Aflion Blue Sky vs. HMX Cheese
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the HMX Cheese switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Blue Sky and the HMX Cheese both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Blue Sky stands out for its long pole stem, providing a crystal clear linear typing experience with a sparkling sound profile and smooth push feel. On the other hand, the HMX Cheese boasts unparalleled smoothness and a satisfying clacky sound signature, being lighter than the majority of switches on the market. While the Blue Sky is categorized as high-pitched, neutral, mild, and polished, the Cheese does not fall under any specific categories. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
46g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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
The housing materials of the Aflion Blue Sky and the HMX Cheese differ significantly in terms of the top housing. The Blue Sky features a polycarbonate top housing which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. On the other hand, the Cheese has a nylon top housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is softer and absorbs more sound. While both materials have their own unique sound characteristics, the polycarbonate in the Blue Sky emphasizes clarity and resonance, while the nylon in the Cheese delivers a rounder and duller sound.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Blue Sky and the Cheese utilize nylon as the material. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This similarity in bottom housing material means that the tactile and audible feedback when pressing down on the keys will be comparable between the two keyboards. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches, contributing to the overall typing experience on both the Blue Sky and the Cheese.
Overall, the housing materials of the Aflion Blue Sky and the HMX Cheese play a crucial role in shaping the sound profile of the switches. The use of polycarbonate in the Blue Sky's top housing creates a clear and sharp sound, while the nylon top housing of the Cheese produces a deeper and fuller sound. The shared nylon bottom housing between the two keyboards ensures a similar typing experience in terms of sound and tactile feedback. Despite the differences in top housing materials, both keyboards offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences for typing and gaming experiences.
Weight
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the HMX Cheese linear switch both have actuation and bottom out forces that are relatively close in weight. The Blue Sky has a slightly heavier actuation and bottom out force at 50 grams and 60 grams, respectively, while the Cheese has a lighter actuation and bottom out force at 43 grams and 46 grams, respectively. Choosing between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference. The Blue Sky's slightly heavier force may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel, while the Cheese's lighter force may be more comfortable for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. Ultimately, for those looking for a switch with similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, either the Blue Sky or the Cheese could be a suitable option.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Cheese linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Blue Sky has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Cheese. In terms of typing or gaming experience, the shorter travel distance of the Cheese may provide a quicker response time, which is preferred by some gamers. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Blue Sky may offer a more satisfying key press with greater tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and what feels most comfortable for the user. Both switches provide similar results in terms of key press functionality, but the slight difference in travel distance may cater to different typing or gaming styles.
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 Cheese has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cheese for $3.79.
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
When it comes to sound, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch offers a high-pitched and crisp sound profile, perfect for those who prefer a sharper typing sound. On the other hand, the HMX Cheese linear switch provides a unique clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature that sets it apart from other switches. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the higher-pitched sound of the Blue Sky or the distinct sound profile of the Cheese switch.
Moving on to feel, the Blue Sky switch offers a milder typing experience with a polished finish, resulting in smooth and refined key presses. This makes it a versatile option suitable for a wide range of users. In contrast, the HMX Cheese switch is known for its unparalleled smoothness and ultra-light actuation, providing a different typing experience that is lighter than the majority of switches on the market.
Overall, when considering both sound and feel, the choice between the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the HMX Cheese linear switch will ultimately depend on individual preferences. While the Blue Sky offers a high-pitched sound and a mild, polished feel, the Cheese switch provides a unique clacky sound and an ultra-light typing experience. With both switches offering their own unique qualities, users can expect a satisfying typing experience regardless of their choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch or the HMX Cheese linear switch, it is important to take into account your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. The Blue Sky with its medium 60-gram bottom out force is ideal for those who prefer a slightly firmer typing experience, accompanied by a high-pitched sound profile and a more mild and polished feel. On the other hand, the Cheese with its lighter 46-gram bottom out force is perfect for users who enjoy a lighter touch, along with a clacky, poppy sound profile. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference for typing feel, sound, and actuation force.
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