Aflion Blue Sky vs. HMX Sunset Gleam
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the HMX Sunset Gleam switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can greatly influence your typing experience, and two noteworthy options are the Aflion Blue Sky and the HMX Sunset Gleam. The Blue Sky is celebrated for its long pole stem that delivers a crystal-clear linear typing experience, accompanied by a high-pitched, sparkling sound profile and a notably smooth push feel. This combination makes it ideal for users seeking a refined and polished typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam, affectionately dubbed the Duck Duck switch, offers a delightful balance of materials yielding a subtle top-out and a satisfying clack, enhanced by the excellent factory lube renowned among HMX products. This switch categorization emphasizes its bouncy, silky feel and resonant sound, making it a compelling choice for those who appreciate auditory feedback while typing. Both switches cater to different preferences—whether you favor the clarity and smoothness of the Blue Sky or the tactile delight and resonance of the Sunset Gleam, each has its own merits. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
48g
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
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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 Aflion Blue Sky and HMX Sunset Gleam share a striking similarity in their choice of housing materials, particularly in the top housing made of polycarbonate. Both switches prominently utilize polycarbonate for their upper enclosures, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is a result of the stiffer nature of the polycarbonate, allowing for greater resonance and clarity in sound reproduction. Additionally, the translucent quality of the polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal of the switches, especially for users who incorporate RGB lighting into their setups. As a result, both the Blue Sky and Sunset Gleam can achieve similar outcomes regarding sound clarity and visual effectiveness due to their identical upper housing materials.
Contrastingly, while the top housings of both switches are the same, they also feature complementary differences in their bottom housings, both constructed from nylon. The nylon bottom housing in each switch yields a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon's softer composition absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics. This characteristic leads to a duller and rounder sound, enhancing the tactile experience when typing. Despite the shared nylon material, the overall sound experience will be further nuanced by the combination of polycarbonate on top and nylon below. Hence, while both switches offer a quality acoustic experience, the specific characteristics of their bottom housings contribute to unique sound profiles and feedback upon actuation.
In summary, the Aflion Blue Sky and HMX Sunset Gleam exhibit both similarities and differences in their housing materials. The identical polycarbonate top housings ensure that both switches provide a clear and vibrant sound signature while enhancing their visual appeal with RGB compatibility. On the other hand, the distinct nylon bottom housings create a pleasing contrast, as they impart a fuller, more rounded audio experience. When using either switch, the experience will blend the qualities of both housing types, allowing users to appreciate the harmonious interplay of materials that defines each switch's sound output and tactile feedback.
Weight
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch exhibit distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Blue Sky features a medium actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience, which may appeal to those who prefer a firmer feedback while typing or gaming. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam is lighter, with an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it more suitable for users who favor a lighter feel that allows for longer typing sessions with less strain. The difference in these forces indicates that the Sunset Gleam is the lighter option overall, while the Blue Sky delivers a heavier feedback. Users looking for a more responsive and effortless typing experience would benefit from the Sunset Gleam, whereas those who appreciate a stronger push should consider the Blue Sky.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, we find that the Blue Sky has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sunset Gleam measures at 3.5 mm. This means the Blue Sky offers a longer travel distance, appealing to users who appreciate a more pronounced keystroke, which can enhance tactile feedback during typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Sunset Gleam's shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm caters to those who seek quicker response times, making it a preferred choice for gamers aiming for rapid actions. Ultimately, if you favor a deeper, more substantial feel when pressing down on keys, the Blue Sky would be the better option, whereas the Sunset Gleam may be ideal for those who prefer a more immediate and responsive typing experience.
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 Sunset Gleam has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sunset Gleam 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 linear switch offers a high-pitched, sparkling profile that allows for a crisp and clear auditory experience, making it ideal for users who prefer a sharper sound to the more bass-heavy profiles found in some other switches. This makes it especially suitable for quieter environments, as the sound is bright yet not overbearing. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam delivers a resonant sound that is equally sharp but with a slightly immersive quality. While the Sunset Gleam also provides a higher-pitched sound, it has a more pronounced clack that can enhance the typing experience. Both switches tend to produce a clean, clear sound, although the specific character of the sound may vary depending on the keyboard and keycaps used.
When considering feel, the Blue Sky switch is designed to provide a mild, polished experience, which results in a gentle typing sensation that is approachable for users of all levels. Its smooth push feel, combined with reduced friction, makes for a refined typing experience that many find comfortable for long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Sunset Gleam is characterized by a bouncy, silky sensation that provides a lively rebound when pressed, enhancing the tactile feedback. Its polished finish also contributes to a smooth overall feel, but the additional bounciness may give it a more dynamic and engaging typing experience compared to the Blue Sky's more subdued characteristics.
In summary, both the Aflion Blue Sky and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. The Blue Sky features a sparkling high-pitched sound and a smooth, mild feel, ideal for users who prioritize a refined experience. Conversely, the Sunset Gleam offers a resonant sound profile with lively bounciness and a silky touch, perfect for those seeking a more dynamic typing feel. Ultimately, while these switches differ in their auditory and tactile characteristics, they both promise an enjoyable linear experience that can suit a wide range of users based on individual preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and intended usage. If you value a balanced typing experience with a medium actuation force of 60 grams, the Blue Sky switch is an excellent choice. Its crystal clear typing feedback and high-pitched sound can be enjoyable for those who appreciate a sharper auditory experience without being overly pronounced. This makes it suitable for both office environments and home setups where a neutral sound profile is preferable. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of 48 grams, the Sunset Gleam is worth considering. Its bouncy and silky feel offers an engaging typing experience with satisfying feedback, complemented by a resonant sound profile that can make typing feel more immersive. This switch is particularly well-suited for those who enjoy a lively rebound and a refined overall tactile experience. So, whether you lean towards the polished and smooth characteristics of Blue Sky or the delightful bounce and sound of Sunset Gleam, your choice should align with what enhances your typing satisfaction the most.
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