Aflion Blue Sky vs. HMX Poro
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the HMX Poro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Aflion Blue Sky and HMX Poro stand out as two intriguing options in the realm of linear switches. The Blue Sky is celebrated for its long pole stem that creates a crystal clear typing experience, characterized by a sparkling sound profile and a beautifully smooth push feel. Ideal for those who crave a balanced auditory feedback and polished tactile response, these switches embody a high-pitched yet neutral sound that can enhance the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Poro offers a distinctly different approach, boasting ultra-light actuation forces that provide a silky smooth keystroke, meticulously lubricated for an effortless glide. With a satisfyingly poppy and clacky sound profile, the Poro appeals to users who appreciate a lively audial touch in their typing. While both switches cater to different preferences—whether it's the crisp clarity of the Blue Sky or the effortless smoothness of the Poro—each brings unique qualities to the table. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect 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
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Blue Sky and HMX Poro switches offer contrasting sound profiles, largely attributed to the different compositions of their top housings. The Blue Sky utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, a stiffer plastic that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when typing. This quality is particularly advantageous for users who seek a more vibrant auditory experience, especially when RGB lighting is involved, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows light to diffuse beautifully through the housing. Conversely, the Poro's nylon top housing offers a much different approach, as nylon is known for its softer consistency, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This divergence in material leads to significant differences in the acoustic behaviors of these two switches, creating distinct auditory experiences for users while typing.
When examining the bottom housings of both switches, it becomes evident that they share similarities that unify their sound profiles. Both the Blue Sky and the Poro feature nylon bottom housings, which elicit a deep and rounded sound experience due to the absorptive qualities of nylon. The use of this softer plastic provides a duller sound that can soften the overall typing experience, mitigating the harsher notes the top housing materials might introduce. This compatibility in bottom housing materials ensures that, despite the differences in their top housings, the resulting sound produced when bottoming out will have a fullness and depth characteristic of nylon's acoustic properties.
Overall, the contrasting top housings of the Blue Sky and Poro create varied sound profiles, where the polycarbonate offers clarity and brightness and the nylon brings depth and softness. However, the consistent use of nylon in their bottom housings allows for a shared acoustic foundation, resulting in a cohesive typing experience regardless of the differences in the upper sections of the switches. Users can expect a nuanced auditory experience when typing, influenced by the top material, while still benefiting from a solidly resonant base provided by the nylon bottom housing, making both switches appealing in their own unique ways.
Weight
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch demonstrate notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces that cater to varying preferences among users. 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 Poro switch offers a lighter typing experience with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This distinction makes the Poro more suitable for those who favor a lighter touch, which can be beneficial for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming. Conversely, users who appreciate a more substantial feel in their keystrokes may opt for the heavier Blue Sky switch, as it provides a stronger push that contributes to a more tactile typing experience. Overall, if you prefer lighter switches for comfort, the Poro would be more advantageous, while the Blue Sky might appeal to those seeking a heftier resistance.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch features a travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the HMX Poro linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This difference means that the Blue Sky provides a more pronounced feel when pressing down on a key, appealing to users who prefer a deeper, more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Poro's shorter 3.7 mm travel distance may cater to gamers or users seeking faster response times, as the reduced distance can facilitate quicker key presses. Consequently, if you enjoy a more responsive feel, the Poro might be the better choice, whereas the Blue Sky would suit those who appreciate a hearty depth in their key presses. Ultimately, the Blue Sky switch offers the longer travel distance at 4.0 mm, while the Poro is the shorter option at 3.7 mm.
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 Poro has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Poro 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 is recognized for its sparkling sound profile, which can be characterized as high-pitched and neutral. This produces a sharp, crisp auditory experience that appeals to users who prefer less bass in their typing sounds. On the other hand, while the HMX Poro switch is noted for its satisfyingly poppy and clacky sound profile, no specific descriptors are provided. Given this, the Poro may offer a more engaging sound experience, although the lack of detailed sound descriptors makes it hard to draw definitive comparisons.
When it comes to the feel of each switch, the Blue Sky stands out with its mild and polished characteristics, ensuring a gentle and approachable typing experience. The polished nature of the switch contributes to a smooth, effortless key travel, enhanced by the switch's factory lubing. Conversely, while the HMX Poro switch is said to feature silky smooth keystrokes, there is no additional descriptive information regarding its tactile feedback or overall feel. Therefore, the Blue Sky's refined qualities are clearly stated, while the specific tactile sensations of the Poro remain uncertain.
In conclusion, both the Aflion Blue Sky and HMX Poro linear switches cater to users looking for a smooth typing experience, albeit with differing sound profiles. The Blue Sky offers a polished and mild feel combined with a sparkling auditory signature, which may appeal to those desiring a less intrusive noise level while typing. The Poro, with its enjoyable poppy sound and apparent smoothness, suggests a potentially complementary experience, however, the lack of detailed descriptors makes it less straightforward to compare directly. Ultimately, those interested in either of these switches can expect a satisfying linear typing experience, but personal preference will likely determine which switch is the better fit.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch will ultimately depend on your personal preferences and typing style. If you seek a moderate typing experience with a bit of a pop and crisp sound, the Blue Sky is an excellent option. With its 60-gram bottom-out force, it offers a satisfying tactile feedback that balances between firm resistance and smooth travel, making it a solid choice for both typing and gaming. This switch excels in providing a clear auditory and tactile experience without overwhelming your senses. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and a silky smooth keystroke, the HMX Poro, with its 50-gram bottom-out force, is likely your go-to. This switch is designed for those who desire effortless key presses and a poppy sound profile, perfect for long typing sessions or casual gaming where speed is of the essence. Ultimately, whether you gravitate towards the more nuanced feedback of the Blue Sky or the fluidity of the Poro, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different user preferences.
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