Aflion Blue Sky vs. Bsun Taichi
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the Bsun Taichi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for your typing experience, the Aflion Blue Sky and Bsun Taichi switches both stand out as excellent linear options that cater to different preferences. The Aflion Blue Sky is celebrated for its long pole stem, which provides a crystal-clear linear typing sensation, complemented by a sparkling sound profile and an exceptionally smooth push feel. This switch falls into categories like 'High-pitched,' 'Neutral,' and 'Polished,' making it an enticing choice if you value clarity and brightness in your keystrokes. On the other hand, the Bsun Taichi, also featuring a long-pole stem, takes the experience a notch higher with extended springs and walled stems that promise unparalleled smoothness and stability, alongside an enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound. While both switches deliver a smooth linear typing experience, their distinct sound profiles and specific designs may appeal to different types of users. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
21mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
Both the Aflion Blue Sky and the Bsun Taichi feature a polycarbonate top housing, which gives them a similar sound profile characterized as sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper. The inherent properties of polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, contribute to its clear and resonant qualities, ensuring that the auditory experience remains consistent across both switches. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate top housing enhances the aesthetic appeal of these switches, making them particularly suited for setups that utilize RGB lighting. This shared material results in comparable sound characteristics when the switches are actuated, creating a coherent auditory experience for users regardless of which switch they choose.
In contrast, the bottom housings of both the Blue Sky and the Taichi utilize nylon, a material renowned for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. The properties of nylon, being softer than polycarbonate, allow it to effectively absorb sound, resulting in a more rounded and duller auditory output. This difference in material between the top and bottom components means that while both switches share crisp and clear sounds when pressed, the overall auditory experience will vary during bottoming out. Where the top housing provides brightness and clarity, the nylon bottom housing provides depth, leading to a balanced overall sound signature that contrasts distinctively between the two housing materials.
In summary, while both the Aflion Blue Sky and Bsun Taichi utilize the same materials for their top and bottom housings, the unique properties of these materials work in concert to create a rich auditory experience. The polycarbonate top contributes to a sharp and bright sound, while the nylon bottom rounds out the overall profile with deeper tones. Although the presence of polycarbonate and nylon ensures that the switches maintain certain key sound characteristics, the interplay between them allows for a distinct experience in use. Users can expect clear, resonant highs accompanied by a rich, full sound, regardless of their choice between the Blue Sky and Taichi.
Weight
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch differ in their actuation forces, with the Blue Sky requiring a force of 50 grams to trigger a keystroke, while the Taichi has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams. This means that the Taichi switch is better suited for users who prefer a lighter touch, providing a more effortless typing experience, especially beneficial for long work hours or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Blue Sky's heavier actuation force delivers a more substantial feel, which some users may find preferable for a more tactile typing experience. However, the bottom out force of the Taichi switch is unknown, making it challenging to fully compare how both switches feel when pressed all the way down. The Blue Sky has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which indicates a firmer resistance at the end of the keystroke. Overall, those seeking a lighter switch will gravitate towards the Taichi, while those who appreciate a bit more weight will likely prefer the Blue Sky.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Bsun Taichi linear switch offers a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Blue Sky switch travels further when pressed, making it suitable for those who prefer a more tactile and deeper feel in their keystrokes. Conversely, the Taichi's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers or users seeking faster response times, as it allows for quicker actuation. While both switches cater to different preferences—depth versus responsiveness—the Taichi's 3.6 mm travel distance is less traditional and might feel more abrupt to some users. In summary, the Blue Sky has the longer travel distance, while the Taichi offers the shorter option.
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 Bsun Taichi has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taichi for $2.25.
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 switch stands out with its high-pitched and neutral characteristics. The high-pitched profile produces a sharp and crisp sound, ideal for users who prefer a clearer auditory feedback without the richer, bassy undertones found in some other switches. This switched sound profile ensures an engaging typing experience, particularly for those who type frequently. The Taichi, however, is less defined in sound characteristics based on the provided information. While it highlights a high-pitched bottom-out sound, the absence of a detailed description for its overall audio profile leaves room for interpretation regarding its comparison to the Blue Sky. In general, users can expect a decent level of acoustic output from both switches, dependent on the keyboard build and keycap choice.
In terms of feel, the Blue Sky switch excels with its mild and polished attributes. The mild nature offers a gentler typing experience, accommodating both newcomers and seasoned users alike, while the polished finish ensures a smooth and refined feel with reduced friction during key presses. This combination translates into a comfortable typing experience, allowing for long typing sessions without fatigue. Unfortunately, the Taichi lacks detailed descriptors regarding its feel, leaving users with limited insight on its performance in this regard. It may offer decent smoothness and stability due to its long-pole st stem and extended springs, but specifics are unknown.
In conclusion, the Aflion Blue Sky switch provides a clear advantage in the subjective qualities of sound and feel, offering users a crisp auditory experience coupled with a smooth typing sensation. The Taichi, although intriguing, does not provide enough information regarding its sound and feel to allow for a straightforward comparison. Users interested in either switch can expect a satisfying typing experience overall, but those opting for the Blue Sky may have a more polished result based on the available descriptors.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and the typing experience you seek. If you appreciate a medium bottom-out force and a typing experience that balances smoothness with a clear, high-pitched sound profile, the Blue Sky switches are your best bet. They excel in providing a polished feel with mild characteristics, making them approachable whether you're a beginner or an experienced typist. However, if you find yourself drawn to an enchanting acoustic experience with a long-pole design that emphasizes smoothness and stability, the Taichi switches may be more to your liking, despite their unknown force specification. They are designed to deliver a high-pitched bottom-out sound that can enhance your typing experience, albeit with less clarity on resistance. In the end, consider your priorities: if sound and refined touch matter greatly, lean towards Taichi; for a more balanced overall experience, opt for the Blue Sky switches.
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