Aflion Blush vs. HMX Cloud - 63.5g
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Blush and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Aflion Blush is a linear switch that stands out for its smooth and snappy feel, thanks to its longer two-stage spring and poppy sound signature. On the other hand, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g is also a linear switch but offers a clacky sound profile and a heavier typing experience, appealing to those who prefer a bright typing feel. The Blush is best suited for those who enjoy a low-pitched and buttery typing experience, while the Cloud - 63.5g caters to individuals who prefer a bouncy and high-pitched sensation. 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
56g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.90 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 Aflion Blush and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g both feature nylon bottom housings, which elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. However, the Blush has a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffness leads to a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Cloud - 63.5g has a nylon top housing, which also contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile like the bottom housing.
In terms of sound profiles, the Aflion Blush offers a sharper and crisper sound due to its polycarbonate top housing, while the HMX Cloud - 63.5g provides a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon top housing. The differences in housing materials result in varying audio experiences for users, with the Blush favoring a more defined and resonant sound, and the Cloud - 63.5g offering a rounder and softer sound. Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, ensuring a consistent depth and fullness to the overall sound profile.
The split housing materials in the Aflion Blush and HMX Cloud - 63.5g allow for a combination of qualities in the sound profile. The bottom housing's impact is felt during key presses, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. With nylon bottom housings in both switches, users can expect a deeper and fuller sound experience. Meanwhile, the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key, with polycarbonate providing a sharper sound in the Blush and nylon offering a deeper sound in the Cloud - 63.5g. Despite the differences in housing materials, both switches promise a unique and enjoyable typing experience.
Weight
The Aflion Blush linear switch and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Blush has an actuation force of None grams, meaning it is not specified, while the Cloud - 63.5g has an actuation force of 56 grams, making it slightly lighter. In terms of bottom out force, the Blush requires 58 grams, which is medium, while the Cloud - 63.5g has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it medium-heavy. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Cloud - 63.5g, as it has lower actuation and bottom out forces. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a bit more resistance when typing may opt for the Blush, as it offers a more substantial feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Afnion Blush linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3mm, while the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.9mm. While both switches fall within the range of modern travel distances, with the Blush being on the shorter end and the Cloud on the longer end. Gamers looking for faster response times may lean towards the Blush due to its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer more depth in their keystrokes may opt for the Cloud. Ultimately, the choice between a shorter or longer travel distance comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you are seeking.
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 Cloud - 63.5g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cloud - 63.5g 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 Blush linear switch offers a low-pitched, bass-heavy tone that is mellow and smooth, making it a great choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch has a clacky, sharp sound profile that is bright and percussive, catering to enthusiasts who enjoy a more vibrant typing sound. Both switches offer distinct sound characteristics that can enhance the overall typing experience, with the Blush providing a poppy sound signature and the Cloud - 63.5g offering a more clacky and crisp sound when pressed.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Blush switch is described as creamy, silky, and buttery, providing a smooth and effortless typing sensation that feels like gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. This is due to its two-stage spring design, offering a snappy and full feel that many users enjoy. Similarly, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch also offers a creamy typing experience, with a bouncy and lively feel that provides a spring-like feedback when pressed. Both switches offer a silky smooth feel that minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys, enhancing the overall typing experience.
Overall, the Aflion Blush linear switch and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences. While the Blush provides a low-pitched, mellow sound and a smooth, buttery typing experience, the Cloud - 63.5g offers a clacky, bright sound profile and a bouncy, lively feel when typing. Choosing between these switches will ultimately come down to personal preference in sound and feel, but rest assured that both options will deliver a high-quality typing experience with their respective characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and a smooth, full, and snappy typing feel with a poppy sound signature, the Aflion Blush switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force with a clacky sound profile and a silky smooth typing experience, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to your personal preference for typing feel, sound profile, and bottom out force.
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