HMX 1989 vs. Aflion Blush
An in-depth look at the HMX 1989 and the Aflion Blush switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly affect your typing experience and overall satisfaction. The HMX 1989 and the Aflion Blush are both linear switches that cater to enthusiasts seeking a smooth, consistent keystroke without the tactile feedback of clicky or tactile options. The HMX 1989, known for its deep and thocky sound profile, offers a satisfying auditory and tactile experience, making it a great choice for gamers and typists who enjoy a more substantial feel under their fingers. Conversely, the Aflion Blush stands out with its longer, two-stage spring, delivering an impressively smooth and poppy typing experience that many users find addictive. Its low-pitched, creamy, silky, and buttery characteristics make it particularly appealing for those who seek a gentle, satisfying keystroke without sacrificing performance. Both switches have their unique strengths, yet they share the common goal of enhancing your typing experience. 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
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Dual-stage stainless steel spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX 1989 and the Aflion Blush, it becomes evident that both switches utilize the same materials for their construction. Each switch features a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, which produces a harmonious sound profile that reflects the unique characteristics of these materials. Both the HMX 1989 and Aflion Blush benefit from the high-pitched, crisp sound that polycarbonate imparts. This stiffer plastic enhances sound clarity and resonance, making it particularly effective for RGB lighting setups due to its translucency. As a result, both switches deliver similar auditory experiences that users seeking clarity and brightness in their typing will appreciate.
On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to the overall sound profile in a different manner. The use of nylon, a softer material, leads to a deeper and fuller sound when typing, creating a pleasant and cushioned experience. This material is known for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a rounder sound when compared to the piercing quality of the polycarbonate top. Since the bottom housing largely influences the tactile feedback and sound profile during key presses, both the HMX 1989 and Aflion Blush offer a balance between the sharpness of the top and the warmth of the bottom. This design approach means that users will experience a nuanced auditory feedback that combines the best qualities of both materials.
In conclusion, while the HMX 1989 and Aflion Blush share the same housing materials—polycarbonate for the top and nylon for the bottom—each component plays a distinctive role in the overall sound and feel of the switches. Users will find that the polycarbonate top results in a resonant sound for upward action, while the nylon bottom enhances the experience during key presses. This duality allows both switches to produce a satisfying auditory experience, making them excellent choices for those seeking both clarity and depth in their typing. By utilizing the same materials, users can expect a comparable performance across both switches, highlighting the advantages and versatility of polycarbonate and nylon in keyboard switch design.
Weight
When comparing the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Aflion Blush linear switch, we see notable distinctions in their actuation and bottom out forces. The HMX 1989 has a defined actuation force of 45 grams, making it a medium-light option that facilitates longer typing sessions with less strain on the fingers. In contrast, the Aflion Blush lacks a specified actuation force, but it features a bottom out force of 58 grams, which categorizes it as medium in terms of resistance. Consequently, the Blush's heavier bottom out force offers a more substantial typing experience compared to the 53 grams of bottom out force in the 1989 switch, which is still medium-light. Those who prefer a lighter touch should gravitate towards the HMX 1989, while those who appreciate a firmer push would likely favor the Aflion Blush for its heavier feel. Overall, the combination of the defined actuation force in the HMX 1989 and the unspecified value in the Blush creates different tactile experiences that cater to specific user preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Aflion Blush linear switch, we see a notable difference: the HMX 1989 has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Aflion Blush measures at 3.3 mm. This makes the HMX 1989 the longer travel switch, providing a more pronounced tactile experience that some users may prefer for its sturdy feel and depth. In contrast, the Aflion Blush offers a shorter travel distance, which can enhance responsiveness and speed, making it more suitable for gamers seeking quicker actuation times. Ultimately, users who prioritize a more robust keystroke may gravitate towards the HMX 1989, while those who enjoy rapid response and less travel distance might prefer the Blush.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX 1989 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the 1989 for $3.29.
The Aflion Blush has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Blush 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
In terms of sound, the HMX 1989 linear switch is renowned for its deep, thocky timbre, providing a satisfying auditory experience for those who enjoy a more substantial sound profile while typing or gaming. This characteristic makes it a delightful choice for users seeking a rich auditory feedback. In contrast, the Aflion Blush switch is noted for its low-pitched sound signature, delivering a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is distinctively different from the 1989. The Blush's poppy sound, attributed to its longer two-stage spring and long pole design, offers a more cheerful and snappy auditory experience, providing a sense of excitement with each keystroke. Overall, while both switches may cater to those looking for a linear experience, their sound profiles will appeal to different aesthetic preferences.
When we turn our attention to feel, the HMX 1989 linear switch is not explicitly described, leaving its tactile feedback a mystery. Meanwhile, the Aflion Blush is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness, characterized by creamy, silky, and buttery sensations that create a luxurious typing experience. This is likely enhanced by factory lubricant and the materials used in its construction, allowing fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys. The Blush switch offers a true sensation of fluidity and ease, giving users confidence in their keystrokes. Thus, if you’re searching for a smooth and pleasant typing feel, the Blush definitely stands out.
In conclusion, while the HMX 1989 linear switch excels in delivering a deep and thocky sound, the Aflion Blush switch offers a low-pitched and poppy auditory experience along with an exceptionally smooth feel. If you prioritize sound, the choice between these switches will boil down to personal preference regarding depth versus brightness. For tactile feedback, the Blush provides a distinctly luxurious experience, while the 1989's feel remains an unknown. Ultimately, your choice will be influenced by whether you favor sound profile or the tactile sensation while typing, with each switch presenting its own unique qualities.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Aflion Blush linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you appreciate a medium-light actuation force and are looking for a switch that delivers a deep and thocky sound profile, the HMX 1989 might be your best bet. It's particularly suitable for gamers or typists who favor a tactile sensation that feels satisfying without being overly taxing on the fingers. On the other hand, if you're seeking a typing experience that emphasizes smoothness and responsiveness, the Aflion Blush linear switch excels in this area with its creamy and silky feel. The moderately heavier bottom out force can provide a more pronounced tactile feedback while still remaining effortless to type on, appealing to those who enjoy a poppy sound and a more substantial keystroke. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your priorities—whether that’s a softer touch with deep acoustics or an entirely smooth and snappy typing experience.
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