Aflion Blue Sky vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)

Overview

When it comes to choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Blue Sky and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) offer two distinctive linear typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The Aflion Blue Sky is celebrated for its long pole stem, providing users with a crystal-clear typing sensation characterized by a sparkling sound profile and a beautifully smooth push feel. Its attributes are categorized as high-pitched, neutral, mild, and polished, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a harmonious and refined auditory experience during typing. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) stands out with its heavier variant design, featuring a unique PA12 top housing that contributes to a softer acoustics profile, complemented by a POM stem that delivers a crisp, higher-pitched resonance. This switch captures a blend of subtle sophistication and precise performance, appealing to users who prefer a riveting yet controlled typing encounter. While both switches are linear and excel in smooth actuation, their tonal qualities and tactile feedback are fundamentally different. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Aflion Blue Sky Linear

HMX Xinhai (Heavy) Linear

$6.00

$4.07 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Blue Sky and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy), the most notable distinction lies in the composition of the top housing. The Blue Sky utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. This is predominantly due to the material's stiffness, which enhances resonance and clarity, particularly when RGB lighting is integrated. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) features a nylon top housing that yields a deeper, fuller sound profile. Here, nylon's softer texture absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a more muted acoustic signature. This divergence in materials suggests that users will experience different auditory sensations with these switches, heavily influenced by the respective housing materials.

Despite the contrasting materials in the top housing, both switches share a similar composition for their bottom housings, as both the Blue Sky and the Xinhai (Heavy) utilize nylon. This commonality means that the bottom-out sound and feel will align closely between the two models, regardless of the differences presented by their respective top housings. The nylon bottom housing effectively creates a deeper sound profile, absorbing sound waves to deliver a rounded acoustic feedback upon key press. Consequently, both switches will offer a similar sound experience at the point of bottoming out, showcasing the key characteristics of the nylon material while emphasizing two distinct sonic impressions based on their top housing choices.

In summary, the Aflion Blue Sky and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) present a unique contrast in their top housing materials, which directly influences the auditory feedback and general typing experience. While the Blue Sky's polycarbonate top helps create a clearer sound profile accentuated by its potential for RGB brilliance, the Xinhai (Heavy) embraces a more subdued and rounded presentation through its nylon equivalent. Nevertheless, the uniformity of the nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches will retain a depth of sound when bottoming out, allowing users of either switch to appreciate a familiar experience at this critical point of interaction. As such, while the switches deliver distinct characteristics in specific aspects, underlying similarities in the bottom housing create a bridge of consistency between the two models.

Weight

The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for different user preferences. The Blue Sky requires an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, which positions it as a medium-weight option. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) necessitates a slightly greater actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, indicating a heavier feel overall. Consequently, the Blue Sky switch is lighter, making it more suitable for users who prefer to type for extended periods without fatigue, whereas the Xinhai switch may appeal to those who favor a more substantial typing experience with its slightly firmer resistance. While both switches offer medium force feedback, the higher values of the Xinhai (Heavy) suggest a more robust interaction with the keyboard.

Travel distance

The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option when compared to the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference in travel distance can significantly affect the tactile experience when pressing the keys. The Blue Sky's 4 mm travel may provide a more substantial feel, appealing to those who enjoy a deeper keystroke, while the Xinhai (Heavy) offers a shorter 3.4 mm travel that caters to gamers seeking quicker response times and a more immediate engagement. Ultimately, if you're inclined towards a more responsive feel, the shorter Xinhai (Heavy) switch would be the better choice, whereas the longer Blue Sky switch might better suit those who appreciate a more pronounced depth in their key presses.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch offers a notably high-pitched acoustic profile that delivers a sharp and crisp sound upon actuation. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer a cleaner auditory experience, particularly in environments where a quieter, less bass-heavy sound is desirable. The neutral aspect of its sound further enhances its versatility, allowing it to fit into various settings, whether at home or in a professional environment. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch is not explicitly detailed in terms of sound characteristics, making direct comparisons challenging. However, the mention of its unique PA12 top housing hints at an intention for softer acoustic performance, which could suggest a comparatively warmer and more subdued sound profile.

In terms of feel, the Aflion Blue Sky switch is characterized by its mild and polished touch. Its mild nature provides a gentle typing experience that appeals to a wide range of users, whether they are beginners or more experienced typists. This switch’s polished feel results in a seamless, refined key travel, largely owing to the materials used and potentially through factory lubing, ensuring minimal friction during use. The HMX Xinhai (Heavy), however, lacks specific descriptors regarding its tactile feel, leaving its overall typing experience ambiguous. Depending on the design and materials, one might assume it offers a different, perhaps heftier feel given its designation as a "Heavy" switch.

In conclusion, while the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch stands out with its crisp sound profile and smooth, mild feel, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) presents some uncertainty regarding its auditory and tactile characteristics. The Blue Sky serves a clear niche for those who favor clarity in sound and a gentle touch, making it an accessible choice for nearly any typist. Conversely, without a defined sound and feel description for the Xinhai (Heavy), potential users may find themselves weighing other factors such as aesthetics or specific typing preferences until more information becomes available. Ultimately, both switches may cater to users looking for linear switch characteristics, but the specific qualities of each will likely dictate the final choice.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and intended usage. If you prioritize a refreshing and lightweight typing experience with a smooth, crystal clear performance and a higher-pitched sound profile, the Blue Sky is a fantastic choice. These switches are particularly well-suited for users who appreciate a polished feel and are looking for a versatile option that performs well in both home and office environments. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier actuation force and seek a distinctive acoustic profile with a touch of sophistication, the Xinhai (Heavy) would be your ideal pick. Its unique construction provides a crisp, resonant feedback that appeals to those who enjoy the details in the sound and performance of their typing experience. Ultimately, your choice should reflect how you value sound, feel, and actuation force in your mechanical keyboard setup.

Mentioned in this article

Aflion Blue Sky Linear

$6.00

$4.07 per 10

Learn more

HMX Xinhai (Heavy) Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more