Aflion Blue Sky vs. HMX Cloud - 63.5g
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Aflion Blue Sky and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g mechanical keyboard switches, it becomes evident that both offer unique features tailored to different preferences. The Blue Sky is a linear switch with a long pole stem, providing a crystal clear typing experience with a sparkling sound profile and smooth push feel. On the other hand, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g is also a linear switch but offers a heavier variant with a clacky sound profile, appealing to enthusiasts who prefer a bright typing experience with a silky smooth feel. While the Blue Sky switch is characterized as 'High-pitched', 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Polished', the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch is categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'High-pitched'. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences, and further exploration beyond generalities will help in making the best decision for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
56g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 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
In comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Blue Sky and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g, one noticeable difference is the top housing material used. The Blue Sky features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material's stiffness contributes to a clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the Cloud - 63.5g uses a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon's softness absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to polycarbonate. These differences in material contribute significantly to the overall sound experience of the switches.
The bottom housing materials of the Blue Sky and Cloud - 63.5g are both constructed from nylon, a classic switch housing material. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings again elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's softness and sound absorption capabilities. While the top housing may have a more significant impact on the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing plays a crucial role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Despite sharing the same material for the bottom housing, each switch model's unique design and construction will ultimately influence the overall typing experience.
Overall, the Aflion Blue Sky and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g demonstrate how different housing materials can result in contrasting sound profiles and typing experiences. While the Blue Sky's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper sound, the Cloud - 63.5g's nylon top housing offers a deeper tone. Both switches share a nylon bottom housing, providing a consistent deep and full sound profile when typing. By understanding the impact of housing materials on sound and feel, enthusiasts can choose a switch that aligns with their preferences for keyboard performance. Ultimately, whether using polycarbonate or nylon, each material brings unique qualities that contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switch.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch, we can see that the Blue Sky has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Cloud - 63.5g with an actuation force of 56 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Blue Sky has a lighter force of 60 grams compared to the Cloud - 63.5g with a force of 63.5 grams, making it the heavier option for bottoming out. Despite these differences, both switches fall within the medium range for actuation force, providing a balance between typing comfort and tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for a lighter or more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch, it is clear that the Blue Sky has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the 3.9 mm travel distance of the Cloud - 63.5g. While the difference may seem minuscule, even a small variance in travel distance can impact the typing experience. The Blue Sky offers a more traditional travel distance, providing a balance between responsiveness and depth, making it a versatile choice for various preferences. On the other hand, the slightly shorter travel distance of the Cloud - 63.5g may be favored by those seeking a quicker response time, such as gamers. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and responsiveness.
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 Cloud - 63.5g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cloud - 63.5g 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
When comparing the sound qualities of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch, it is evident that the Blue Sky offers a high-pitched and neutral sound profile, while the Cloud - 63.5g provides a clacky and high-pitched sound. The Blue Sky delivers a crystal clear and smooth sound experience, appealing to those who prefer a sharper and crisper sound when typing, whereas the Cloud - 63.5g caters to enthusiasts who enjoy a bright and percussive sound with its clacky profile. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics, so your preference will depend on whether you prefer a high-pitched and neutral sound (Blue Sky) or a clacky and high-pitched sound (Cloud - 63.5g).
In terms of feel, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch is described as mild and polished, offering a more gentle and refined typing experience. The mild characteristics provide a middle-ground typing sensation that most users will find approachable, while the polished finish results in smooth and sleek key travel. On the other hand, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch is described as bouncy and creamy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation with a smooth and buttery typing experience. The bouncy nature of the Cloud - 63.5g switch gives keys a lively feel with a rebound effect, while the creamy sensation offers effortless keystrokes with a silky smooth glide across the keys. Depending on your preference for a mild and polished feel (Blue Sky) or a bouncy and creamy sensation (Cloud - 63.5g), you can choose the switch that suits your typing style and preference.
In conclusion, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. The Blue Sky provides a high-pitched and neutral sound with a mild and polished feel, while the Cloud - 63.5g delivers a clacky and high-pitched sound with a bouncy and creamy feel. By considering your preferred sound profile and typing sensation, you can select the switch that aligns with your preferences for a personalized and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch, consider the characteristics of each switch. If you are looking for a medium bottom out force and a sparkling sound profile with a smooth push feel, the Blue Sky would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a clacky sound profile with a silky smooth feel, the Cloud - 63.5g switch would be more suitable for your typing preferences. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preference in terms of sound and feel, so choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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