therefore, whether you choose the Blue Sky or the Semi-Silent Linear, you can expect similar results in terms of sound quality and aesthetics.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both the Blue Sky and the Semi-Silent Linear feature nylon as their chosen material. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches. This is due to its relatively softer nature, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, the bottom housing made of nylon creates a duller and rounder sound. Regardless of whether you opt for the Blue Sky or the Semi-Silent Linear, you can expect a more pronounced and satisfying sound when bottoming out keys due to the qualities of the nylon bottom housing.
Finally, the combination of different materials for the top and bottom housing in these switches allows for a split effect on the overall sound and feel. When pressing down on the keys, you will primarily feel the qualities of the bottom housing, as it has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, when you release a key, the top housing will have a more significant influence on the sound produced. This divided approach ensures a dynamic and varied experience when using either the Blue Sky or the Semi-Silent Linear, adding depth and complexity to the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. The actuation force of the Blue Sky switch is 50 grams, while the actuation force of the Semi-Silent Linear switch is unavailable. Therefore, it is difficult to directly compare the two in terms of actuation force. However, both switches have a medium level of actuation force.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Blue Sky switch has a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Semi-Silent Linear switch has a slightly higher bottom out force of 62 grams. Both switches can be considered medium in this regard as well.
Considering the weight aspect, the Blue Sky switch is lighter in terms of actuation force, which may appeal to users who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time. This makes it ideal for work scenarios or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a slightly heavier bottom out force, which may provide a more substantial typing experience for users who prefer a stronger push feel while typing.
In conclusion, the actuation force of the Blue Sky switch is known and lighter compared to the unavailable actuation force of the Semi-Silent Linear switch. However, both switches have a medium bottom out force, with the Semi-Silent Linear switch being slightly heavier. Users seeking a lighter typing experience may prefer the Blue Sky switch, while those desiring a more substantial feel may lean towards the Semi-Silent Linear switch. Ultimately, users can expect similar results from both switches, thanks to their medium actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, it is clear that the Blue Sky has a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the Semi-Silent Linear has a shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both options fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Blue Sky being more towards the average and the Semi-Silent Linear being slightly shallower.
For those who prioritize faster response times, the shorter travel distance of the Semi-Silent Linear may be more appealing. Gamers, in particular, often lean towards switches with shorter travel distances to ensure quick and precise key presses. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial and satisfying keypress experience may find the longer travel distance of the Blue Sky more suitable. The extra depth of the Blue Sky switch can enhance the typing experience, providing a more pronounced tactile feedback.
Ultimately, the choice between the two switches boils down to personal preference. Those who value responsiveness and speed may opt for the Semi-Silent Linear with its shorter travel distance, while others who prefer a more deliberate and immersive typing experience might lean towards the Blue Sky with its slightly longer travel distance. Both switches offer unique advantages, and selecting between them will depend on individual typing preferences and requirements.
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 Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi-Silent Linear for $5.27.
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 Blue Sky linear switch is best known for its crystal clear linear typing experience, offering a sparkling sound profile and an exquisitely smooth push feel. The sound of the Blue Sky switch is described as high-pitched, providing 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 is mild and polished, offering a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch is one of the most innovative releases in a long time. It is labeled as semi-silent, producing a whisper-quiet topping-out sound while maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound. This means that it offers a more subdued and subtle sound signature compared to most switches. The Semi-Silent Linear switch also provides a silky smooth type feel, which is not over-polished. In terms of feel, it is described as mild, snappy, buttery, and polished. It offers a gentle typing experience with super responsiveness and a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation.
In conclusion, while the Blue Sky and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switches have some differences in their sound profiles and feels, they share some similarities. Both switches are described as having a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for most purposes. Furthermore, both switches provide a mild typing experience, making them approachable to most users. The Blue Sky switch is best known for its crystal clear linear typing experience and high-pitched sound, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is known for its innovative semi-silent label, subdued sound, and buttery feel. Depending on personal preferences, both switches offer unique qualities that would suit different individuals.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a crystal clear linear typing experience with a sparkling sound profile and an exquisitely smooth push feel, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch is the way to go. With its long pole stem, it offers a unique typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a semi-silent switch with a whisper-quiet topping-out sound and a clacky bottom-out sound, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch is the better choice. Its silky smooth type feel and innovative design make it stand out. In terms of sound, the Blue Sky offers a high-pitched or neutral option, while the Semi-Silent Linear provides a subdued sound profile that is more subtle compared to most switches. In terms of feel, both switches offer a mild and polished experience, but the Semi-Silent Linear also adds a snappy and buttery feel, making it more responsive and fluid. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on your preference for sound and feel.
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