Aflion Blue Sky vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Aflion Blue Sky and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switches offer two distinct experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The Aflion Blue Sky is celebrated for its long pole stem design, providing a crystal clear linear typing experience complemented by a sparkling sound profile and an exquisitely smooth push feel. This switch is ideal for those who appreciate a more vibrant auditory response while typing. Conversely, the Silent Sakura - 43g is engineered for a whisper-quiet experience, reminiscent of gentle raindrops, making it an excellent choice for light typists who desire a subtle and serene typing environment. While the Blue Sky embraces a more pronounced sound and tactile sensation, the Silent Sakura prioritizes a softer approach, perfect for users seeking discretion in shared or quiet spaces. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Aflion Blue Sky Linear

HMX Silent Sakura - 43g Linear

$6.00

$4.07 per 10

$3.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Aflion Blue Sky and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g each utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, resulting in distinctive sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Blue Sky features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper and crisper sound due to its stiff nature. This translucence enhances the aesthetic appeal, particularly for those who utilize RGB lighting, as the light can shine through effectively. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g is equipped with a nylon top housing that emits a deeper and fuller sound profile, owing to the material's softer nature that absorbs more sound and results in a rounder acoustic. This variance in materials reflects how these switches interact differently with the user's keystrokes and ultimately impact the auditory experience.

When examining the bottom housings of both switches, parallels and differences continue to emerge. The Blue Sky employs a nylon bottom housing just like the Silent Sakura, which brings forth a complementary depth to the overall sound profile. This resemblance helps both switches achieve a fuller sound, providing users with a rich bottom-out experience. However, whereas the Silent Sakura has a polycarbonate bottom housing that further sharpens the sound profile, the Blue Sky's nylon bottom makes for a softer, more muted auditory result upon bottoming out. This distinction emphasizes that while they share nylon as a material, the different configurations can lead to unique outcomes in terms of sound feedback and typing feel.

Ultimately, while both the Aflion Blue Sky and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g incorporate different materials for their top and bottom housings, the combination of these materials yields a diverse range of auditory characteristics and typing experiences. The Blue Sky's polycarbonate top and nylon bottom produce a bright, resonant tone, contrasting with the Silent Sakura's nylon top and polycarbonate bottom, which creates a heavier and more sonorous sound. Thus, while they may offer similar attributes, such as a fuller sound from nylon, the overall user experience will greatly depend on the specific assembly of each switch's materials. If one desires to achieve a balance of both profiles, experimenting with combinations in DIY switch builds may yield satisfying results and a versatile typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Aflion Blue Sky features a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g is notably lighter, with an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. This means the Blue Sky switch requires more force to trigger a keystroke and to bottom out, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the lighter forces of the Silent Sakura make it ideal for those who prioritize comfort during long typing sessions or gaming. Thus, the Aflion Blue Sky is the heavier option, while the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g is the lighter choice, catering to different preferences in tactile feedback and typing experience.

Travel distance

Both the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch have an identical travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that the distance these switches travel from the top to the bottom when pressed is the same. As a result, users can expect similar tactile feedback and performance when using either switch, making them comparable options for those seeking a linear switch experience. With both switches offering the same travel distance, the overall feel during key presses will be consistently uniform.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Aflion Blue Sky switches stand out with their high-pitched, crisp audio profile, providing a sharp and clear auditory feedback during typing. This makes them suitable for environments where a more vibrant sound is acceptable. Alternatively, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g is engineered for a different experience altogether, prioritizing whisper-quiet operation that emulates the soft tap of raindrops. This stark contrast creates a serene typing environment, making the Silent Sakura ideal for those who require discretion, such as in shared spaces or quiet offices.

Regarding the tactile feel, the Blue Sky switches offer a mild and polished typing experience. The mild characteristic ensures a gentle encounter when pressing keys, while the polished nature allows for a seamless key travel owing to reduced friction. Combined, these factors create an approachable and refined feel, appealing to a broad range of users. The Silent Sakura - 43g lacks specific descriptors in this aspect; however, one could anticipate that its ultra-light actuation force of 43g would result in a lighter and potentially smoother experience, making it less taxing on the fingers over long typing sessions.

In summary, the choice between the Aflion Blue Sky and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches largely depends on one's preferences regarding sound and feel. The Blue Sky switches provide a lively auditory feedback along with a mild, polished typing experience, making them suitable for a wide audience. In contrast, the Silent Sakura switches cater to those valuing a quieter environment with a light touch. While the Blue Sky appeals to those who enjoy clearer sounds and refined tactility, the Silent Sakura offers a peaceful alternative that is gentle on the fingers. Ultimately, both switches serve distinct purposes, so the best choice will depend on the individual's typing environment and personal preferences.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch ultimately boils down to your typing style and environment preference. If you enjoy a slightly heavier keypress and appreciate crisp, high-pitched sound profiles that provide auditory feedback during your typing sessions, the Blue Sky would be an excellent choice. Its 60-gram bottom-out force offers a medium resistance that can cater well to those who prefer a more deliberate, tactile experience, making it well-suited for both gaming and regular typing tasks, particularly in personal or quieter work spaces where the sound is welcoming rather than disruptive. On the other hand, if you are a light typist or frequently work in shared environments where noise should be minimized, the Silent Sakura - 43g is designed for you. With its lighter 43-gram bottom-out force and whisper-quiet operation, you can enjoy a serene typing experience reminiscent of gentle raindrops, making it ideal for office settings or late-night work. Ultimately, consider your typing habits, preferred sound levels, and the nature of your workspace to determine which switch aligns best with your needs.

Mentioned in this article

Aflion Blue Sky Linear

$6.00

$4.07 per 10

Learn more

HMX Silent Sakura - 43g Linear

$3.50 per 10

Learn more