Aflion Blue Sky vs. TTC Silent Bluish White (V2)
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Aflion Blue Sky and the TTC Silent Bluish White. The Blue Sky switch stands out with its long pole stem, offering a crystal clear linear typing experience. With a high-pitched and neutral sound profile, accompanied by a smooth push feel, this switch provides an exquisite typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White switch offers a medium tactile feel, giving a satisfying level of resistance when pressed, resulting in a precise and comfortable typing experience. Additionally, these switches are designed to be as quiet as possible, making them ideal for office or shared living spaces. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Aflion Blue Sky and TTC Silent Bluish White both feature polycarbonate top housings. These housings contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in both switches. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. Thus, both switches will provide similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics due to their polycarbonate top housings.
In terms of the bottom housings, both the Blue Sky and Silent Bluish White utilize nylon. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, both switches will offer similar qualities in terms of sound when it comes to the bottom-out action of the keys.
However, it is important to note that the top and bottom housings of a switch play different roles in its overall sound profile. When pressing down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, when releasing a key, the sound and feel are influenced more by the top housing. Therefore, while both the Aflion Blue Sky and TTC Silent Bluish White may have similar housing materials, their overall sound experiences may still differ based on the particular qualities of each housing.
Overall, the Aflion Blue Sky and TTC Silent Bluish White share similarities in their polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper and crisper sound profile. Additionally, both switches utilize nylon bottom housings, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound during typing. However, the role of the top and bottom housings may impact the overall sound experience, with the top housing influencing the release sound and the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. Despite these slight differences, the housing materials in both switches offer comparable results in terms of sound and aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch, there are some notable differences. The Blue Sky has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams, while the Silent Bluish White has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams. This means that the Silent Bluish White requires less force to trigger a keystroke, providing a lighter and more responsive typing experience.
In terms of bottom out force, the Blue Sky has a heavier force of 60 grams compared to the Silent Bluish White's 50 grams. This indicates that the Blue Sky switch requires more force to fully press down and bottom out, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White allows for a lighter and more comfortable bottoming out experience.
Considering weight, some individuals may prefer a lighter switch to type for longer periods of time without fatigue, making the Silent Bluish White a favorable option for those who bring their keyboard to work or engage in long gaming sessions. However, for those who desire a more substantial typing experience and prefer a stronger push feel, the Blue Sky can provide the desired heavier actuation and bottom out forces.
Overall, the choice between these two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience. While the Blue Sky offers a slightly heavier actuation and bottom out force, the Silent Bluish White provides a lighter and more responsive keystroke. Ultimately, both options can deliver satisfactory results depending on individual needs and preferences.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch have different travel distances. The Aflion Blue Sky has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered to be a more traditional length. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Bluish White has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm.
The shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm in the TTC Silent Bluish White switch may be preferred by gamers who value faster response times. This shorter distance allows for quicker key presses and can enhance the overall gaming experience. However, some individuals may find the shorter travel distance to feel too abrupt, lacking the depth and satisfaction they desire when typing or working on other tasks.
In contrast, the 4 mm travel distance of the Aflion Blue Sky switch provides a bit more depth to the keystrokes. This can be appealing to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing or working on other tasks. The additional travel distance may enhance the tactile feedback and provide a more satisfying keystroke experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference. If you prioritize faster response times and a lighter touch, the shorter 3.5 mm travel distance of the TTC Silent Bluish White switch may be more suitable. However, if you prefer a deeper and more substantial keystroke experience, the 4 mm travel distance of the Aflion Blue Sky switch may be a better fit.
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 TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Bluish White (V2) for $4.63.
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 produces a high-pitched and crisp sound when pressed. This sound profile is sharp and clear, perfect for those who prefer a more rich and bright sound. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch offers a muted sound profile. This switch is designed to minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, making it much softer and quieter. If you are looking for a quieter typing experience, especially in office or shared living spaces, the Silent Bluish Whites are the way to go. Keep in mind, however, that the sound of the switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps you choose.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch offers a mild and polished typing experience. The switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek and frictionless key travel. It provides a gentle typing experience that most users will find approachable and comfortable. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch is described as buttery and stepped. The keystrokes with these switches are smooth, fluid, and uniform, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. They have a mild tactile feel with some pre-travel and/or post-travel, giving them a more subtle and gentle resistance. Similar to the Blue Sky switch, the Silent Bluish Whites also have a polished finish, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Considering all the available information, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch offer distinct qualities. The Blue Sky switch provides a crystal clear linear typing experience with a high-pitched and crisp sound profile and a mild, polished feel. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White switch offers a satisfying level of resistance with a muted sound profile, making it suitable for quiet environments such as offices or shared living spaces. Both switches have a smooth and refined finish, ensuring smooth key travel. If you prefer a quieter typing experience with a mild tactile feel, the Silent Bluish Whites would be a great choice. If you enjoy a more sharp and bright sound with a linear feel, the Blue Sky switches would be a better fit. However, for those who prefer a similar sound and feel, both switches offer qualities that are approachable and suitable for most users.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch, there are a few key factors to consider. If you value a crystal clear linear typing experience with a sparkling sound profile and exquisitely smooth push feel, then the Blue Sky switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a satisfying level of resistance and a precise and comfortable typing experience, with the added benefit of quiet operation, then the Silent Bluish White switch is the better choice. The Blue Sky is ideal for those who enjoy a high-pitched sound profile, while the Silent Bluish White offers a muted and softer sound experience. In terms of feel, the Blue Sky provides a mild and polished typing experience, while the Silent Bluish White offers a buttery, mild, and polished feel. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience. Consider your specific needs and preferences when making your switch selection.