Aflion Blue Sky vs. Outemu Cream Blue
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the Outemu Cream Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the Aflion Blue Sky, a linear switch, and the Outemu Cream Blue, a clicky switch. The Blue Sky stands out for its long pole stem, providing users with a crystal clear linear typing experience accompanied by a sparkling sound profile and smooth push feel. On the other hand, the Cream Blue does not have any specific standout features mentioned. The Blue Sky is categorized as high-pitched, neutral, mild, polished, while the Cream Blue lacks categorization details. If you are looking for a quieter and more subtle typing experience, the Blue Sky might be the right choice for you. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Blue Sky and the Outemu Cream Blue, there are notable differences in the top housing. The Blue Sky features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile. In contrast, the Cream Blue utilizes a nylon top housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. The polycarbonate top housing of the Blue Sky may be more suitable for RGB lighting due to its translucency, whereas the nylon top housing of the Cream Blue absorbs more sound and creates a rounder sound.
Moving on to the comparison of the bottom housing materials, both the Blue Sky and the Cream Blue contain nylon bottom housings. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is softer and absorbs more sound. As a result, the bottom-out sound and feel of these switches are influenced by the nylon bottom housing, creating a more muted and round sound compared to switches with harder bottom housings. While the top housing has more of an impact on the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the overall sound profile as well.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches such as the Aflion Blue Sky and the Outemu Cream Blue can greatly impact the sound profile and feel of typing. The stiffer polycarbonate top housing of the Blue Sky creates a sharper sound, while the softer nylon top housing of the Cream Blue produces a deeper sound. Similarly, the nylon bottom housings of both switches contribute to a fuller sound profile with a more muted tone. Despite these differences, both switches offer unique qualities based on their housing materials, allowing users to choose the sound profile that best suits their preferences.
Weight
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch both have an actuation force of 50 grams, which means they require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Blue Sky has a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it lighter than the Cream Blue, which has a bottom out force of 65 grams. The Blue Sky offers a more moderate typing experience, suitable for those who prefer a balanced feel, while the Cream Blue provides a heavier push, ideal for users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer similar results in terms of actuation force, but the difference in bottom out force may influence the overall typing feel for individuals with specific preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether the user values a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance before the key bottoms out. In terms of overall typing experience, both switches will provide a similar feel in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. This makes them suitable choices for users who prefer a consistent travel distance and feel across their keyboard.
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 Cream Blue comes in at $3.10 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
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch offers a high-pitched sound profile, perfect for those who prefer a sharp and crisp typing experience. The sound is neutral, making it suitable for a wide range of users, whether they are beginners or advanced typists. The switch provides a mild and polished feel, ensuring a gentle and smooth typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch does not have specific information available regarding its sound and feel characteristics. However, based on the information provided for the Blue Sky switch, users can expect a clicky sound profile from the Cream Blue switch, offering a more tactile typing experience. The feel of the Cream Blue switch may vary depending on personal preference and typing style.
Overall, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch is best suited for those who prefer a high-pitched sound profile and a smooth, polished typing feel. While the specific qualities of the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch are unknown, users looking for a clicky sound and tactile typing experience may find it to be a suitable option. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch or the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch, the decision may come down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a smooth and linear typing experience with a sparkling sound profile, the Blue Sky switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a clicky switch with a medium to heavy bottom out force and a tactile feedback, the Cream Blue switch might be more suitable for your typing needs. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique characteristics and can enhance your typing experience depending on your preferences. Remember to consider factors such as sound, feel, and bottom out force when making your decision.
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