Aflion Blue Sky vs. HMX Cloud - 50g
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the HMX Cloud - 50g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Blue Sky and the HMX Cloud - 50g stand out as notable linear options, each offering distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Aflion Blue Sky is renowned for its long pole stem, delivering a crystal clear linear typing experience characterized by a sparkling sound profile and an exquisitely smooth push feel. This switch leans towards a high-pitched, polished tone, making it an excellent choice for users who appreciate clarity in both feel and sound. In contrast, the HMX Cloud - 50g, with its clacky sound profile, provides a lighter variant that appeals to enthusiasts who enjoy a brighter typing experience, enhanced by its silky smooth feel. While the Blue Sky offers a more refined typing experience, the Cloud - 50g brings a more lively auditory enjoyment to the table, allowing typists to immerse themselves in a vibrant typing atmosphere. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
The Aflion Blue Sky and the HMX Cloud - 50g employ distinct housing materials that greatly influence their sound profiles and overall tactile experiences. The Blue Sky utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate results in clear resonance, making it particularly effective for RGB lighting setups due to its translucency. Conversely, the HMX Cloud - 50g features a nylon top housing, known for its ability to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics like polycarbonate. This engagement creates a richer and fuller sound profile that tends to be rounder and more muted when typing. The contrast in material choices showcases how the feel and auditory feedback of each switch can significantly differ based on the top housing material.
Both switches employ a nylon bottom housing, which provides a consistent attribute between the two. The nylon used in the bottom housings of both the Blue Sky and the Cloud - 50g brings a deep, enveloping sound quality that enhances the typist's experience by absorbing more vibration and sound. This shared material directly impacts the bottom-out sound and feel, resulting in a duller resonance compared to the sharpness of the polycarbonate top on the Blue Sky. Even though the bottom housings are the same material in both switches, the characteristics of the top housings create a unique separation in sound and feel that typists will notice when using these switches.
Ultimately, while the Aflion Blue Sky and HMX Cloud - 50g differ significantly in their top housing materials—polycarbonate versus nylon—they both achieve a deeper, fuller sound experience thanks to the nylon utilized in their bottom housings. Users can expect the Blue Sky to deliver a sharper sound when key releases occur due to its polycarbonate top, while the Cloud - 50g’s nylon top will provide a more muted sound profile. When combined with the softening effect of the nylon bottom housing, both switches still produce a satisfying tactile experience, allowing users to enjoy a variety of sound characteristics based on the combination of housing materials. Thus, while they offer contrasting aesthetics and auditory qualities, both switches can successfully deliver exceptional and enjoyable typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch, notable differences emerge 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, categorizing it as a medium option. In contrast, the HMX Cloud - 50g boasts a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that while the Blue Sky provides a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, the Cloud - 50g offers a lighter touch, which can be advantageous for users seeking comfort during extended typing or gaming sessions. Overall, those who prefer a lighter touch should lean toward the HMX Cloud - 50g, while those who appreciate a heftier feel might favor the Aflion Blue Sky.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance at 3.9 mm. This makes the Blue Sky switch the longer option, providing a more pronounced keypress experience that some users may find more satisfying. The Cloud - 50g, with its shorter travel distance, offers a more responsive feel, which can be an advantage for gamers seeking quicker actuation. While both switches cater to different preferences, the Blue Sky may be better suited for those who enjoy a deeper press, whereas the HMX Cloud - 50g would be ideal for those who prefer a faster response time from their keys. Overall, the choice between these switches ultimately depends on individual taste regarding key travel depth 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 - 50g 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 - 50g 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 considering the sound profile of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch, it offers a high-pitched sound that produces a sharp and crisp tone, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a brighter auditory experience. The sound is not overly bass-heavy, which can be appealing if you're looking to avoid rich, boomy acoustics. In contrast, the HMX Cloud - 50g switch has a clacky sound profile, appealing to those who enjoy a more engaging and vivid auditory feedback during typing. However, without specific descriptions of the Cloud - 50g's sound characteristics, one cannot definitively compare both switches on this facet; the subjective experience may vary depending on the keyboard and keycap choices.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Blue Sky switches provide a mild yet polished typing experience. They offer a gentle touch, making them accessible for both beginners and experienced typists. The polished nature of the switch ensures a sleek and refined sensation, with reduced friction enhancing the smoothness of each keystroke. While the HMX Cloud - 50g is noted for its silky smooth feel, specifics about its characteristics are lacking, leaving one to infer that it may also provide a comfortable typing experience. Nevertheless, the absence of detailed descriptions means that readers would need to sample the HMX Cloud - 50g to fully understand its tactile properties.
In summary, both the Aflion Blue Sky and HMX Cloud - 50g switches aim to create enjoyable typing experiences with their smoothness, but they differ in sound profiles, with the Blue Sky favoring a high-pitched clarity and the Cloud - 50g providing a clacky, engaging auditory feedback. The Blue Sky stands out for its polished feel, while the feel of the Cloud - 50g remains somewhat ambiguous. Ultimately, your choice may hinge on personal preference for sound and tactile experience, and trying out both switches can help you determine which best suits your typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the experience you're seeking. If you enjoy a medium bottom-out force and crave a typing experience that feels smooth while delivering an exquisite sound profile, the Blue Sky is a fantastic option. Its long pole stem offers a crystal clear linear feel that many find alluring, especially if you appreciate a higher-pitched sound that avoids the more bassy profiles. This switch is well-suited for both home and work environments, making it a versatile choice for a range of users. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter actuation and enjoy a clacky sound profile that adds a bright character to your typing, the Cloud - 50g might be your best bet. This switch excels when you desire a silky smooth touch, and it's particularly enjoyable for enthusiasts who prefer a lively auditory feedback. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize a refined and polished feel with a slight sound hint (Blue Sky) or a light, vibrant experience that energizes your typing (Cloud - 50g).
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