Aflion Blue Sky vs. HMX Caramel Pudding
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the HMX Caramel Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for your typing experience, the Aflion Blue Sky and HMX Caramel Pudding stand out as noteworthy options, each with its own distinct character. The Aflion Blue Sky, recognized for its long pole stem, provides a crystal-clear linear typing experience that boasts a sparkling sound profile coupled with an exquisitely smooth push feel. Its categorized traits of being high-pitched, neutral, mild, and polished make it an appealing choice for those who crave a clean and refined keystroke. In contrast, the HMX Caramel Pudding offers a more resonant, clacky sound signature while maintaining that same smooth typing feel, which may attract those who prefer a bit more audio feedback from their switches. Ultimately, your choice may hinge on whether you value a subtle, engaging sound or a more pronounced acoustic 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
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Aflion Blue Sky and the HMX Caramel Pudding in terms of their housing materials, one can immediately note a distinct difference in the top housing construction. The Aflion Blue Sky utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is known for producing a sharper and more resonant sound profile due to its stiffer nature. This material's translucency is particularly advantageous for users who enjoy RGB lighting, as it enhances the aesthetic appeal while maintaining sound clarity. In contrast, the HMX Caramel Pudding features a nylon top housing, which, while still being a classic choice, contributes to a fuller, deeper sound profile. The inherent softness of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a rounder tone that is markedly different from the crispness associated with polycarbonate.
However, both switches converge in their use of nylon for the bottom housing. This choice remains constant between the two models, leading to similar auditory results when typing. For both the Aflion Blue Sky and the HMX Caramel Pudding, the nylon bottom housing enhances the overall sound profile by providing a deeper and more rounded experience, as it effectively dampens sound compared to harder materials. As a result, even though the top housings vary significantly in terms of material composition, the shared nylon bottom ensures that both switches retain a complementary sound quality that balances out the impact of the different top materials.
Ultimately, the distinct characteristics of the Aflion Blue Sky and HMX Caramel Pudding emerge from the interplay of their top and bottom housings. The sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate top of the Blue Sky contrasts with the fuller tones of the nylon top of the Caramel Pudding, showcasing how the top housing material influences the auditory experience during key release. Nevertheless, both switches benefit from their nylon bottom housings, which provide a consistent foundation for a richer sound. Thus, the choice between these two models largely rests on the user’s preference for sound texture and aesthetics, with both offering unique yet complementary attributes that can satisfy different tactile and auditory tastes.
Weight
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch present a notable contrast in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Blue Sky features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it feel more substantial during use. In comparison, the Caramel Pudding has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a lower bottom out force of 52 grams, positioning it as the lighter option overall. This difference in force can significantly impact user experience; those who type or game for extended periods may find the lighter Caramel Pudding to be more comfortable, while users seeking a firmer push feel might prefer the heavier Blue Sky. Overall, the Blue Sky is the heavier switch, while the Caramel Pudding is the lighter alternative, appealing to different typing preferences.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Blue Sky switch offers a fuller feel when pressed, which may cater to those who appreciate a deeper keystroke. On the other hand, the Caramel Pudding, with its shorter travel distance, could provide gamers with quicker response times, making it ideal for fast-paced environments. The preference between these switches ultimately hinges on one's desired typing experience; individuals favoring a more pronounced feedback are likely to lean towards the Blue Sky, while those who appreciate swift key responses might opt for the Caramel Pudding. Thus, the Blue Sky switch is the longer of the two, and the Caramel Pudding is the shorter option.
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 HMX Caramel Pudding has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Caramel Pudding for $2.99.
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 Aflion Blue Sky linear switches feature a high-pitched and neutral sound profile. This means they produce a sharp and crisp sound that is clear and noticeable, perfect for users who prefer less bass and a cleaner auditory experience. This makes the Blue Sky switches suitable in environments where a subtle sound is preferred, whether at home or in the office. On the other hand, the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switches are characterized by a resonant, clacky sound signature. While the specifics of how clacky they sound are not detailed, this type of profile usually implies a more pronounced acoustic quality, which could make them less suitable for noise-sensitive situations.
When it comes to feel, the Blue Sky switches offer a mild and polished experience. The mild characteristic provides a gentle typing sensation that appeals to both beginners and experienced typists, making it an approachable option for all kinds of users. Additionally, the polished nature indicates a smooth, refined feel with reduced friction, enhancing the overall typing experience. In contrast, there's no specific description provided for the feel of the Caramel Pudding switches, which leaves it ambiguous. However, given the context of its clacky sound, it could potentially lean towards a more tactile experience, but this remains unknown.
In conclusion, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switches stand out with a clear acoustic profile and a smooth, mild typing experience, making them ideal for users seeking a gentle and crisp feel. Meanwhile, the HMX Caramel Pudding switches offer a distinctive clacky sound, though the feel remains unspecified. While both switches promise smooth typing experiences, their sound characteristics greatly differ, catering to different preferences—either for clarity with the Blue Sky or a resonant sound with the Caramel Pudding. If you're considering which switch to choose, think about your auditory environment and personal typing preferences to find the best fit.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between Aflion Blue Sky and HMX Caramel Pudding linear switches ultimately hinges on your personal preferences regarding typing feel and sound profile. If you lean towards a typing experience that balances smoothness with a bit more resistance, the Blue Sky switch with its 60-gram bottom-out force should be your go-to. This switch offers a crystal-clear, high-pitched sound and a polished feel that makes it well-suited for both work and casual typing, especially if you enjoy a slightly firmer feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch in your keystrokes and a sound that leans more towards being clacky and resonant, the Caramel Pudding switch, with its 52-gram bottom-out force, is likely a better fit. This switch is designed for users who appreciate a softer typing experience that still delivers on smoothness without compromising on character. As a result, your ultimate choice will depend on whether you value a firmer, more pristine typing experience or a lighter, more playful one.
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