Aflion Blue Sky vs. HMX Lotus (Heavy)

Overview

When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between various options, each offering unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Aflion Blue Sky switch stands out with its long pole stem, delivering a crystal clear linear typing experience marked by a sparkling sound profile and an exquisitely smooth push feel. Ideal for users seeking a refined auditory experience and a fluid keystroke, this switch can elevate both typing and gaming sessions. In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch offers a medium-heavy actuation weight of 62.5g and produces a bright, resonant sound, creating a notably bouncy feel that promises to make each keystroke a delightful interaction. While the Blue Sky focuses on a polished and high-pitched acoustic signature, the Lotus (Heavy) emphasizes a more robust feedback and an engaging auditory response. Ultimately, your choice between these two linear switches will depend on whether you prioritize a refined typing tone and smoothness or a bouncy, resonant experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Aflion Blue Sky Linear

HMX Lotus (Heavy) Linear

$6.00

$4.07 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Blue Sky and the HMX Lotus (Heavy), an interesting contrast emerges, particularly in their top housing. The Blue Sky features a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This quality stems from polycarbonate's rigidity, which allows for clearer and more resonant sound transmission. In contrast, the Lotus (Heavy) employs a nylon top housing, which is recognized for delivering a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound rather than amplifying it, resulting in a rounder sound. Therefore, the choice of housing materials influences not only the auditory experience when typing but also the aesthetic appeal, particularly in scenarios involving RGB lighting. The translucency of the polycarbonate in the Blue Sky enhances visual effects, making it ideal for those who appreciate illuminated keyboards.

On the contrary, both the Aflion Blue Sky and HMX Lotus (Heavy) share a commonality when it comes to their bottom housing, as both utilize nylon. This uniformity results in a similar deep and full sound profile from the bottom housing, regardless of the differing characteristics of the top housings. The nylon material, well-known for its sound-absorbing qualities, contributes to a muted and rounded acoustic experience. Since the bottom housing is where the typing feel is most impacted, users will find that both switches provide a plush, cushioned feel when bottoming out. Consequently, while the top housing presents contrasting results in sound flair, the bottom housing ensures a consistent and familiar sound quality.

In essence, the design choices for the materials in both switches illustrate how different plastics interact to create varying auditory profiles. The polycarbonate top housing of the Blue Sky enhances clarity and brightness, making it suitable for typists who prefer a clearer sound. Meanwhile, the nylon top housing of the Lotus (Heavy) promotes a warmer, more subdued acoustic experience. However, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that regardless of the top housing's influence, users will enjoy a satisfying, rounded sound when the keys are pressed. Thus, while the switches may cater to different sound preferences primarily due to their top housings, they harmonize through their similar bottom housing material, ensuring a cohesive typing experience overall.

Weight

The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch present a notable comparison 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, while the Lotus (Heavy) has a slightly higher actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams. This means that the Blue Sky is the lighter switch, making it potentially more suitable for users who prefer a gentler touch, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Lotus (Heavy) offers a stronger push feel due to its heavier forces, appealing to those who desire a more substantial typing experience. While both switches have medium resistance levels, the differences in their actuation and bottom out forces suggest that the Blue Sky will provide a lighter and arguably smoother experience, whereas the Lotus will require more effort, catering to preferences for a firmer keystroke.

Travel distance

The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference of 0.5 mm means that the Aflion Blue Sky offers a more pronounced keystroke, which might appeal to users who prefer a deeper, more tactile experience when typing. In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) is designed for quicker response times, making it an attractive option for gamers who might favor the shorter distance for rapid activation. Ultimately, if you gravitate towards a more substantial feel, the Blue Sky would be the better choice, whereas those seeking a more responsive and quicker keystroke may prefer the Lotus.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch excels with its bright and high-pitched auditory profile, delivering a sharp and crisp sound with each keystroke. This makes it particularly appealing to users who prefer a more defined and clear auditory feedback from their typing experiences. The Blue Sky’s sound can be perceived as neutral, suitable for various environments, whether at home or in a professional setting. On the other hand, while the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch is noted for its bright, resonant characteristics, specific descriptors are not provided. However, its association with a lively sound suggests it may complement a dynamic typing experience, likely differing from the more subdued profile of the Blue Sky.

When we address the feel of these switches, the Aflion Blue Sky shines with its mild yet polished typing experience. This means that the switch offers a smooth and refined feel, allowing for reduced friction and effortless key travel. The gentle characteristics of the Blue Sky make it very approachable, especially for newcomers to mechanical keyboards who might prefer an easy transition. Conversely, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch does not have specific qualitative descriptors regarding its feel available. However, the mention of a "super bouncy" sensation implies a responsive and energizing typing experience, likely providing a different tactile feedback compared to the more subdued features of the Blue Sky.

In conclusion, both the Aflion Blue Sky and HMX Lotus (Heavy) offer appealing attributes that cater to different preferences. The Blue Sky focuses on a bright, crisp sound with a mild and polished typing feel, making it suitable for those who appreciate clarity and smoothness. In contrast, the Lotus (Heavy), while it presents a resonant sound and engaging feel, lacks further specifics that would allow for direct comparisons in certain aspects. Ultimately, both switches will provide satisfying experiences, albeit with their unique auditory and tactile characteristics that can enhance one’s typing journey depending on individual preferences.

Conclusion

To sum up, your choice between the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch should depend largely on your typing preferences and the environment in which you plan to use your keyboard. If you prioritize a smooth and polished feel with a crystal-clear sound profile, the Blue Sky is ideal for you. This switch is particularly suitable for those who enjoy a gentle typing experience that is approachable for both beginners and seasoned typists alike. The moderate bottom-out force of 60 grams ensures that it won't be excessively tiring during long typing sessions, making it a solid choice for both work and casual use. On the other hand, if you seek a more tactile and bouncy keystroke with a bit more resistance, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) will likely be more satisfying. With its slightly heavier bottom-out force of 62.5 grams, it provides a more pronounced experience that can enhance typing speed and accuracy, especially for those who enjoy a more substantial feedback while typing. Additionally, the bright, resonant sound profile may add an extra layer of enjoyment to your keystrokes. Thus, consider your personal typing style and sound preferences when making your selection between these two engaging switch options.

Mentioned in this article

Aflion Blue Sky Linear

$6.00

$4.07 per 10

Learn more

HMX Lotus (Heavy) Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more