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Aflion Blue Sky vs. Outemu Yellow Silver

An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two notable options to consider are the Aflion Blue Sky and the Outemu Yellow Silver. The Blue Sky, a linear switch, stands out for its long pole stem, delivering a crystal-clear linear typing experience. This switch offers a sparkling sound profile and an exquisitely smooth push feel. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver, also a linear switch, is known for its light actuation force and neutral sound profile. This makes it a popular choice for gamers and typists seeking speediness and responsiveness. While these general pointers can help you make an initial decision, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

Technical specifications

Actuation force

50g

Actuation force

45g

Bottom-out force

60g

Bottom-out force

55g

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Pre-travel

1.30 mm

Total travel

4.00 mm

Total travel

4.00 mm

Factory lubed

Yes

Factory lubed

No

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

Plate (3-pin)

Spring

15mm spring

Spring

Stainless steel

Housing materials

The Aflion Blue Sky and the Outemu Yellow Silver both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This material choice results in similar characteristics for both switches, including a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for those who plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows for better light distribution. Therefore, regardless of whether you choose the Blue Sky or the Yellow Silver, you can expect to experience similar outcomes in terms of sound and aesthetics.

Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Blue Sky and the Yellow Silver incorporate nylon. This material provides a distinct typing experience, generating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The relatively softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, regardless of whether you prefer the Blue Sky or the Yellow Silver, you can expect to enjoy a satisfying typing experience with a more pronounced sound response.

It is important to note that when different housing materials are used for the top and bottom of a switch, the qualities of each material are divided between the two parts. When you press down on either the Blue Sky or the Yellow Silver, the bottom housing will primarily influence the impact and sound upon bottoming out. On the other hand, the top housing will have more influence on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, while the top and bottom housings may differ between the Blue Sky and the Yellow Silver, the overall typing experience and sound characteristics will still be comparable.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, there are noticeable similarities and differences. In terms of weight, the Yellow Silver is lighter, with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorized as medium-light. On the other hand, the Blue Sky is slightly heavier, with an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorized as medium.

For individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Outemu Yellow Silver would be a suitable choice, as the reduced actuation and bottom out forces provide a more effortless keystroke. This would be ideal for those who type for extended periods, such as office workers or gamers engaged in long gaming sessions.

Alternatively, if one seeks a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Aflion Blue Sky would be a better option. The slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces require additional force to trigger each keystroke, providing a more tactile and assertive typing experience.

Overall, while both switches fall within the medium weight range, the Yellow Silver offers a lighter touch, while the Blue Sky provides a slightly heavier and more pronounced typing experience. Depending on individual preferences, selecting either switch will yield similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.

Travel distance

Both the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Therefore, whether you choose the Blue Sky or the Yellow Silver, you can expect to get similar results in terms of travel distance.

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 Outemu Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40 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 Blue Sky switch is best described as having a high-pitched profile. This means that when pressed, the switch produces a sharp and crisp sound. If you prefer a more bright and clear sound rather than a rich and bassy one, the Blue Sky switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver switch has a neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate sound with no extremes in pitch. It is a versatile switch suitable for both beginners and advanced users, as well as for use in various settings such as at home or work. It is important to note that the sound produced by the switches can also be influenced by other factors like the keyboard board and the keycaps used.

When it comes to the feel, the Blue Sky switch offers a mild experience. This means that it provides a gentle typing feel without any pronounced characteristics or extremes. It is a switch that can be appreciated by most users due to its safe middle-ground qualities. Additionally, the Blue Sky switch is described as polished, indicating that it has a smooth and refined finish. This results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Yellow Silver switch, however, does not have a specific description provided for its feel.

In conclusion, the Blue Sky switch offers a crystal clear linear typing experience with a high-pitched sound profile and a mild, polished feel. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver switch from Outemu is known for its light actuation force and neutral sound profile, making it favorable for gamers and typists who prefer speediness and responsiveness. While there is limited information available on the feel of the Yellow Silver switch, based on the available information, it can be assumed to provide a neutral and moderate typing feel. Ultimately, both switches offer their own unique qualities, and depending on your preferences, you can achieve similar results with either switch.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium bottom out force, the Aflion Blue Sky switch is a solid choice. Its long pole stem provides a crystal-clear typing experience with a sparkling sound profile and a smooth push feel. Additionally, the Blue Sky switch offers a high-pitched sound, which can be preferable if you prefer a sharp and crisp sound when typing. The switch also provides a mild and polished typing experience, making it approachable and comfortable for most users.

On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a slightly lighter actuation force, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch is worth considering. Produced by a reputable brand, this switch offers a neutral sound profile and is favored by gamers and typists who value speediness and responsiveness. While there is less information available about the feel of the Yellow Silver switch, its light actuation force suggests a smooth and effortless typing experience.

Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Blue Sky and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize a crystal-clear linear typing experience with a high-pitched sound, the Blue Sky switch is a great option. However, if you prefer a switch with a lighter actuation force and a neutral sound profile, the Yellow Silver switch may better suit your needs. Consider the key factors outlined above and choose the switch that aligns with your specific requirements for an optimal mechanical keyboard experience.

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