Aflion Blue Sky vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Aflion Blue Sky and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) both stand out as appealing options for those who prefer linear switches. The Aflion Blue Sky is celebrated for its long pole stem, which not only provides a crystal clear typing experience but also delivers a sparkling sound profile and an exquisitely smooth push feel. With its categories of high-pitched, neutral, mild, and polished, this switch caters to users looking for a blend of responsiveness and auditory satisfaction. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) features Ly stems that ensure a super smooth typing experience accompanied by a resonant sound profile, making it an excellent choice for individuals who favor a more substantial feel while typing. Each switch has its unique strengths: the Blue Sky is ideal for those who want clarity and brightness with every keystroke, whereas the Tomcat (Heavy) appeals to those in search of a deeper, richer sound and a robust touch. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Aflion Blue Sky Linear

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$6.00

$4.07 per 10

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Aflion Blue Sky and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a shared sound profile that enhances the overall acoustic experience. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffer structure, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This characteristic is crucial for creating a clear and resonant sound profile when typing. Both switches benefit aesthetically from the translucence of polycarbonate, making them ideal for RGB lighting setups. Users can expect similar auditory results and vibrant lighting effects from either switch due to their identical top housing material.

In contrast, the bottom housing of both the Blue Sky and the Tomcat (Heavy) is crafted from nylon. This material choice plays a significant role in the tactile experience, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound more effectively than harder materials, resulting in a rounder and duller sound signature. Therefore, while both switches enhance the high-frequency sounds through their polycarbonate tops, the nylon bottoms contribute a deeper, rich acoustic quality, balancing the auditory experience. The use of nylon helps to create a unique sound blend, even though both switches prioritize similar materials for their respective top and bottom housings.

Overall, despite the differences in sound profiles attributable to their respective bottom housings, the Aflion Blue Sky and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) demonstrate a strong synergy in their design. The polycarbonate top creates a crisp, vibrant sound, while the nylon bottom enriches that with warmth and depth. Consequently, when these switches are engaged, users will experience an intriguing interplay where the top housing provides high-frequency clarity, and the bottom housing delivers substantial, rounded lows. This balance of materials results in a well-rounded typing experience, enabling users to enjoy the best of both worlds from the shared qualities of the top and bottom housings.

Weight

When comparing the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Blue Sky switch has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as a medium force option. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) requires a greater actuation force of 55 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 64 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy range. This means that the Blue Sky switch is lighter overall, making it a potentially better choice for users who prefer prolonged typing sessions without fatigue. Conversely, the Tomcat (Heavy) switch may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial tactile experience with stronger resistance. Ultimately, the selection between the two switches will depend on an individual's preference for lighter versus heavier actuation forces in relation to their typing or gaming routines.

Travel distance

The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option when compared to the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This slight difference in travel distance can significantly impact the typing experience. While the Blue Sky’s 4 mm travel distance provides a more pronounced feel with a hearty depth, appealing to those who prefer tactile feedback, the Tomcat’s shorter 3.6 mm distance caters to users who favor a quicker response, often preferred by gamers for faster keystrokes. Thus, if you seek a more responsive action, you might opt for the Tomcat; however, if you favor a deeper, more substantial key press, the Blue Sky would be the better choice.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch produces a distinctive high-pitched sound profile, characterized by its sharp and crisp auditory feedback. This makes it an appealing choice for users who prefer a cleaner auditory experience, avoiding the deeper sounds typical of other switches. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch features a resonant sound profile, although specific descriptors have not been provided. This may suggest a more pronounced bass quality, but without further details, an exact comparison cannot be made. It's important to note that the sound performance of both switches can be significantly influenced by the choice of keyboard plate and keycaps, meaning that individual results may vary.

The Aflion Blue Sky switch provides a feel that can be characterized as mild and polished. Its mild nature offers a gentle typing experience, making it accessible for both beginners and seasoned typists who desire comfort without pronounced characteristics. The polished quality indicates a refined smoothness in key travel, likely resulting from premium materials or factory lubrication. In contrast, details regarding the feel of the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch are not specified. Therefore, while the Blue Sky's typing experience is acknowledged for its gentleness and smoothness, the Tomcat's exact characteristics remain unidentified.

In summary, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch offers a crisp high-pitched sound and a mild, polished feel that enhances typing comfort. Meanwhile, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) presents a resonant sound, though its specific auditory qualities and tactile feedback are not detailed. For someone choosing between these switches, the Blue Sky guarantees a known sound and tactile experience, while the Tomcat holds potential based on its resonant profile, but lacks the depth of available descriptors. Users looking for a linear switch with clear and refined responses will find the Blue Sky to be a solid choice.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, your choice will largely depend on your typing preferences and intended use. If you favor a balanced typing experience that is both smooth and moderately tactile, the Blue Sky is an excellent option. Its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams combined with a high-pitched sound offers a fresh and responsive feel, which could be beneficial for typing tasks that require precision and subtlety. This switch is especially suitable if you're a beginner or if you use your keyboard in diverse settings—be it at home or in the office—where a neutral yet clear auditory profile is appreciated. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial and slightly heavier key press for a more deliberate feel, the Tomcat (Heavy) with its bottom-out force of 64 grams might be the right choice for you. The heavier actuation can provide a sense of confidence and stability, especially for those who enjoy gaming or fast-paced typing. Its smooth typing experience and resonant sound profile are ideal for users who appreciate organic sound dynamics and a more immersive tactile sensation. In conclusion, your decision should hinge on whether you value a light, agile feel or a firmer, heavier strike, catering each switch to your unique typing style and environment.

Mentioned in this article

Aflion Blue Sky Linear

$6.00

$4.07 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more