Aflion Blue Sky vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Aflion Blue Sky and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile. The Blue Sky switch stands out with its long pole stem, providing a crystal clear linear typing experience. With its high-pitched and polished sound profile, this switch offers a satisfyingly smooth push feel. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switch by Wuque is designed specifically for office and work environments. It strikes a delicate balance between tactility and noise reduction, offering a medium level of tactility without compromising on quietness. Crafted with precision, these switches feature ingenious stem railings and small cutouts that effectively minimize switch sound while delivering a crisp bottom-out and responsive return. Unlike most silent switches, the WS Silent Tactile forgoes silicone dampeners, creating a typing experience that is devoid of the usual padded feel. Both switches have their own unique qualities and caters to different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
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 Tactile 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. This is due to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. Alternatively, the WS Silent Tactile utilizes a nylon top housing, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. While the materials differ, both switches provide unique sound profiles, catering to individual preferences in typing experience.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, both the Blue Sky and WS Silent Tactile employ nylon. This classic switch housing material elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, creating a duller and rounder tone. Therefore, the bottom housing materials of both switches contribute to a similar typing experience, highlighting the impact of nylon in creating a specific sound profile. Whether it's the Blue Sky or the WS Silent Tactile, typing on switches with nylon bottom housing will provide a comparable auditory experience.
Considering the impact of the top and bottom housings on the typing experience, it becomes apparent how each material affects different aspects of sound production. The bottom housing mainly influences the bottom-out sound and feel, resulting in a more substantial impact when a key is pressed. On the other hand, the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound produced when a key is released. Therefore, the choice of polycarbonate or nylon for the top housing in the Blue Sky and WS Silent Tactile respectively impacts the sound dynamics upon key release. Understanding these distinctions allows users to tailor their mechanical keyboard experience based on their personal sound preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch, there are notable differences between the two. The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch has an actuation force of 50 grams, which is considered medium, while its bottom out force is slightly higher at 60 grams. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch does not provide information about its actuation force. However, its bottom out force is slightly heavier at 63.5 grams, which is classified as medium-heavy.
Considering weight as an important factor, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch can be seen as the lighter option in comparison to the WS Silent Tactile switch, assuming their actuation forces are similar. This lighter weight can be advantageous for individuals who prefer a more comfortable typing experience over extended periods, making it suitable for use in work environments or during long gaming sessions.
On the contrary, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the WS Silent Tactile switch due to its heavier bottom out force. This heavier force provides a stronger push feel, allowing for a more satisfying and tactile typing experience.
It is worth noting that without information on the actuation force of the WS Silent Tactile switch, it is difficult to make a direct comparison in terms of triggering a keystroke. However, assuming the actuation forces are similar, the difference lies in the bottom out forces where the WS Silent Tactile is heavier. Therefore, selecting the WS Silent Tactile switch would result in a slightly heavier typing experience overall.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered a traditional distance for switches. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the WS Silent Tactile switch more responsive, which can be advantageous for gamers who require quicker response times. The shorter travel distance allows for rapid keystrokes and faster input. However, some individuals may find the shorter travel distance to feel too abrupt or lacking in depth. In such cases, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch with its longer 4 mm travel distance would be a suitable choice, providing a more satisfying and substantial feel when pressing down on the keys. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the specific requirements of the user.
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 Tactile 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
In terms of sound, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch is best described as having a high-pitched sound profile. These switches produce a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, which is ideal for those who prefer a more treble-focused sound. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches offer a more muted sound. These switches have been designed to minimize noise and produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular mechanical switches. This makes them a great choice for those who require a more tranquil typing experience in office or work environments. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch is known for its mild and polished feel. With a mild switch, users can expect a more gentle typing experience that falls into a safe and middle-ground zone. These switches offer a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches provide an invigorating and accented feel. These switches offer a pronounced tactile feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. They strike a balance between being not overwhelming and not too subtle in terms of tactility. Additionally, similar to the Blue Sky switches, the WS Silent Tactile switches also offer a mild typing experience that will be approachable to most.
Taking into account all the available information, it is clear that the Aflion Blue Sky linear switches are best known for their high-pitched sound profile and mild, polished feel. These switches provide a crystal clear linear typing experience with a sparkling sound profile and an exquisitely smooth push feel. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches are distinguished by their muted sound profile and invigorating, accented feel. These switches strike a delicate balance between providing a medium level of tactility and noise reduction, ensuring a typing experience that is both satisfyingly crisp and impressively silent. Both switches offer a moderate actuation force requirement, suitable for a variety of users and environments. While the Blue Sky and WS Silent Tactile switches differ in their subjective qualities, both provide unique and enjoyable typing experiences depending on individual preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium bottom out force, the Aflion Blue Sky switch is an excellent choice. With its long pole stem, it provides a crystal clear linear typing experience, offering a sparkling sound profile and exquisitely smooth push feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a slightly heavier bottom out force, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch is perfect for you. These switches strike a delicate balance, offering medium tactility without compromising on noise reduction. Crafted with precision, the WS Silent Tactile switches feature stem railings with cutouts to minimize switch sound while delivering a satisfyingly crisp bottom-out and responsive return. They provide an impressively silent profile without the usual padded feel found in most silent switches, creating an unrivaled blend of tranquility and tactility.
In terms of sound, the Aflion Blue Sky is described as having a high-pitched or neutral sound profile, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed or a moderate sound suitable for most intents and purposes. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile is described as having a neutral sound profile, suitable for most purposes, with a muted characteristic that minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Blue Sky switch provides a mild and polished typing experience with a safe, middle-ground zone for most users, offering a gentle and smooth key travel. Meanwhile, the WS Silent Tactile switch offers an accented tactile experience, providing a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. It also has an invigorating feel, creating an immersive typing sensation. Additionally, the WS Silent Tactile switch falls into the mild category as well, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users.
Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Blue Sky and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches will depend on your preferences. If you prioritize a linear switch with a sparkling sound profile and smooth push feel, the Blue Sky switch is the way to go. However, if you prefer a tactile switch with reduced noise and a delicate balance between tactility and silence, the WS Silent Tactile switch is the perfect companion for your office and work environment.