HMX Game1989 vs. Aflion Blue Sky
An in-depth look at the HMX Game1989 and the Aflion Blue Sky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often gravitate towards the HMX 1989 and the Aflion Blue Sky, both renowned linear switches, yet each offers a distinct typing experience tailored to different preferences. The HMX 1989 is celebrated for its deep, thocky sound profile—one of the most resonant within the HMX Film switch series—providing a satisfying auditory feedback that many gamers and typists adore. In contrast, the Aflion Blue Sky delivers a unique combination of clarity and smoothness through its long pole stem, characterized by a sparkling sound profile and an exceptionally polished feel that enhances the overall typing experience. While the HMX 1989 might appeal to those seeking a more robust acoustic feedback, the Aflion Blue Sky is ideal for users looking for a refined and airy typing sensation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
T5
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
The HMX 1989 and the Aflion Blue Sky both feature top housings made of polycarbonate, which significantly influences their acoustic qualities. Polycarbonate is known for its rigidity and ability to enhance sound clarity, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. This shared material choice means that users can expect similar auditory experiences in terms of resonance and tone, particularly when illuminated with RGB lighting. The translucent nature of polycarbonate allows light to pass through, creating vibrant effects that enhance the aesthetic appeal of both keyboard switches. As such, regardless of brand, keyboard enthusiasts will find comparable performance in terms of sound and visual enhancement.
In contrast, both the HMX 1989 and the Aflion Blue Sky use nylon for their bottom housings, which presents a different sonic characteristic compared to their polycarbonate tops. Nylon's softer composition contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile, as it absorbs more sound than firmer materials like polycarbonate. When typing on switches with nylon bottoms, users will notice a difference in feel and sound when the key is bottomed out, resulting in a more muted and rounded auditory experience. The combination of nylon at the bottom and polycarbonate at the top optimally balances the acoustics, allowing for both clarity and depth in sound.
When evaluating the overall design and performance, the dual-material approach of the HMX 1989 and the Aflion Blue Sky serves to split the roles of each housing component. The polycarbonate top predominantly shapes the sound emitted upon releasing a key, while the nylon bottom heavily influences the bottom-out sound and tactile sensation. Thus, while both switches offer a hybrid of sonic attributes through the carefully chosen materials, they maintain a cohesive auditory experience due to shared characteristics in their construction. Users will enjoy a full spectrum of sound, from sharp notes to deeper tones, making both options appealing for those who seek rich, dynamic typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The HMX 1989 features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, which appeals to users who prefer less resistance for longer typing sessions, making it a great choice for work or extensive gaming. In contrast, the Aflion Blue Sky requires a heavier actuation force of 50 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Additionally, the bottom out forces reflect this trend; the HMX 1989 has a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Aflion Blue Sky has a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams. This incremental difference indicates that the HMX 1989 is an overall lighter switch, whereas the Aflion Blue Sky is heavier, suggesting differences in tactile feedback and user experience.
Travel distance
The HMX 1989 linear switch and the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch both feature a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This similarity means that users can expect a comparable feel and actuation when pressing down on keys equipped with either switch, resulting in a consistent typing experience. Since both switches share the same travel distance, individuals seeking a linear switch with a specific key travel sensation will likely be satisfied with either option.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Game1989 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Game1989 for $3.29.
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.
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 sound profile of the HMX 1989 linear switch is characterized by its deep resonance, which contributes to a thocky and bass-rich acoustics that many users find appealing for a satisfying typing experience. In contrast, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch offers a more nuanced auditory experience, featuring high-pitched sounds that are sharp and crisp, alongside a neutral tonal quality that strikes a balance for versatility. This means that while the HMX 1989 excels in delivering a full, deep sound, the Blue Sky offers a cleaner, more defined auditory cue that may be preferred by those who enjoy a bright sound profile without the added weight of a bassier tone. Ultimately, the acoustics you achieve from either switch can be further influenced by your mechanical keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps you choose.
When it comes to tactile feel, the HMX 1989 is known for an engaging typing experience, though specific details about its texture and feedback are less defined. On the other hand, the Aflion Blue Sky switches are described as mild and polished, which helps users enjoy a gentle and smooth keystroke. The polished finish translates into reduced friction, facilitating effortless key travel, making the typing experience feel refined and fluid. For those who appreciate a more pronounced tactile response without excessive aggression, the Blue Sky's gentle characteristics might hold appeal, allowing for long typing sessions without fatigue. Thus, the HMX 1989 and Blue Sky offer different but enjoyable experiences in terms of feel.
In summary, while the HMX 1989 linear switch is designed to produce a thocky and deep sound with engaging tactile feedback, the Aflion Blue Sky emphasizes a high-pitched, clear sound with a smooth and polished feel. Each switch caters to different preferences, whether you gravitate more towards satisfying acoustic depth or bright, clean sound profiles. Ultimately, your choice of switch will depend on whether you value a rich sound versus a sleek typing experience, but both options promise to deliver enjoyable results within their distinctive parameters.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and use cases. If you prefer a lighter typing experience with a bottom-out force of 53 grams and are seeking a thocky sound profile that delivers a satisfying auditory feedback, then the HMX 1989 is an excellent choice for you, especially if you're focused on gaming or enjoy a deeper, richer sound while typing. However, if you're looking for a more polished, refined typing experience characterized by a smooth push feel and a high-pitched sound profile, the Blue Sky switch, with its heavier bottom-out force of 60 grams, might suit you better. This switch is particularly well-suited for both casual and professional environments, as its mild characteristics make it accessible to both beginners and seasoned typists alike. Ultimately, consider how you plan to use your keyboard, whether for gaming, work, or a mix of both, as well as your preference for sound and feel, to determine which switch aligns best with your typing style.
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