Aflion Blue Sky vs. TTC Yunhai

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that stand out are the Aflion Blue Sky and the TTC Yunhai, both of which are linear switches designed to enhance your typing experience. The Blue Sky switch is celebrated for its long pole stem that provides a crystal clear linear typing feel, complemented by a sparkling sound profile and a smooth push that many enthusiasts appreciate. Its characteristics of being high-pitched yet polished make it an appealing choice for those who enjoy a more vibrant auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai delivers a unique and tranquil experience with its deep, rounded sound profile, coupled with an incredibly light actuation force, making it ideal for typists who prefer a gentle and effortless keystroke. While both switches have distinctive qualities catering to different preferences—one leaning towards a crisp auditory clarity and the other towards a subtle, soft touch—it's essential to explore their features in greater detail to determine which switch aligns best with your typing style and needs.

By the numbers

Aflion Blue Sky Linear

TTC Yunhai Linear

$6.00

$4.07 per 10

$7.50

$5.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Blue Sky and the TTC Yunhai switches, a stark contrast emerges in their top housings. The Aflion Blue Sky utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This material not only enhances the clarity and resonance of each keystroke but also contributes positively to RGB lighting effects, making the switch visually appealing as well. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai opts for a nylon top housing, which is a softer plastic that absorbs sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience. While the Blue Sky's polycarbonate enhances brightness and clarity, the Yunhai's nylon creates a more subdued and rounded sound, showcasing the distinct characteristics each material adds to the typing experience.

Moving to the bottom housings, both the Aflion Blue Sky and the TTC Yunhai utilize nylon, which yields the same auditory profile for both models. As a classic switch housing material, nylon inherently absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, leading to a deeper and fuller bottom-out sound for both switches. This similarity signifies that while the top housings produce contrasting sound profiles, their shared nylon bottom housing ensures they converge in delivering a smooth and solid keystroke experience. Both switches provide a satisfying tactile experience, leading to a consistent feedback regardless of the differences in their top materials.

Ultimately, the integration of different materials in the housing of these switches impacts their overall sound and feel during usage. The Aflion Blue Sky, with its polycarbonate top and nylon bottom, produces a clear and resonant auditory cue paired with a deep bottom-out sound, while the TTC Yunhai offers a more muted and rounded sound profile due to its nylon top housing. The combination of these different characteristics leads to a unique typing sound and feel, demonstrating how varying materials can influence the experience. However, both switches exhibit the warm and rich sound signature from the nylon bottom housing, ensuring that the user enjoys a balanced and satisfying typing experience regardless of the model chosen.

Weight

When comparing the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, notable differences emerge in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Blue Sky switch requires an actuation force of 50 grams to trigger a keystroke and reaches a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as a medium-weight option. In contrast, the Yunhai switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a better choice for those who prefer a more effortless typing experience, suitable for extended use. Consequently, the Blue Sky switch is the heavier option, providing more resistance for users who enjoy a more substantial tactile feedback while typing or gaming. In summary, those who favor lighter switches will find the TTC Yunhai more appealing, while those who appreciate a firmer push will likely lean towards the Aflion Blue Sky.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The Aflion Blue Sky features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Yunhai has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Blue Sky provides a more pronounced keystroke depth, which some users may prefer for its satisfying tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Yunhai's shorter travel distance can contribute to faster response times, making it particularly appealing for gamers who prioritize quick actuation over a deeper feel. Thus, if you're seeking a more responsive experience, the TTC Yunhai would be the better option, while those who value a more substantial depth in their keystrokes might gravitate toward the Aflion Blue Sky. In summary, the Blue Sky's 4 mm travel distance offers a longer experience compared to the Yunhai's 3.6 mm.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound profiles of the Aflion Blue Sky and TTC Yunhai linear switches, the Blue Sky switches are characterized by their high-pitched and neutral sounds, producing a sharp and crisp auditory cue that many typists find appealing. This makes them an excellent choice for users who prefer a brighter sound without the heavy bass of certain other switches. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Yunhai switches is more unknown, leaving us without a clear comparative metric. It's worth noting that sound is also influenced by the keyboard's construction and keycap materials, so personal preference plays a significant role in the overall auditory experience.

In terms of feel, the Blue Sky switches provide a mild yet polished experience. The mild characteristic offers a gentler typing sensation compared to more aggressive switches, making it approachable for both new and seasoned users. The polished nature of these switches contributes to a smooth and refined key travel, thanks to reduced friction often achieved through quality materials and factory lubing. In contrast, the feel of the Yunhai switches is also not well-defined in the provided information, which leaves us guessing about their tactile or smooth qualities. Nonetheless, the gentle actuation force of the Yunhai may suggest a lighter touch overall; however, details on this switch's feedback are not specified.

Overall, while the Aflion Blue Sky linear switches excel in providing a crisp sound and a smooth feel, the TTC Yunhai's attributes remain more ambiguous, specifically in terms of sound and feel. The distinct auditory clarity and refined typing experience of the Blue Sky will suit users who value those traits, while the difference in experience with the Yunhai switches could emerge as a pleasant surprise for typists who prefer a lighter touch. Ultimately, selecting between these switches might come down to personal preference, where the Blue Sky will guarantee specific outcomes, whereas the Yunhai holds an element of uncertainty regarding what one might experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Aflion Blue Sky and the TTC Yunhai linear switches, your choice should depend on your typing style and preferences. If you seek a balanced typing experience with a gentle yet distinctive sound, the Blue Sky switches are an excellent choice. The medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, combined with their polished feel and high-pitched sound profile, makes them ideal for those who appreciate a bit of auditory feedback while typing. They are a great fit for both casual users and those who may type extensively throughout the day, providing a smooth and refined touch that remains accessible for all skill levels. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and an effortless typing experience, the TTC Yunhai switches might be more aligned with your needs. With a lower bottom-out force of 50 grams and a unique, deep sound profile, these switches excel in providing a gentle feel that requires minimal effort, making them perfect for fast typists or anyone who favors a softer keystroke. Ultimately, your decision hinges on whether you prioritize sound and tactile feedback or a lighter, more effortless typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Aflion Blue Sky Linear

$6.00

$4.07 per 10

Learn more

TTC Yunhai Linear

$7.50

$5.99 per 10

Learn more