Aflion Blue Sky vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Aflion Blue Sky and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g present two distinct options for users who favor linear switches. The Blue Sky is celebrated for its long pole stem, which facilitates a crystal clear typing experience characterized by a high-pitched, polished sound profile and an exquisitely smooth push feel. This makes it an excellent choice for those who appreciate an audible feedback while typing and desire a more pronounced sensory experience. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g focuses on delivering a whisper-quiet experience, mimicking the gentle sound of raindrops. With a balanced 53g bottom-out force, this switch appeals to typists looking for a lighter keystroke that still provides satisfying feedback without the noise, making it ideal for quieter environments. Both switches cater to different preferences, from sound and tactile feedback to overall feel and typing atmosphere; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Aflion Blue Sky and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g exhibit significant differences that impact their overall sound profiles and performance. The Blue Sky utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is renowned for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, enhances the switch's sound quality, leading to a more resonant sound. This clarity is especially pronounced when RGB lighting is involved given the housing's translucency, emphasizing the visual appeal alongside auditory performance. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g features a nylon top housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound. The inherent softness of nylon dampens sound waves, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience that is more subdued compared to the Blue Sky’s sharper clarity.
Interestingly, while the top housings of these switches differ, the bottom housings reveal a reversed pairing of materials. The Blue Sky employs a nylon bottom housing, which similarly provides that characteristic deeper sound profile, while the Silent Sakura - 53g utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing that promotes a clearer sound. This combination means that when typing on the Blue Sky, users will experience a more muted bottom-out sound due to the softer nylon, while tactile feedback upon release will be influenced by the stiffer polycarbonate present in the Sakura’s design. Therefore, while user experience will differ through specific tactile and auditory characteristics, both switches effectively balance the benefits of their respective housing materials.
Ultimately, the distinct combinations of polycarbonate and nylon in the top and bottom housings of the Aflion Blue Sky and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g lead to a variety of tactile and auditory experiences for the user. Though their sound profiles differ—with the Blue Sky leaning towards clarity and the Silent Sakura favoring warmth—both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience. Users who appreciate a sharper sound may prefer the Blue Sky, while those seeking a more subdued auditory experience might gravitate towards the Silent Sakura. Regardless of preference, the unique qualities brought by each material allow for customization that can cater to individual typing styles and listening preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Blue Sky features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, indicating a relatively firm typing experience. In contrast, the Silent Sakura offers a lighter actuation force of 45 grams with a bottom out force of 53 grams. This makes the Silent Sakura the lighter option overall, appealing to users who prefer less resistance and longer typing sessions. Furthermore, while the actuation force of the Silent Sakura is lower, both switches exhibit medium to medium-light characteristics, catering to different preferences. Users seeking a more substantial feel may gravitate towards the Blue Sky, while those desiring a softer touch would find the Silent Sakura more suitable.
Travel distance
Both the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch share the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on keys equipped with either switch, users will experience an identical distance before reaching the actuation point. Consequently, both switches provide a comparable feel during typing, making them equally suitable for those who prefer a consistent key travel length. Since both switches are designed with the same 4 mm travel distance, users can expect similar results in terms of key responsiveness and feedback.
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 HMX Silent Sakura - 53g comes in at $3.50 per 10 switches.
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 stands out with its high-pitched, sharp, and crisp auditory feedback, making it a perfect choice for those who prefer a bright sound profile. This quality creates an engaging typing experience, especially for users who may find deeper and bassy sounds less appealing. The clarity of the Blue Sky's sound can be impactful in both personal and professional settings, providing a pleasant aural environment during extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch is engineered for a whisper-quiet typing experience, evoking the soft sound of gentle raindrops against a window. While the specific attributes of the Silent Sakura's sound are not detailed, it is designed to minimize noise, making it ideal for quiet environments like offices or shared spaces.
In terms of feel, the Blue Sky switch delivers a mildly nuanced experience, characterized by a gentle yet satisfying keystroke. Its polished nature ensures reduced friction, which enhances the overall typing experience, making each keypress feel sleek and refined. This switch strikes a balance that caters to both beginners and seasoned typists alike, providing a comfortable middle ground without overwhelming characteristics. Without specific details on the feel of the Silent Sakura - 53g, it's difficult to make a direct comparison; however, its design aims to provide a smooth and satisfying experience, similar to the Blue Sky.
In summary, while the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch offers a bright and crisp sound profile coupled with a smooth and polished feel, the Silent Sakura - 53g prioritizes a quieter yet equally satisfying keystroke experience. The choice between these switches largely depends on an individual's sound preference and typing environment. Regardless of which switch is chosen, both options promise to deliver a quality typing experience, with the Blue Sky being better suited for those who appreciate a more audible typing sound and a gentle yet refined feel, while the Silent Sakura is perfect for those seeking a tranquil typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing environment and personal preferences. If you value an engaging tactile experience with a crisp, high-pitched sound profile that can invigorate your typing sessions, the Blue Sky switch would be a fantastic option. Its medium bottom out force of 60 grams allows for a satisfying response that suits both casual typing and gaming, and its polished feel ensures smooth key travel. On the other hand, if you find yourself in a quieter environment—perhaps at home or in an office—and prioritize a serene typing experience with a softer, yet equally responsive keystroke, then the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g is your go-to switch. The medium-light force of 53 grams coupled with its whisper-quiet operation makes it ideal for those who prefer a more subdued auditory feedback without sacrificing performance. In essence, consider the context in which you’ll be using your keyboard and your personal tactile preferences to make the best choice between these two captivating switches.
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