Aflion Blue Sky vs. HMX Perky
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the HMX Perky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two compelling options stand out: the Aflion Blue Sky and the HMX Perky, both of which are linear switches designed to enhance your typing experience. The Blue Sky is celebrated for its long pole stem, offering a crystal clear linear typing experience characterized by a sparkling sound profile and an exquisitely smooth push feel. This makes it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a high-pitched, neutral sound while typing, providing an engaging auditory feedback. On the other hand, the HMX Perky, with its softer, glittery nylon housings, delivers a typing experience that is both neutral and deeply satisfying, thanks to its condensed travel distance. The Perky's clacky, polished, and silky characteristics cater to users who prefer a quicker, more responsive feel. While both switches have their unique attributes, they cater to different typing preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 the HMX Perky present distinctive sound profiles primarily due to their contrasting top housing materials. The Blue Sky features a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Polycarbonate's stiff nature contributes to its clear resonance, illuminating the RGB lighting beautifully due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Perky's nylon top housing defines a deeper and fuller sound profile, attributing to the material’s softer characteristics that absorb sound more effectively. This results in a duller and rounder auditory experience. In essence, while the Blue Sky amplifies brightness and clarity, the Perky capitalizes on warmth and depth, catering to different user preferences.
Both switches, however, share a similar nylon bottom housing, which enhances the overall typing experience across both models. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of the Blue Sky and the Perky contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as the material serves to absorb sound and impacts the bottom-out feel. As such, pressing down on either switch will produce that rounded auditory richness due to the commonality in their bottom housing. This convergence in material choice ensures that both switches retain a consistent feel when it comes to the tactile feedback they provide upon depression.
Ultimately, the combination of the different top and bottom housing materials in each switch creates unique sound profiles and tactile experiences tailored to individual preferences. The Blue Sky, with its polycarbonate top and nylon bottom, favors clarity with a robust bottom-out feedback, whereas the HMX Perky blends the soft textures of nylon in both top and bottom housings for a more muted, enveloped sound. Users who seek brightness in their typing experience might lean towards the Blue Sky, while those who prefer a softer, fuller typing sound may find the Perky more suitable. This distinction highlights how the strategic pairing of materials across the two models shapes their auditory characteristics and overall user experience.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch to the HMX Perky linear switch, notable differences arise in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Blue Sky features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, placing it in the medium range. In contrast, the Perky is lighter, with an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, categorizing it as a light switch. This lighter design of the Perky makes it more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming, as users may find it easier to press keys without fatigue. Conversely, the Blue Sky's heavier actuation and bottom out forces provide a more substantial feel, catering to individuals who prefer a pronounced tactile feedback while typing. Overall, if a user is inclined towards lighter switches for prolonged use, the HMX Perky would be the better choice, while those looking for a more robust experience might opt for the Aflion Blue Sky.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Perky linear switch measures 3.4 mm in travel distance. This means that the Blue Sky has a longer travel distance compared to the Perky, making it more suited for those who appreciate a deeper key feel that offers a more substantial feedback during typing. On the other hand, the Perky's shorter 3.4 mm travel distance caters to users who value quick response times, a characteristic often favored by gamers for faster actuation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges upon personal preference: if you prefer a more responsive feel, the HMX Perky would be the better option, while the Aflion Blue Sky would be ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced depth with each keystroke.
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 Perky has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Perky 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
In terms of sound, the Aflion Blue Sky switch produces a high-pitched, sparkling sound profile that is sharp and crisp, perfect for those who prefer a more defined auditory experience without the richness of bassy tones. It also has a neutral sound option, making it versatile for a variety of environments, whether at home or in a professional setting. On the other hand, the HMX Perky switch is characterized by its clacky sound, delivering a bright, snappy noise that is engaging and percussive. While both switches offer distinct sound qualities, the Blue Sky’s offering may be more suitable for those who enjoy a cleaner acoustical profile while the Perky is for users who appreciate a livelier sound.
When it comes to feel, both the Blue Sky and Perky switches excel with their polished characteristics. The Blue Sky’s typing experience is described as mild, making it approachable for all users, offering a seamless and smooth push feel. In contrast, the Perky brings a silky texture, enhancing the overall smoothness and minimizing resistance during key presses. Despite these differences, both switches ensure a refined typing experience, catering to users who value a smooth and enjoyable key travel.
In conclusion, while both the Aflion Blue Sky and HMX Perky linear switches highlight their unique sound and feel profiles, they also share similar refined qualities that result in a satisfying typing experience. The Blue Sky is well-suited for those who prefer a clearer sound and a mild feel, while the Perky stands out with its engaging clack and silky smoothness. Ultimately, selecting between these two will depend on personal preference for sound characteristics and the desired tactile experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch should ultimately hinge on your typing preferences and the intended use of your keyboard. If you prefer a medium bottom-out force with a sparkling sound profile, the Blue Sky switch will deliver a crystal-clear and polished typing experience that many find satisfying, especially if you're looking for a balance between typing feedback and sound quality. This switch is particularly suitable for environments where you want a high-pitched, clean sound without overwhelming your surroundings. Conversely, if you lean towards a lighter touch and desire a deeply satisfying yet neutral typing experience, the Perky switch is a fantastic choice. Its lower actuation force and shorter travel distance provide a condensed feel that some users might find more comfortable for rapid typing or gaming sequences. Additionally, the clacky sound profile of the Perky can enhance the excitement of your typing sessions. Therefore, assess your typing style, the ambiance of your workspace, and how you anticipate using your keyboard to make the best-informed decision between these two compelling options.
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