Aflion Blush vs. HMX EVA
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the HMX EVA switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When venturing into the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly influence your typing experience, especially in the case of linear switches like the Aflion Blush and the HMX EVA. The Aflion Blush stands out with its longer two-stage spring, which produces an impressively smooth, full, and snappy keystroke, complemented by a low-pitched, creamy, and buttery sound signature that many typists adore. In contrast, the HMX EVA, inspired by the iconic colors of Evangelion Unit-01, boasts a resonant sound signature that, while also offering a silky smooth typing feel, provides a different auditory experience and aesthetic appeal. Both switches cater to those seeking a linear typing experience, yet they evoke distinct sensations and sounds that could make one more appealing than the other depending on personal preference. 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
48g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T2
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-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Blush and the HMX EVA, we find a distinct contrast between the two top housings. The Aflion Blush features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and the ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This characteristic is largely attributed to the inherent stiffness of polycarbonate, allowing for clearer resonance. Moreover, its translucency enhances the overall aesthetic when RGB lighting is employed, making it ideal for users who appreciate illuminated effects in their keyboard experience. In contrast, the HMX EVA utilizes a nylon top housing that promotes a deeper and fuller sound profile. Because nylon is softer than polycarbonate, it absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience which, while pleasant, diverges significantly from the Blush's brighter tones.
When we turn our attention to the bottom housing of both switches, we find commonality that enhances the overall sound profile in a complementary manner. Both the Aflion Blush and the HMX EVA feature nylon bottom housings, leading to a deeper and fuller sound when typing. This material's ability to absorb sound contributes to a rounded auditory experience while providing a satisfying tactile feel upon actuation. With both switches utilizing nylon for the bottom housing, they share similar foundational characteristics that impact the overall acoustic results, especially during a bottom-out event when the key is pressed fully down.
Ultimately, the unique pairing of these materials in each switch creates a different typing experience. The Aflion Blush's combination of a rigid polycarbonate top and soft nylon bottom results in a hybrid sound profile, where the clarity of the top gives way to the depth of the bottom. On the other hand, the HMX EVA's reliance on nylon for both the top and bottom housing leads to a homogenous sound experience that emphasizes warmth and fullness. For users seeking a clear delineation between pitch and depth, the Aflion Blush is the preferred choice. However, those who favor a consistent and enveloping audio experience may lean towards the HMX EVA. Thus, while both switches share nylon in the bottom positioning, the differing top housings lead to distinct auditory experiences, showcasing how housing materials can significantly affect performance in keyboard switches.
Weight
The Aflion Blush linear switch and the HMX EVA linear switch exhibit contrasting specifications in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Blush has an unspecified actuation force, but it does have a bottom out force of 58 grams, which is considered medium. In contrast, the EVA features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This difference in forces suggests that the EVA switch is more suited for users who prefer a lighter touch, making it ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions without experiencing fatigue. On the other hand, the Blush, with its heavier bottom out force, provides a more substantial feeling when typing, catering to those who favor a stronger push during use. Overall, users will find the EVA switch gentler on the fingers, while the Blush offers a firmer typing experience, setting them apart in terms of user preference and experience.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blush linear switch features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the HMX EVA linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Blush the shorter option, appealing to those who prioritize responsiveness and quicker actuation, which is often favored by gamers looking for faster response times. In contrast, the EVA, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial typing experience, which some users prefer for its more tactile feedback. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on whether one values the quicker response of the shorter travel distance or the deeper feel of the longer one.
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 EVA has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the EVA 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 comparing the sound profiles of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the HMX EVA linear switch, the Blush is characterized by its low-pitched, bass-heavy sound signature, which offers a mellow auditory experience that some users may find both satisfying and comforting. This low pitch may provide a degree of resonance that harmonizes well with various keyboard setups. On the other hand, while the specific sound traits of the EVA switch remain unspecified, it is noted to possess a resonant sound signature. This could suggest a potentially distinct auditory quality that may contrast or complement the Blush’s deeper notes, yet without explicit details, it's hard to draw a direct comparison.
In terms of feel, the Blush shines with a creamy, silky, and buttery typing sensation that creates an exceptionally smooth and enjoyable experience. The blend of these attributes contributes to a near-effortless keystroke, encouraging a fluid typing rhythm. This well-crafted tactile feedback is likely to appeal to those who prioritize smoothness and comfort in their typing experience. Conversely, the feel of the EVA switch is not detailed in the information provided; thus, it remains unknown how its tactile characteristics might compare to the distinctive creamy and silky feel of the Blush.
In conclusion, both switches offer unique auditory and tactile experiences, with the Aflion Blush linear switch clearly defined in terms of sound and feel, showcasing smoothness and a rich low-frequency sound signature. Meanwhile, the HMX EVA's sound remains ambiguous, and its tactile quality is unspecified, which makes a precise comparison challenging. However, both switches likely cater to users who appreciate linear switches, and if you value the traits of smoothness and resonant sound, you may still find satisfaction in either option. If the EVA offers a similarly smooth typing experience, you could expect enjoyable results comparable to those of the Blush.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the HMX EVA linear switch, consider your specific typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prefer a medium bottom-out force for a balanced feel, the Blush is an excellent choice; its longer two-stage spring provides a smooth, creamy typing experience coupled with a poppy sound signature that many users find satisfying. This makes it ideal for both gaming and typing, especially if you enjoy a snappier response in your keystrokes and a low-pitched, bass-heavy sound profile. On the other hand, if you find lighter switches more comfortable and seek a silky smooth feel, the HMX EVA, with its 48-gram actuation weight, could be your go-to switch. Its resonant sound signature and overall lightness contribute to a fluid typing experience, perfect for extensive typing sessions or for those who prefer a more effortless actuation. Ultimately, it comes down to whether you value a firmer and snappier feel or a lighter and more subdued typing experience, allowing you to select the switch that best complements your unique style.
Mentioned in this article
