Aflion Blue Sky vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Blue Sky and HMX Xinhai both offer unique characteristics to enhance your typing experience. The Blue Sky, a linear switch, is renowned for its long pole stem that provides a crystal clear typing experience with a sparkling sound profile and smooth push feel. On the other hand, the Xinhai, also a linear switch, stands out with its PA12 top housing for softer acoustics and POM stem for a higher-pitched resonance, offering a blend of sophistication and performance. While the Blue Sky is categorized as ['High-pitched', 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Polished'], the Xinhai falls under ['Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'Creamy']. These general descriptions can help guide your decision, 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
37g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
POM
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 Aflion Blue Sky and HMX Xinhai both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a similar sound profile characterized by sharpness, higher pitch, and crispness. This material choice also allows for RGB lighting to shine through due to its translucency. However, the distinction lies in their bottom housing material. The Blue Sky uses nylon for its bottom housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Xinhai also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in a similar typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile.
While both the Blue Sky and Xinhai share polycarbonate as the material for their top housing, their bottom housing materials offer slightly different experiences. The Blue Sky's nylon bottom housing creates a duller and rounder sound profile compared to the Xinhai's nylon bottom housing, which also provides a deeper and fuller typing experience. This contrast showcases how the choice of housing material can influence the overall sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing in both the Aflion Blue Sky and HMX Xinhai switches highlights the importance of material choice in determining the typing experience. While they may have similar characteristics due to the polycarbonate top housing, the distinction in the bottom housing material showcases how slight differences can impact the overall sound profile and feel of the switch. Whether it be a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile or a deeper, fuller typing experience, each housing material brings its unique qualities to the table.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it is clear that the Xinhai is the lighter option while the Blue Sky is the heavier one. The Blue Sky has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a medium level of resistance. In contrast, the Xinhai has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a lighter and easier switch to press. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Xinhai would be the better choice, as it allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Blue Sky for a stronger push and more defined keystrokes. Both switches offer different levels of actuation and bottom out forces, catering to the varying preferences of mechanical keyboard users.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Xinhai linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Blue Sky has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Xinhai. The 4.0mm travel distance on the Blue Sky is more traditional, offering a deeper keystroke feel, while the 3.4mm travel distance on the Xinhai is shallower, providing a quicker response time. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Xinhai with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial keystroke may lean towards the Blue Sky. Both switches offer different experiences in terms of travel distance, catering to different preferences.
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 Xinhai has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai for $3.19.
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 Blue Sky switch offers a high-pitched and clear typing experience, perfect for those who prefer a sharp and crisp sound when typing. On the other hand, the Xinhai switch is described as clacky, providing a sharp and snappy sound that is bright and percussive. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them would depend on whether you prefer a high-pitched sound or a clacky sound for your typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Blue Sky switch provides a mild and polished typing experience with a smooth and refined finish, offering a gentle and approachable typing feel. On the other hand, the Xinhai switch offers a bouncy and creamy typing experience with a spring-like feedback sensation and a smooth and buttery feel. Both switches offer distinct tactile sensations that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them would depend on whether you prefer a mild and polished feel or a bouncy and creamy feel for your typing experience.
Overall, both the Aflion Blue Sky and the HMX Xinhai switches offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. Whether you prefer a high-pitched and polished typing experience or a clacky and creamy feel, both switches provide excellent options for a personalized typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the Blue Sky and Xinhai switches would depend on your preference for sound and feel profiles, ensuring that you'll get a satisfying typing experience with either choice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when considering whether to choose the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch or the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the kind of typing experience you are looking for. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and a high-pitched sound profile with a polished and mild typing feel, 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 bouncy or creamy typing feel, then the Xinhai switch might be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different tastes and typing styles, so it's important to consider what attributes are most important to you when making your decision.
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