Aflion Blush vs. HMX Cloud - 50g
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the HMX Cloud - 50g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Aflion Blush and HMX Cloud - 50g offer two distinct linear options that cater to varying preferences. The Aflion Blush stands out with its longer, two-stage spring, providing a remarkably smooth and snappy typing sensation, complemented by a low-pitched, creamy sound signature that adds a subtle auditory pleasure to your keystrokes. On the other hand, the HMX Cloud - 50g, known for its lighter feel, delivers a clacky sound profile appealing to those who enjoy a bright and engaging typing experience while still maintaining a silky smooth actuation. Both switches provide unique tactile experiences that can elevate your typing, whether you prioritize a more subdued sound or a lively auditory feedback. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
When comparing the Aflion Blush and HMX Cloud - 50g switch housings, one significant distinction lies in their top materials. The Aflion Blush features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is largely due to the rigidity of polycarbonate, which enhances sound resonance and clarity. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for impressive RGB lighting effects, making it a favored choice for enthusiasts who prioritize aesthetics along with performance. In contrast, the HMX Cloud - 50g utilizes a nylon top housing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, results in a deeper and rounder sound profile, characterized by an absorption of sound that diminishes its sharpness. This material lends itself to a more subdued auditory experience, emphasizing comfort and a fuller typing feel.
Interestingly, both the Aflion Blush and HMX Cloud - 50g switches employ nylon for their bottom housings. Both switches benefit from the unique acoustic characteristics of nylon, which absorbs sound and creates a softer bottom-out feel. This leads to a deeper, fuller sound profile that is consistent across switches using nylon bottoms. While the Aflion Blush’s nylon bottom shares the same characteristics with the HMX Cloud - 50g’s bottom housing, it is important to note that the overall sensory experience can still differ due to the material of the top housing. The distinct sound profiles generated by the top housings will influence how users perceive the switch's response when pressing keys and releasing them.
Ultimately, despite the contrast in the top housing materials of the Aflion Blush and HMX Cloud - 50g—one presenting a crisp, bright sound and the other a warm, rounded tone—both switches can still produce excellent results. The uniformity of nylon in their bottom housings ensures that both switches deliver satisfying tactile feedback and sound absorption during typing. This harmony of materials ultimately allows users to achieve a smooth and pleasant typing experience, whether they prefer the bright resonance of polycarbonate or the subdued depth of nylon.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Blush linear switch and the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Aflion Blush features an unspecified actuation force but has a bottom out force of 58 grams, indicating a medium resistance at full key press. In contrast, the HMX Cloud - 50g boasts a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. The Cloud - 50g, being the lighter option, is likely to provide a more effortless typing experience, making it suited for prolonged use during long work sessions or gaming marathons. Conversely, the Aflion Blush, with its heavier bottom out force, may cater to users who prefer a more substantial feel while typing, allowing for greater tactile feedback. Ultimately, the differences in force specifications suggest that the HMX Cloud - 50g is the lighter option, while the Aflion Blush is heavier, with different typing experiences reflecting these characteristics.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch, there is a notable difference. The Aflion Blush features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the HMX Cloud - 50g has a travel distance of 3.9 mm. This means that the Blush switch offers a shorter travel distance, which can be beneficial for gamers seeking quicker response times and a more reactive feel. In contrast, the 3.9 mm travel of the Cloud - 50g provides a deeper engagement that some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, if you favor a snappier response, the Aflion Blush would be the preferable choice, while the HMX Cloud - 50g might appeal more to those who enjoy a fuller depth in their key presses.
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 - 50g 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 - 50g 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
The Aflion Blush linear switch is characterized by a low-pitched sound profile that provides a mellower, bass-heavy tone, making it quite pleasant for those who prefer a less intrusive auditory experience while typing. Its long pole design contributes to a unique poppy sound signature that adds a subtle excitement to each keystroke. In contrast, the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch is known for its clacky sound profile, which caters to enthusiasts who appreciate a brighter and more vibrant audio experience. While the sounds produced by these switches differ, personal preference in sound will significantly influence the choice between the two.
When it comes to feel, the Blush switch excels with its creamy, silky, and buttery sensations. This combination offers an extremely smooth and enjoyable typing experience, allowing fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys. The longer two-stage spring enhances the snappiness of the switch, making it responsive during intense typing sessions. On the other hand, the HMX Cloud - 50g may not have specific descriptors available, but it is noted for providing a silky smooth feel that enhances the overall typing experience as well. Both switches promise a pleasant tactile feedback, although the Blush may offer a more luxurious and satisfying experience due to its carefully designed characteristics.
In summary, both the Aflion Blush and HMX Cloud - 50g switches present unique attributes that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Blush stands out with its low-pitched, poppy sound and an exceptionally smooth, creamy typing experience, while the Cloud - 50g offers a brighter sound profile and a silky typing experience that many enthusiasts may also find enjoyable. Ultimately, the decision between the two will come down to individual preference, as each switch provides distinct qualities that appeal to different styles of typing.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch, consider what you prioritize in your typing experience. If you enjoy a medium bottom-out force of 58 grams that provides a satisfying, snappy feel with a low-pitched sound, the Blush switch might be the perfect fit for you. Its creamy, silky, and buttery textures create a smooth typing experience that is ideal for those who appreciate a more substantial yet still enjoyable keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a bottom-out force of 50 grams that gives you a clacky sound profile, the HMX Cloud - 50g offers a bright and more pronounced typing experience. Its silky smoothness caters to enthusiasts who may prefer a lighter touch. Ultimately, your choice should be influenced by whether you seek a more robust, tactile feel or a feather-light touch with an engaging sound. Consider your typing style and environment to make the most informed decision to enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
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