Aflion Blue Sky vs. HMX Jelly
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the HMX Jelly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Blue Sky and HMX Jelly both offer unique linear experiences that cater to different preferences among enthusiasts. The Aflion Blue Sky is celebrated for its long pole stem, delivering a crystal clear typing experience characterized by a high-pitched, polished sound profile and an exquisitely smooth push feel. This makes it an attractive choice for users seeking a slightly more vibrant auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the HMX Jelly is designed with a low-pitched, thocky sound signature that resonates deeply, providing a satisfying auditory response that many find pleasurable. Its lightweight nature, combined with a mere 42g actuation force, allows for effortless keystrokes, making it ideal for those who favor swift, smooth typing. Both switches have their merits and may appeal to different typing styles; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T2
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 extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Blue Sky and HMX Jelly switches utilize distinctly different materials for their top housing, giving each switch its unique auditory character. The Blue Sky's top housing is crafted from polycarbonate, a stiff plastic known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This material contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound, ideal for users who enjoy a brighter auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the Jelly uses nylon for its top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer composition absorbs sound more effectively than the stiffer polycarbonate, offering a rounder and more muted auditory feedback that may appeal to users seeking a softer typing experience.
Despite the differences in their top housing, both the Blue Sky and Jelly switches share the same nylon bottom housing. The nylon bottom contributes a deeper, fuller sound profile across both models, as it absorbs sound well and delivers a softer acoustic response. This shared characteristic means that regardless of the differences in top material, both switches will yield a similar bottom-out feel and sound, emphasizing the consistent auditory experience associated with nylon. Thus, when utilizing these switches, users can expect a deeper sound resonance from the lower portion of both switches, offering satisfying tactile feedback during use.
To summarize, while the Aflion Blue Sky and HMX Jelly switches differ in their top housing materials—polycarbonate versus nylon—they deliver a shared auditory experience from their nylon bottom housings. The contrasting sounds produced by the top housings provide variety, with the Blue Sky offering a sharper, crisper experience, and the Jelly providing a more muted, soft sound. Ultimately, this combination illustrates how the materials chosen for a tactile interface can significantly influence the overall typing experience, balancing the unique characteristics of each switch type. Users can select the switch that best suits their personal preferences for sound and feel, knowing that there is a consistent element between them.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch to the HMX Jelly linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces become apparent. The Blue Sky features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, positioning it as a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the HMX Jelly has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it a more accessible option for prolonged use, such as during lengthy typing sessions or extended gaming. This means typists and gamers who prefer lighter switches may find the Jelly more comfortable over time. As for the bottom out forces, the Blue Sky's heavier force of 60 grams provides a more substantial feel, while the Jelly's 48 grams offers a softer landing. Ultimately, those desiring a more robust typing experience might gravitate towards the Blue Sky, while those valuing lighter pressure will likely favor the Jelly.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Jelly linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Blue Sky provides a deeper feel when pressed, making it more suitable for users who prefer a hearty depth when typing or gaming. Conversely, the Jelly's shorter travel distance may appeal to those who favor a more responsive feel for quicker key actuation, a trait often sought after by gamers. While both switches are designed to cater to different user preferences, the Blue Sky’s 4 mm travel distance makes it the longer option, while the Jelly’s 3.8 mm travel distance is the shorter one. Overall, if you're looking for a more pronounced feedback, the Blue Sky would be the better choice, whereas the Jelly could offer the rapid response some users desire.
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 Jelly has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jelly 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, you can expect a distinctly high-pitched, sharp, and crisp auditory feedback when typing. This sound signature is often described as sparkling, making it a delightful choice for those who prefer a more elevated acoustic experience. In contrast, the HMX Jelly linear switch offers a low-pitched, deep, thocky sound that resonates differently. Its more bass-heavy quality gives it a rich, full-bodied auditory character that many users find satisfying. While personal preference plays a significant role in sound enjoyment, the difference between the two creates distinct environments depending on your choice, ranging from the airy clarity of the Blue Sky to the solid resonance of the Jelly.
Regarding the typing feel, the Blue Sky switch provides a mild and polished experience. The mild actuation results in a gentle typing sensation that is approachable for users at any skill level, paired with a polished finish that enhances smooth key travel. This combination allows for a seamless typing experience with minimal friction. On the other hand, details about the feel of the Jelly switch are unknown. However, the noteworthy lightweight feel, with a 42g actuation force, suggests that the Jelly would offer an easy and responsive typing experience, appealing to those who prefer lighter switches.
In conclusion, while both the Aflion Blue Sky and HMX Jelly linear switches present unique sound and feel characteristics, they cater to different preferences. The Blue Sky leans towards a high-pitched clarity and a smooth typing experience, while the Jelly brings in a bass-rich audio profile and lightweight feel. Their contrasts in sound and feel will help you determine which switch resonates more with your individual typing style, creating a keyboard experience tailored to your preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you're looking for a switch that provides a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, a crisp high-pitched sound profile, and a polished typing experience, the Aflion Blue Sky is an excellent choice. It caters well to those who enjoy a slightly more tactile feedback while still benefiting from a smooth push feel, making it suitable for both typing and gaming scenarios. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter, more effortless keystroke with a bottom-out force of just 48 grams and a deep, thocky sound signature, you’ll likely gravitate towards the HMX Jelly switch. Its factory lubrication ensures a super smooth experience, ideal for prolonged typing sessions or a more relaxed gaming environment. Ultimately, consider your typing style, sound preference, and the environment in which you will be using your keyboard to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard journey.
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