Aflion Blue Sky vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the aflion Blue Sky and HMX Swift both offer unique features to enhance your typing experience. The Blue Sky is praised for its long pole stem, providing a crystal clear linear typing experience with a sparkling sound profile and smooth push feel. In contrast, the Swift stands out for its deeper sound profile and silky smoothness, thanks to its full nylon housings and delicate 42g actuation force. While the Blue Sky is categorized as high-pitched, neutral, mild, polished, the Swift is classified as clacky, easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, creamy. Each switch has its own strengths, but diving deeper into their specifics will help you make the best decision based on your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
42g
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
3.90 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 extended spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Blue Sky and the HMX Swift both include nylon, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. However, the Blue Sky's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the Swift's nylon top housing. The use of polycarbonate in the Blue Sky's top housing also allows for RGB lighting due to its translucency, giving it an aesthetic edge over the Swift.
On the other hand, the nylon bottom housings of both the Blue Sky and the Swift contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound and create a duller and rounder sound. This common material choice for the bottom housing ensures a consistent typing experience across both switches. However, the Blue Sky's use of polycarbonate in the top housing may result in a slightly different sound when releasing a key compared to the Swift's all-nylon construction.
Overall, while both switches share the benefits of a nylon bottom housing for a deep and full sound profile, the differences in their top housings set them apart in terms of sound characteristics. The Blue Sky's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound profile, especially noticeable when using RGB lighting, while the Swift's nylon top housing creates a more mellow and rounded sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound and aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, it is evident that the Blue Sky requires a heavier force for both actuation and bottom out compared to the Swift. The Blue Sky has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Swift has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. The Blue Sky provides a more substantial typing experience with its higher forces, making it suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Swift offers a lighter typing experience, which can be preferred by those who type for longer periods of time or engage in extended gaming sessions. In this case, users who prefer lighter switches may find the Swift to be more suitable, while those who enjoy heavier switches may opt for the Blue Sky for a more tactile typing experience. Both switches offer distinct advantages depending on personal preference, with the Blue Sky being the heavier option and the Swift being the lighter option.
Travel distance
The Blue Sky linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Swift linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.9 mm. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the Blue Sky being slightly longer. Gamers may prefer the Swift switch for its slightly faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who appreciate a deeper key press may prefer the Blue Sky switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key feel and response time.
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 Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift 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
When it comes to sound, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch offers a high-pitched profile, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. This sound profile is suitable for those who prefer a brighter and more distinct sound. On the other hand, the HMX Swift linear switch is described as clacky, providing a sharp and snappy sound that can be characterized as crisp, bright, and percussive. Despite the differences in sound profiles, both switches offer unique and appealing auditory experiences that cater to different preferences.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch is known for providing a mild and polished typing experience. With a smooth and refined finish, these switches offer reduced friction and smooth key travel, resulting in a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Swift linear switch is described as easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, and creamy. These qualities indicate that the Swift switch offers a light and effortless typing experience, with minimal finger fatigue and a spring-like feedback sensation. Both switches prioritize comfort and ease of typing, providing users with a satisfying tactile experience.
Taking all the available information into consideration, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Blue Sky switch leans towards a higher-pitched sound and a mild, polished typing feel, the Swift switch provides a deeper sound profile and a light, bouncy, and creamy typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel. However, both switches promise a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience that caters to a variety of user preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch or the HMX Swift linear switch, you should take into account your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and a high-pitched sound profile with a polished and mild typing experience, the Blue Sky switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, a clacky sound profile, and a feathery or bouncy typing feel, the HMX Swift switch may be more suitable for your needs. Consider your priorities and preferences in these areas when making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on what kind of typing experience you are looking for.
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