Aflion Blue Sky vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Aflion Blue Sky and the TTC Silent Red are two options worth considering. The Blue Sky is hailed for its crystal clear linear typing experience, thanks to its long pole stem. This switch offers a high-pitched sound profile and an exquisitely smooth push feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a seamless typing experience without disturbing others, the Silent Reds might be the ideal choice. These switches produce a muted sound and are perfect for office or shared living spaces. They also offer a consistent and smooth feel throughout, with a padded bottom-out feel for maximum comfort. However, let's delve deeper into the specifics to best determine which switch suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Aflion Blue Sky and the TTC Silent Red switches share a commonality in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing. This results in both switches having a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances clarity and resonance in the sound produced. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound quality and aesthetics when using either the Blue Sky or the Silent Red.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Blue Sky utilizes nylon, while the Silent Red also employs nylon as their material of choice. Both switches benefit from the inherent characteristics of nylon, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This means that when typing on either the Blue Sky or the Silent Red, users can experience a more satisfying and immersive typing experience due to the unique characteristics of nylon.
It's important to note that the different housing materials used in the top and bottom of these switches play a significant role in the overall sound profile. The bottom housing strongly influences the sound and feel when a key is pressed down, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound produced when a key is released. Therefore, despite similarities in the use of polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing, users can still expect subtle variations in the typing experience between the Blue Sky and the Silent Red due to the differing qualities each housing material brings to the switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, there are some differences to consider. The Blue Sky has an actuation force of 50 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Silent Red's actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Blue Sky switch will require a slightly stronger push to register a keystroke. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Blue Sky requires 60 grams of force, while the Silent Red requires 63.5 grams. This makes the Silent Red slightly heavier when bottoming out.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Silent Red switch might be a more suitable option, as it requires less force for both actuation and bottoming out. This lighter feel can be beneficial for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming sessions. On the other hand, if someone prefers a more substantial and stronger push feel while typing, the Blue Sky switch may be the better choice. The higher actuation force of the Blue Sky can provide a more satisfying and tactile typing experience.
Overall, both switches fall within the medium range in terms of actuation and bottom out force. Thus, if someone is seeking a similar typing experience in terms of pressure, both switches can deliver comparable results. Ultimately, the decision between the Aflion Blue Sky and the TTC Silent Red will depend on personal preference and how individuals prioritize the weight and typing experience of their keyboard.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, it is clear that they have slight differences. The Blue Sky has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Silent Red has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. In terms of traditional travel distances, 4.0mm is considered the norm, while 3.7mm falls into the category of a slightly shallower travel distance. This can make a difference in the typing experience for users. Gamers, for example, may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Silent Red as it allows for quicker response times. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial feel may opt for the Blue Sky with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to individual preferences and the desired level of responsiveness.
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 Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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
In terms of sound, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch offers a high-pitched profile. These switches produce a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, making them ideal for those who prefer a more vibrant and clear auditory experience. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red linear switch has a muted sound profile. These switches are designed to minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, making them perfect for office or shared living spaces where noise disturbance is a concern. Both switches offer distinct sound characteristics, allowing users to choose based on their personal preference or the environment in which they'll be using the keyboard. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch provides a mild and polished typing experience. The switch offers a gentle typing sensation, falling within a safe, middle-ground zone in terms of its characteristics. It also has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the TTC Silent Red linear switch boasts a buttery and polished feel. It offers a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience. Both switches provide a pleasant feel during typing, with the Blue Sky switch offering a slightly milder experience. Again, personal preferences and typing preferences may influence the choice between these two switches.
Considering the available information, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Blue Sky switch provides a high-pitched sound profile and a mild, polished typing experience, while the Silent Red switch offers a muted sound profile and a buttery, polished feel. These switches cater to different preferences and environments, allowing users to select the one that aligns with their specific needs and preferences. However, it's worth noting that individual results may vary depending on factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps being used. Ultimately, both switches offer a smooth and linear typing experience, ensuring a satisfying experience for newcomers to mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are searching for a switch that provides a crystal clear linear typing experience with a sparkling sound profile and exquisitely smooth push feel, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch is the perfect choice. With its long pole stem, this switch selection offers a unique typing experience. However, if you prioritize a smooth and seamless typing experience without the noise, the TTC Silent Red linear switch would be more suitable for you. These switches have a muted sound profile, making them ideal for office or shared living spaces. Not only do they offer a smooth and consistent feel from top to bottom, but they also have a padded bottom-out feel for maximum comfort. Overall, the Blue Sky switch is better known for its high-pitched sound and mild, polished feel, while the Silent Red switch is known for its muted sound and buttery, mild, and polished feel. Based on your personal preferences and specific use case, you can now make an informed decision about which switch is right for you.