Aflion Blue Sky vs. HMX Lotus
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the HMX Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to comparing and contrasting mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Blue Sky and the HMX Lotus both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Blue Sky's linear switch is known for its long pole stem, providing a crystal clear typing experience with a sparkling sound profile and smooth push feel. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus linear switch offers a medium weight of 50g bottom out, delivering a bright, resonant sound and a super bouncy feeling with every keystroke. Each switch has its own strengths, whether it be the polished and high-pitched nature of the Blue Sky or the bouncy and bright attributes of the Lotus. 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
45g
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
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
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 Lotus are quite different in terms of the top housing. The Blue Sky utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. In contrast, the Lotus features a nylon top housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. The polycarbonate top housing of the Blue Sky is stiff, creating a clear and resonant sound, while the softer nylon material of the Lotus absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. These differences in top housing material greatly impact the overall sound profile and typing experience of each switch.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing, both the Blue Sky and the Lotus use nylon material. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it absorbs more sound than harder plastics. Therefore, both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of bottom-out sound and feel. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of these switches ensures that users will experience a consistent typing experience across different keys, regardless of the switch they are using.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile and typing experience. The differences between the polycarbonate top housing of the Blue Sky and the nylon top housing of the Lotus result in distinct sound profiles, while the shared nylon bottom housing ensures a consistent typing experience. Whether one prefers a sharper and crisper sound or a deeper and fuller sound, both the Blue Sky and the Lotus offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch, it is clear that the Lotus is the lighter option of the two. The Blue Sky has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Lotus has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Lotus requires less force to trigger a keystroke and to fully press the key down compared to the Blue Sky. Some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Lotus for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may prefer the slightly heavier feel of the Blue Sky for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In terms of comparison, the Blue Sky has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Lotus, which may provide a more substantial feel when typing. On the other hand, the Lotus offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which can result in a quicker response time, making it a favorite among gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference - whether you prioritize a deeper keypress with the Blue Sky or a quicker response with the Lotus. Both switches offer different advantages, so it is important to choose based on your specific needs.
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 Lotus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lotus 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 Lotus linear switch, it is clear that the Blue Sky offers a high-pitched and crisp sound profile, perfect for those who prefer a sharper sound when typing. On the other hand, the Lotus switch from HMX provides a bright and resonant sound, creating a more bouncy feeling with each keystroke. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles, catering to different preferences.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Blue Sky offers a mild and polished typing experience, with a smooth and refined finish that provides a gentle typing experience. These qualities make the Blue Sky switches approachable to most users, striking a balance between comfort and performance. While the feel of the Lotus switch is unknown, based on the description provided, it can be inferred that it offers a super bouncy feeling, potentially providing a more dynamic typing experience compared to the Blue Sky.
Overall, both the Aflion Blue Sky and HMX Lotus linear switches offer unique sound and feel characteristics, catering to different preferences and typing styles. Whether you prioritize a high-pitched sound profile and a polished feel, or a bright and resonant sound with a bouncy feeling, both switches will provide a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the best choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing habits.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a medium bottom out force, the Blue Sky with 60 grams may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, the Lotus with 50 grams could be more suitable. Additionally, take into account the sound and feel characteristics of each switch. The Blue Sky offers a high-pitched sound and a mild, polished feel, providing a clear and smooth typing experience. Meanwhile, the Lotus offers a bright, resonant sound for a super bouncy feeling with a medium weight and other yet-to-be-determined feel characteristics. Ultimately, your decision should align with your typing preferences and desired typing experience.
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