Aflion Blue Sky vs. HMX Lucky
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the HMX Lucky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Blue Sky and the HMX Lucky each present unique advantages for typists and gamers alike, despite both being categorized as linear switches. The Aflion Blue Sky is renowned for its long pole stem, resulting in a crystal clear typing experience that is characterized by a sparkling sound profile and an exquisitely smooth push feel. This switch's high-pitched, neutral, and polished qualities make it an appealing choice for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback without sacrificing tactile comfort. In contrast, the HMX Lucky features a softer, glittery nylon housing, delivering a lightweight and neutral typing experience that many find deeply satisfying. The Lucky switch is perfect for those who prioritize a more understated feel while still enjoying the advantages of linearity, providing a seamless and enjoyable typing session. Both switches cater to distinct preferences, offering their own flavors of linearity to enhance your typing or gaming vibe; 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
37g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
43g
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
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 double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Blue Sky and the HMX Lucky switches showcase distinct differences in their top housing materials, which significantly influence their sound profiles during use. The Blue Sky features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and translucence, producing a sharper, more resonant sound. This characteristic makes it particularly suitable for setups that utilize RGB lighting, as the clarity of the polycarbonate allows the light to shine through effectively. In contrast, the Lucky's top housing is made of nylon, a traditional switch material that provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer properties. Here, nylon tends to absorb sound rather than reflect it, leading to a more muted auditory experience. Therefore, while the Blue Sky excels in clarity and brightness, the Lucky offers richness and warmth in its sound signature.
In terms of bottom housings, both the Blue Sky and the Lucky utilize nylon, creating a cohesive auditory experience when typing. This similarity results in a deeper sound profile for both switches, as the nylon's softer plastic nature contributes to a fuller and rounder sound. Consequently, regardless of the top housing material, the bottom halves of both switches resonate similarly, emphasizing that the characteristics of nylon contribute significantly to the overall tactile feel and sound during key presses. Since the bottom housing has a more pronounced impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, users can expect comparable depth when bottoming out the keys of either switch.
Overall, the differences in top housing materials lead to contrasting sound profiles, but the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing establishes a unique synergy between the two switches. The polycarbonate top of the Blue Sky articulates a clearer sound as you release the key, while the nylon top of the Lucky provides a more subdued auditory experience. However, the commonality in bottom housing materials ensures that both switches remain effective for users seeking a deeper sound profile during typing. Therefore, despite their differing characteristics, both the Aflion Blue Sky and HMX Lucky switches can provide satisfying and effective results, appealing to different preferences among users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Blue Sky features a higher actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as a medium switch. In contrast, the Lucky switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. As a result, the Lucky is the lighter option, while the Blue Sky is the heavier one. Both switches provide distinct force experiences: the Blue Sky offers a more substantial feel, which some may find preferable for tactile feedback, while the Lucky's lower forces allow for quick key presses, ideal for those seeking comfort over extended periods.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch differ in their travel distances, with the Blue Sky measuring 4 mm, while the Lucky's travel distance is slightly shorter at 3.8 mm. This difference may influence user experience based on individual preferences; the Blue Sky offers a deeper press, which some users may find more satisfying or tactile, whereas the Lucky's shorter travel may appeal to gamers or those who favor quicker response times. If you prefer a more responsive feel during typing or gaming, the HMX Lucky would likely be the better option. Conversely, if you appreciate a more pronounced depth in your keystrokes, the Aflion Blue Sky would be the superior choice. Overall, the Blue Sky provides a longer travel distance, while the Lucky presents a shorter alternative, catering to different user preferences in tactile feedback.
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 Lucky has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lucky 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
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch delivers a sparkling and high-pitched sound profile, offering users a sharp, crisp auditory response that stands out from many bass-heavy alternatives. The sound is further complemented by its neutral quality, making it versatile for both beginners and experienced typists. This combination creates an engaging typing experience, although the overall acoustic performance can be influenced by factors such as the specific keyboard design and the choice of keycaps. In contrast, the HMX Lucky linear switch lacks specific sound description, leaving its auditory characteristics open for exploration. This uncertainty invites users to consider various configurations to determine how its softer nylon housing affects sound, potentially resulting in a unique auditory profile.
When it comes to feel, the Blue Sky switch boasts a mild and polished typing experience, expertly balancing gentleness and surface smoothness. This mild nature makes the switch approachable for a wide range of users, while the polished finish minimizes friction and ensures seamless key travel. The combination of these qualities allows for a refined tactile experience suitable for prolonged typing sessions. The HMX Lucky, however, does not have detailed descriptions of its feel, which leaves its tactile nuances and specific characteristics in question. Without further information, it's challenging to draw direct comparisons, but users may find the immersive satisfaction suggested by its lightweight and glittery housing appealing.
In summary, while the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch presents a well-defined auditory and tactile experience, the HMX Lucky switch remains somewhat enigmatic in its sound and feel qualities. The Blue Sky is ideal for those who appreciate a high-pitched, crisp auditory experience coupled with a smooth type feel, making it an excellent choice for various scenarios. In contrast, the Lucky switch may offer satisfying qualities when fully understood, inviting users to delve deeper into its specific characteristics. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences, but users can experiment to find harmonious results in their keyboard builds.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch, your personal preferences and typing style will heavily influence your choice. If you're looking for a more pronounced tactile experience with a balanced bottom-out force of 60 grams, the Blue Sky switches are ideal. They provide a crystal clear and polished typing experience with a high-pitched sound profile, making them particularly suited for users who appreciate a more spirited and engaging keystroke while typing in an environment where noise may not be an issue. Conversely, if you prefer a lighter and softer touch with a bottom-out force of only 43 grams, the Lucky switches would be a better fit. Their nylon housing contributes to a neutral and deeply satisfying typing experience, perfect for those who are sensitive to keystroke force or who engage in prolonged typing sessions. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches should reflect your typing needs and acoustic preferences, ensuring that your mechanical keyboard meets your specific requirements for comfort and performance.
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