Aflion Blue Sky vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that offer unique typing experiences are the Aflion Blue Sky and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp). The Blue Sky, a linear switch, is best known for its long pole stem that provides a crystal clear typing experience. It boasts a high-pitched sound profile and a smooth push feel, making it ideal for users who appreciate a linear switch without any tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) is a tactile switch designed for those who prefer a bit of feedback when typing. It offers a medium bump and a padded bottom-out feel, combined with subdued audio feedback. What sets the Silent T1 apart is its silent nature, making it perfect for noise-sensitive environments. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the most suitable switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Standard
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Blue Sky and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) are quite similar in terms of their sound profiles and aesthetics. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that results in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches with RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar results from both switches in terms of sound and the visual appeal of RGB lighting.
In terms of their bottom housing, both the Blue Sky and the Silent T1 (Shrimp) utilize nylon. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that provides a deeper and fuller sound profile. It is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, enhancing the switches' acoustic properties. As a result, typing on switches with nylon bottom housing creates a duller and rounder sound. Both switches will offer a similar typing experience in terms of the deep and full sound provided by the nylon bottom housing.
It's worth noting that when a switch has different materials for its top and bottom housing, the qualities of each material will be divided between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed down, while the top housing will play a significant role in the sound when the key is released. Therefore, while the Aflion Blue Sky and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) may have slight differences due to their housing materials, the overall typing experience and sound profiles will be quite similar for both switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, there are some notable differences. The Aflion Blue Sky has an actuation force of 50 grams, providing a medium level of resistance to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force of the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) is unavailable, making it uncertain how much force is needed to initiate a keystroke. Moving on to the bottom out force, the Aflion Blue Sky requires 60 grams of pressure to fully press the key down, which is again in the medium range. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Aflion Blue Sky would be a suitable choice as it offers a slightly lighter actuation force. However, if a stronger push feel is desired, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) would be the better option due to its higher bottom out force. In both cases, users can expect similar results regarding actuation and bottom out forces, as both switches fall within the medium range, but the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) offers a slightly heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch refers to the distance it travels from the top position to the bottom when pressed down. In the case of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch, it has a travel distance of 4 mm. Similarly, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch also has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches offer the same travel distance, meaning users can expect a consistent feel and experience when pressing down on the keys. Whether it's the Blue Sky or Silent T1, the travel distance remains unchanged, ensuring similar results in terms of tactile feedback and key actuation.
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 Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent T1 (Shrimp) for $5.57.
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 is best described as high-pitched. These switches produce a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, which may appeal to those who prefer a more vibrant and lively sound profile. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch offers a muted sound experience. These switches are designed to minimize noise, making them ideal for noise-sensitive environments. The sound produced by the Silent T1 switches is softer and quieter compared to regular or clacky switches. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch provides a mild and polished typing experience. The mild characteristics of these switches offer a gentle and approachable typing feel for most users. The switches are designed to be in a safe middle-ground zone, providing a comfortable and smooth typing experience. The Blue Sky switches are also described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish. This results in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch offers a stepped and accented feel. These switches have a two-stage tactile feedback, allowing users to feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel during the keystroke. The accented switches provide a medium amount of tactility, neither overwhelming nor subtle. Like the Blue Sky switches, the Silent T1 switches are also described as polished, offering a sleek typing experience with reduced friction.
Overall, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Blue Sky switches provide a high-pitched sound profile and a mild, polished feel. On the other hand, the Silent T1 switches offer a muted sound experience and a stepped, accented feel. These switches cater to different preferences and usage scenarios. If you prefer a linear switch with a clear and vibrant sound, the Blue Sky switches would be a suitable choice. If you are looking for a tactile switch with a quieter sound and a more pronounced tactility, the Silent T1 switches would be a better fit. Nevertheless, both switches provide a smooth and polished typing experience due to their refined finishes.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium bottom out force, the Aflion Blue Sky is a great choice. With its long pole stem, it offers a crystal clear linear typing experience and a sparkling sound profile. The Blue Sky switch is best suited for those who prefer a high-pitched and neutral sound profile, and a mild and polished typing feel.
On the other hand, if you desire a tactile switch with a slightly heavier bottom out force, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) is the way to go. This switch is perfect for individuals who want both a tactile and silenced experience, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. The Silent T1 offers a medium bump, padded bottom-out feel, and subdued audio feedback. Additionally, it provides a muted sound profile.
In conclusion, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch is recommended for a clear and smooth linear typing experience, while the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch is ideal for those who prefer a tactile and silent typing experience. Consider the sound and feel descriptors provided for each switch to make an informed decision based on your preferences and requirements.
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