Aflion Blue Sky vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two options that stand out are the Aflion Blue Sky and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear. The Blue Sky switch is best known for its long pole stem, offering a crystal clear linear typing experience. With a sparkling sound profile and exquisitely smooth push feel, this switch is perfect for those seeking a high-pitched, neutral, mild, and polished switch. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear switch by Wuque elevates your office and work experience. Featuring ingeniously designed stem railings with discreet cutouts, these linear switches reduce switch noise while maintaining unparalleled responsiveness and a satisfying bottom-out. Unlike traditional silent switches, the WS Silent Linear switches offer a distinct typing experience without silicone dampeners, providing a seamless blend of tranquility and precision. Categorized as neutral, mild, muted, and subdued, these switches offer a serene typing experience. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Blue Sky and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear both have different housing materials for their top and bottom housings. The Blue Sky features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for RGB lighting purposes. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear utilizes a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, leading to a duller and rounder sound.
In terms of their bottom housings, both the Blue Sky and the WS Silent Linear use nylon as the housing material. This classic switch housing material elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon enables it to absorb more sound, contributing to a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, despite the difference in the top housing materials, both switches provide a similar sound experience when it comes to their bottom housings.
When it comes to the overall typing experience, the top and bottom housings play different roles. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when you press down on a key. In contrast, the top housing primarily affects the sound when you release a key. This distinction allows for a more nuanced and dynamic typing experience, as the qualities of each housing material are distributed between the top and bottom of the switch. Whether it's the crisper sound of polycarbonate in the Blue Sky or the deeper sound of nylon in the WS Silent Linear, both switches offer unique benefits based on their respective housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to note. In terms of weight, the Blue Sky switch is lighter with an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, which falls into the medium range. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear switch's actuation force is unknown, but it has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it slightly heavier and categorized as medium-heavy.
For those who prefer a lighter feel while typing, the Blue Sky switch would be a suitable choice. Its lighter actuation force allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. However, individuals who prefer a more substantial and pronounced keystroke may opt for the WS Silent Linear switch with its slightly heavier bottom out force. This provides a stronger push feel and can enhance the typing experience for those who appreciate a bit more resistance.
It is worth mentioning that while the actuation force of the WS Silent Linear switch is not provided, it is still possible to achieve similar results to the Blue Sky switch. By comparing the bottom out forces, individuals can choose the WS Silent Linear switch if they desire a similar level of force required to press the keys all the way down. This ensures a comparable typing experience in terms of the pressure exerted, despite the difference in actuation force.
Overall, the decision between the Aflion Blue Sky and Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches largely depends on personal preference. Those who prefer lighter switches for longer typing sessions may lean towards the Blue Sky, while individuals seeking a more substantial keystroke experience may gravitate towards the WS Silent Linear's slightly heavier bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch, it becomes apparent that the Blue Sky has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Silent Linear has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Blue Sky offers a more traditional travel distance, which some individuals may prefer for its added depth and tactile feedback. In contrast, the WS Silent Linear provides a slightly shallower travel distance, making it potentially more suitable for gamers who prioritize faster response times. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on individual preferences - whether one prefers a shorter and more responsive travel distance or a longer and more pronounced keystroke experience.
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 Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear comes in at $4.20 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 offers a high-pitched sound profile, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. This can be appealing to those who prefer a more vibrant and lively sound. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch is described as having a neutral sound profile. While it is not completely silent, it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches, thanks to its muted and subdued characteristics. This makes it suitable for environments where noise reduction is a priority, such as an office or shared workspace. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
When it comes to feel, both the Blue Sky and WS Silent Linear switches provide a mild typing experience. This means that the overall feel of the switch is more gentle and approachable, making it comfortable for prolonged typing sessions. Additionally, the Blue Sky switch is described as having a polished finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Although information about the feel of the WS Silent Linear switch is not provided, it can be inferred that it shares similar characteristics with the Blue Sky switch, offering a polished and refined typing experience.
In conclusion, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch excels in sound with its high-pitched and crisp profile, offering a vibrant typing experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch prioritizes noise reduction without compromising responsiveness. Despite their differences, both switches provide a mild and approachable feel for comfortable typing. Whether you prefer a more lively and distinct sound or a quieter and more tranquil typing experience, these switches offer suitable options. With the provided information, it is safe to assume that using either switch will yield satisfactory results in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch, it is important to consider your preferences and requirements. If you value a sparkling sound profile and an exquisitely smooth push feel, the Blue Sky switch with its long pole stem would be a great option for you. It offers a high-pitched sound that is sharp and crisp, perfect for those who prefer a more rich and bassy sound profile. Additionally, the Blue Sky switch is described as providing a mild typing experience with a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you prioritize a quieter working environment and unparalleled responsiveness, the WS Silent Linear switch by Wuque would be a fantastic choice. With ingeniously designed stem railings and discreet cutouts, these switches effectively reduce switch noise while maintaining precision. The WS Silent Linear switch offers a muted and subdued sound, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. It also provides a mild typing experience, making it approachable to most users.
Ultimately, whether you choose the Aflion Blue Sky or the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch, both options offer a medium to medium-heavy bottom out force, making them suitable for most intents and purposes. It is important to carefully assess your sound and feel preferences to ensure that your mechanical keyboard switch selection aligns with your desired typing experience and working environment.
Mentioned in this article
