Aflion Blue Sky vs. HMX EVA

Overview

When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often comes down to personal preferences in sound and feel. The Aflion Blue Sky, a linear switch, is celebrated for its long pole stem that delivers not only a crystal clear typing experience but also a sparkling sound profile, characterized as high-pitched and polished. It's an ideal choice for users who appreciate a smooth typing action with an appealing auditory feedback. On the other hand, the HMX EVA, also a linear switch, takes inspiration from the vibrant colors of the iconic Evangelion Unit-01, presenting a resonant sound signature that complements its silky smooth type feel. While both switches offer a linear experience, the Blue Sky leans into a bright sound profile, making it suitable for users who enjoy a bit of flair, whereas the EVA caters to those seeking a more subdued and artistic 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

Aflion Blue Sky Linear

HMX EVA Linear

$6.00

$4.07 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Aflion Blue Sky and HMX EVA switches showcase distinct differences in their materials for the top housing, while both utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which enhances their acoustic characteristics. The Blue Sky employs a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper, crisper sound profile due to its stiff nature. This feature allows for heightened clarity and resonance, particularly advantageous when using RGB lighting, as polycarbonate's translucency amplifies visual effects. In contrast, the EVA utilizes a nylon top housing, a classic choice that contributes to a warmer, more muted sound profile. With nylon's softer texture, it absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience compared to the Blue Sky's more vibrant output.

On the bottom housing front, both the Blue Sky and EVA utilize nylon, which contributes to a more subdued sound profile commonly associated with softer materials. This similarity allows both switches to create a consistent, rounded sound when bottoming out, leading to a familiar feel during typing. The nylon material excels in dampening sound, enhancing the overall typing experience by reducing acoustic sharpness and adding depth. Although the effect of nylon is comparable between the two, the standout difference lies in how this sound is influenced further by the respective top housing materials, with the EVA providing a more enveloped experience compared to the brighter tonal quality of the Blue Sky.

When evaluating the combined effects of the housing materials in the Aflion Blue Sky and HMX EVA, it becomes clear that while they share nylon for the bottom housing, the contrasting top materials yield notably different results. The crisper sound profile of the Blue Sky, thanks to its polycarbonate top, provides a bright acoustic quality that pairs well with the deeper tones produced by the nylon bottom. In comparison, the EVA’s nylon top reinforces its rounder sound profile, producing a denser auditory experience. Therefore, despite the similarities in the bottom housing, the unique characteristics of each switch are primarily shaped by the distinctive materials used in the top housing, leading to appealing sound profiles for different typing preferences.

Weight

The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the HMX EVA linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, reflecting their intended use preferences. The Blue Sky features a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, offering a more substantial typing experience that may appeal to users who prefer a stronger push feel. Conversely, the EVA switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions without fatigue. This makes the EVA a preferable choice for those who prioritize speed and comfort, particularly in work or gaming environments. While both switches demonstrate unique characteristics, if one were to compare actuation and bottom out forces, it is clear that the Blue Sky is heavier than the EVA, leading to differing experiences in user preference and tactile feedback.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the HMX EVA linear switch, we observe a distinct difference: the Blue Sky features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the EVA has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Blue Sky the longer option, ideal for users who appreciate a deeper feel when typing, which can provide a more satisfying input experience. On the other hand, the EVA’s 3.6 mm travel distance caters to those who prefer a more responsive keypress—a characteristic particularly favored by gamers seeking quicker response times. Ultimately, while both switches serve their unique preferences, the key distinction lies in the travel distance, where the Blue Sky offers a more pronounced depth, and the EVA allows for swifter engagement.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch has a distinguishing high-pitched quality that delivers a sharp and crisp auditory feedback. This makes it a great choice for those who are looking to avoid richer, bassy sound profiles commonly found in other switches. Some users may also find its neutral sound characteristics suitable for both professional and casual settings, allowing for versatility whether at home or in the office. In contrast, the sound profile of the HMX EVA linear switch remains unreported, leaving unknowns about how it might compare in terms of auditory experience. The performance of both switches can also be influenced by the choice of keyboard board and keycap materials, meaning that the overall sound experience can vary significantly.

In terms of feel, the Blue Sky switch offers a mild typing experience that is approachable for most users, making it good for both beginners and seasoned typists. Its polished nature contributes to a refined and smooth feel, enhancing the overall typing experience by reducing friction during key travel. The careful design and possibly factory lubing further add to its appeal. The HMX EVA switch, however, lacks specific descriptors related to its feel, leaving its tactile feedback and overall typing experience less defined in comparison.

Considering all available information, users can expect the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch to deliver a bright sound profile coupled with a comfortable and smooth typing experience, ideal for a range of applications. The HMX EVA linear switch has an enticing resonant sound signature and a silky feel, but more details are needed to fully compare its performance. While the Blue Sky offers clear advantages in both sound and feel, the EVA switch's attributes remain somewhat of a mystery, leaving potential users intrigued yet uncertain. Ultimately, both switches provide linear typing experiences, but the choice between them will depend on personal preference for sound and feel qualities.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Aflion Blue Sky and the HMX EVA linear switches ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you appreciate a typing experience that combines clarity with a smooth push feel, the Blue Sky is an excellent choice, thanks to its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams and polished design that ensures reduced friction. This switch is ideal for those who enjoy a high-pitched sound profile, offering a sophisticated yet gentle typing experience that is well-suited for both office settings and personal use. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter touch and a more resonant sound, the HMX EVA, with its 48-gram bottom-out force, provides a silky smooth feel that's great for extended typing sessions. The EVA is perfect for those who enjoy a switch that reflects an artistic flair, reminiscent of the iconic Evangelion theme. In the end, select the Blue Sky for a balanced blend of sound and feel, while opting for the EVA if you prioritize a lighter actuation and distinctive character in your typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Aflion Blue Sky Linear

$6.00

$4.07 per 10

Learn more

HMX EVA Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more