Aflion Blue Sky vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the HMX Twilight switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Blue Sky and HMX Twilight stand out as two notable linear options, each catering to different preferences and needs among typists and gamers. The Aflion Blue Sky is celebrated for its long pole stem, providing a crystal-clear linear typing experience marked by a sparkling sound profile and an exquisite smooth push feel. This switch leans towards a high-pitched, polished acoustic, creating a distinct auditory feedback that some users find appealing for both work and play. In contrast, the HMX Twilight showcases an extended 3.85mm travel distance, which not only delivers a slightly quieter typing experience but also maintains the signature clacky characteristics HMX switches are known for. While these switches share the commonality of being linear, their unique sound profiles and tactile experiences can significantly influence user preference. 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
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
3.85 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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Aflion Blue Sky and the HMX Twilight, the key distinction lies in the materials used for their top housings. The Aflion Blue Sky features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is largely due to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, which enhances clarity and resonance. In contrast, the HMX Twilight utilizes a nylon top housing, which is characterized by a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder auditory experience. Thus, while both models aim to deliver high-quality acoustic performance, they provide different tonal characteristics and experiences based on the choice of housing material.
The bottom housing of both switches, however, offers a commonality that influences their auditory output. Both the Aflion Blue Sky and HMX Twilight utilize nylon for their bottom housings, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Because nylon is relatively softer, it enhances the absorption of sound, allowing for a more muted and cohesive bottom-out experience. This shared material results in similar interactions during typing, where the full-bodied sound and feel are consistent across both switches, creating an immersive typing environment despite differences in the top housing.
The overall impact of these materials on performance is distinct, focusing on how the top and bottom housings interact during use. The Blue Sky's polycarbonate top amplifies the auditory clarity during key releases, while the nylon bottoms in both switches ensure a rich and rounded sound upon actuation. Conversely, the HMX Twilight's nylon top presents a softer sound during key releases, combined with the bottom's sound absorption. This split influence means that while both switches can achieve great sound quality, their tonal profiles will cater to different preferences—those who prioritize clarity may gravitate towards the Blue Sky, while those who favor fullness may prefer the Twilight.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, a clear distinction emerges in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Blue Sky features a medium actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a solid choice for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Twilight has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, catering to users who appreciate a lighter touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. As a result, while the Blue Sky provides a firmer push, the Twilight offers a softer feel, making it easier for users to type for longer periods without fatigue. Therefore, those seeking a more robust keystroke should opt for the Blue Sky, while the Twilight is ideal for those who favor a lighter, more effortless typing experience.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Twilight linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.85 mm. This difference of 0.15 mm may seem minor, but it can significantly affect the feel and responsiveness of the switches. Users who favor a more traditional typing experience and enjoy a substantial key press may opt for the Blue Sky, as its longer travel distance can provide a sense of depth and feedback. On the other hand, the Twilight's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers and those seeking quicker response times, as it allows for faster actuation and less effort to bottom out. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference: if you value a more pronounced key press, the Blue Sky is the way to go, whereas if you prefer a snappier response, the Twilight would be the better option.
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 Twilight has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Twilight for $3.29.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Aflion Blue Sky and HMX Twilight linear switches, the Blue Sky stands out for its high-pitched and neutral characteristics, producing a sharp, crisp sound that many users find appealing. This makes it suitable for those who prefer a cleaner auditory feedback without the bassy undertone typical of other switches. On the other hand, the Twilight is notably quieter, owing to its extended travel distance of 3.85mm, which contributes to a sound that is less pronounced but still retains certain clacky properties inherent to HMX switches. However, specific descriptors for the Twilight's sound are not provided, leaving a gap in direct comparison.
Regarding feel, the Aflion Blue Sky switches are characterized by their mild and polished attributes, offering a gentle and smooth typing experience that is accessible and enjoyable for a wide range of users. The smoothness is a result of either the materials utilized or factory lubing, enhancing the overall experience by minimizing friction. In contrast, no specific feel descriptors for the HMX Twilight switch are provided, making it difficult to assess how its tactile experience compares to the Blue Sky. Therefore, while users can expect a smooth action from both types, the levels of refinement and user experience with the Twilight remain uncertain.
In conclusion, while the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch distinctly offers a high-pitched sound and a polished, mild feel, the HMX Twilight provides a quieter experience with an extended travel distance, although its specific auditory and tactile qualities are less defined. Thus, if you desire a clearer auditory feedback and smoother typing among known qualities, the Blue Sky is a solid choice. However, if a quieter typing experience is your priority, the Twilight may suit your needs, even if its feel remains untested in comparison. Ultimately, both switches can deliver an enjoyable linear experience, but the nuances in sound and feel between the two will influence your decision based on personal preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Aflion Blue Sky and HMX Twilight linear switches largely depends on your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you intend to use your keyboard. If you lean towards a medium bottom-out force and appreciate a crystal clear, sparkling sound profile with an exquisitely smooth push feel, the Blue Sky switch might be the better option for you. Its high-pitched sound and polished feel make it ideal for those who prefer a more engaging auditory experience while typing. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of 50 grams, the HMX Twilight switch could be more suitable, especially with its longer travel distance that results in a quieter typing experience. The Twilight's signature clacky characteristics work well for users who enjoy a bit of auditory feedback without being overly disruptive. Ultimately, whether you choose the Blue Sky or the Twilight will hinge on whether you prioritize sound clarity and resistance versus a gentle, quieter touch.
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