Aflion Blush vs. HMX Cheese
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the HMX Cheese switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Aflion Blush and the HMX Cheese, both of which are linear switches. The Blush is revered for its smooth and snappy feel, thanks to its longer two-stage spring and long pole design, offering a unique low-pitched, creamy, silky, and buttery typing experience. On the other hand, the Cheese stands out for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, with a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature that is lighter than the majority of switches on the market. Each switch brings its own set of characteristics and advantages to the table, giving users a variety of options to choose from based on their preferences. 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
N/A
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
46g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
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
Dual-stage stainless steel spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The main difference between the Aflion Blush and the HMX Cheese in terms of housing materials lies in the top housing. The Blush utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiff nature of polycarbonate. On the other hand, the Cheese features a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This contrast in housing materials ultimately leads to a difference in the overall sound experience when typing on the switches.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Blush and Cheese opt for nylon as the housing material. This choice results in a similar typing experience for both switches, with a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's ability to absorb sound more effectively. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of these switches helps to create a consistent typing experience, regardless of the differences in the top housing materials. As a result, users can expect a similar level of sound quality and typing feel when using both switches.
Overall, while the top housing materials of the Aflion Blush and HMX Cheese may differ in terms of sound profile, the choice of nylon for the bottom housing creates a common ground in the typing experience. The Blush's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound, while the Cheese's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound. However, both switches share a similar bottom housing material in nylon, which shapes the overall typing experience by absorbing sound and creating a rounder sound profile. So, while there may be variations in sound between the two switches, the consistent use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures a comparable typing experience in terms of sound quality and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Blush linear switch and the HMX Cheese linear switch, the main difference lies in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Blush has a medium bottom out force of 58 grams, while its actuation force is unknown. In contrast, the Cheese has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a slightly heavier bottom out force of 46 grams. This makes the Cheese a lighter option overall, suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the Blush offers a more medium resistance, which could cater to those who prefer a bit more feedback while typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blush linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the HMX Cheese linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for their fast response times. The Blush is slightly shorter than the Cheese, which may appeal to those looking for a quicker keystroke. However, some users may find the Blush's 3.3 mm travel distance to be too abrupt, preferring the slightly longer travel distance of the Cheese at 3.5 mm for a more substantial feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Aflion Blush has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Blush for $4.07.
The HMX Cheese has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cheese for $3.99.
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 Blush linear switch offers a low-pitched, bass-heavy, and mellow tone, providing a pleasant auditory experience for users. On the other hand, the HMX Cheese linear switch doesn't have a specific sound descriptor provided, so it's difficult to directly compare in this aspect. However, both switches offer unique sound signatures that can enhance the overall typing experience depending on personal preference and setup.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Blush linear switch is described as creamy, silky, and buttery, offering a smooth and fluid typing experience that minimizes resistance and enhances typing comfort. Meanwhile, information about the feel of the HMX Cheese linear switch is not provided, making it challenging to compare directly. Nevertheless, both switches are praised for their smoothness and pristine typing experiences, catering to users who value a comfortable and effortless typing sensation.
Overall, both the Aflion Blush and HMX Cheese linear switches have their own unique qualities that make them stand out in the mechanical keyboard market. While the Blush excels in providing a low-pitched sound profile and a creamy, silky, and buttery typing feel, the specific sound and feel characteristics of the Cheese switch are not explicitly outlined. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can expect a satisfying typing experience from either switch, albeit with potentially different nuances in sound and tactile feedback. Ultimately, trying out both switches firsthand will provide the most accurate comparison and help users determine which one aligns best with their preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when deciding between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the HMX Cheese linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and enjoy a smooth, full, and snappy typing experience with a poppy sound signature, then the Blush switch might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and desire an unparalleled smoothness with a clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, then the Cheese switch could be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for bottom out force, typing experience, and sound signature. Choose wisely based on what aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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