Aflion Blue Sky vs. Bsun Tomcat

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Blue Sky and the Bsun Tomcat both offer a unique linear typing experience, catering to different preferences in sound and feel. The Blue Sky, renowned for its long pole stem, delivers a crystal clear linear typing experience characterized by a sparkling sound profile and a polished, smooth push feel. Its classification as 'High-pitched', 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished' makes it a fantastic choice for those who appreciate a heightened auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat, featuring Ly stems, is designed for an exceptionally smooth typing feel, providing a resonant sound profile that can enhance the typing experience for users who prefer a deeper, more grounded feedback. While both switches offer their own merits—such as the airy clarity of the Blue Sky versus the rich resonance of the Tomcat—it's crucial to consider what aspects of a switch matter most to your typing style. 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

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$6.00

$4.07 per 10

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Aflion Blue Sky and the Bsun Tomcat both feature top housings made from polycarbonate, which contributes to a similar auditory experience during use. Polycarbonate is known for providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature. This stiffness enhances the clarity and resonance of the switch's sound, making it particularly appealing for those who appreciate fine-tuned auditory feedback in their typing experience. Additionally, the translucent quality of polycarbonate allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects, ensuring that both switches can showcase their aesthetic potential while delivering an engaging auditory experience.

In contrast, the bottom housing of both the Blue Sky and Tomcat is constructed from nylon, adding another layer of similarity in their overall performance. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, which results in a deeper and fuller auditory profile when typing. This characteristic is particularly important as it influences the feel and sound when the switch bottoms out—an essential aspect for typists looking for a satisfying keypress experience. By combining the polycarbonate top with the nylon bottom, both models effectively create a balanced sound signature, where the crispness of the top housing pairs harmoniously with the warmth provided by the nylon bottom.

Ultimately, while the Aflion Blue Sky and Bsun Tomcat feature different materials for their top and bottom housings, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in both switches results in a consistent auditory experience. The polycarbonate top enhances clarity and visual aesthetics, while the nylon bottom enriches the overall sound profile. This synergy between the materials ensures that users of either switch can expect a similar result—namely, a clear yet resonant sound when typing. Whether you choose the Blue Sky or the Tomcat, the thoughtful integration of these materials guarantees an enjoyable and satisfying typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch to the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Blue Sky switch requires an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Tomcat switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This lighter actuation force of the Tomcat makes it potentially more suitable for users who favor less strain during extended typing or gaming sessions. Additionally, the Blue Sky has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is also heavier than the Tomcat's 54 grams. The differences in both actuation and bottom out forces indicate that the Blue Sky offers a more substantial typing feel, while the Tomcat provides a lighter and potentially more comfortable experience for prolonged use. Thus, for those preferring a heavier feel, the Aflion Blue Sky would be the better choice, whereas those seeking a lighter touch should opt for the Bsun Tomcat.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, there is a notable difference: the Blue Sky has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Tomcat measures at 3.6 mm. This makes the Aflion Blue Sky the longer switch, providing a deeper feel when pressing down on a key. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat, with its shorter 3.6 mm travel distance, caters to those who prefer quicker response times, which is particularly advantageous for gamers seeking agility in their keystrokes. While both switches serve different preferences—one emphasizing depth and the other speed—they highlight the evolving landscape of switch design that accommodates various user needs.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch is characterized by a combination of high-pitched and neutral qualities. The high-pitched sound creates a sharp and crisp auditory feedback that is appealing to those who prefer a more defined auditory experience without the richness of bassy tones. This can be great for environments where clarity of sound can enhance typing accuracy, while the neutral aspect ensures that the overall noise level stays moderate, making it suitable for both casual and professional settings. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat linear switch possesses a resonant sound profile, though specific descriptors are not available. Its resonance likely results in a fuller sound, which could complement the typing experience for users looking for depth in their keystrokes.

When it comes to feel, the Blue Sky switch delivers a typing experience that is mild and polished. The mild nature of this switch makes it approachable for typists of all levels, preventing any harsh sensations during long typing sessions. Furthermore, its polished feel suggests a refined and smooth key travel due to superior materials or possibly factory lubing. This enhances the overall experience, reducing friction and allowing for a seamless typing motion. The feel of the Bsun Tomcat switch, however, remains unspecified, leaving room for curiosity but lacking direct comparison clues.

In summary, both the Aflion Blue Sky and Bsun Tomcat linear switches cater to different auditory and tactile preferences. The Blue Sky's high-pitched and neutral sound, along with a mild and polished typing feel, offers a versatile experience suitable for varying environments and typing styles. Meanwhile, while the Tomcat idealizes resonance, its characteristics in sound profile and tactile experience remain less defined. For enthusiasts looking to explore these switches, regardless of the differences, you can expect both options to deliver enjoyable linear experiences tailored by individual auditory and tactile preferences.

Conclusion

To conclude, when choosing between the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, your preferences and typing habits will guide your decision. If you enjoy a medium bottom-out force and prefer a more pronounced sound profile, the Blue Sky switch may be your best bet. Its high-pitched, sparkling sound and polished feel create a delightful typing experience, especially suited for those who want a balance between gentleness and clarity. This switch offers an exceptional tactile response that can be satisfying for both casual use and extensive typing sessions. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter touch with a slightly lower actuation force, the Tomcat switch is the way to go. With its medium-light 54 grams force and super-smooth Ly stem, it provides a seamless typing experience that many users appreciate. While its sound profile leans towards a more resonant character, its overall approachability makes it great for long hours of typing or gaming without causing fatigue. Ultimately, selecting the right switch depends on whether you prioritize sound and feel, or a lighter actuation for ease of use; your own comfort and the environments in which you'll use your keyboard will help determine which one suits you best.

Mentioned in this article

Aflion Blue Sky Linear

$6.00

$4.07 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more