Aflion Blush vs. HMX Gravel

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the options are as varied as the users themselves. The Aflion Blush and HMX Gravel are both linear switches that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Blush switch is acclaimed for its longer, two-stage spring, which delivers an impressively smooth and snappy typing experience, complemented by its low-pitched, creamy sound signature that enhances the overall typing feel. In contrast, the HMX Gravel switch stands out for its medium-light actuation force, providing a lighter and more responsive touch, which makes for effortless typing without sacrificing smoothness. While both switches aim to offer a premium typing experience, they do so in distinct ways; the Blush offers a more poppy and rich feel, while the Gravel focuses on a refined and nuanced typing experience. 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 Blush Linear

HMX Gravel Linear

$6.00

$4.07 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

Both the Aflion Blush and the HMX Gravel switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which significantly influences their acoustic characteristics. Polycarbonate is recognized for its stiffness, leading to a sharper and crisper sound profile during use. This similarity ensures that both switches will deliver a bright and resonant auditory experience, particularly beneficial when RGB lighting is considered. The translucency of the polycarbonate top allows light to shine through beautifully, enhancing not only the aesthetic appeal but also culminating in a similar listening experience for users. Thus, owners of either switch can anticipate a clear sound quality alongside an eye-catching visual dynamic when they're illuminated.

When we delve into the bottom housing of these switches, we find that both the Aflion Blush and HMX Gravel employ nylon material, which performs quite differently from polycarbonate. Nylon's softer characteristics contribute to a fuller and deeper sound profile, absorbing vibrations and sound waves to produce a more muted auditory feedback. Compared to the polycarbonate top housing, the nylon bottom has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed down. This duality of sound profiles—sharp from the top and deep from the bottom—creates a balanced auditory experience in both switches. Users can expect a pronounced contrast in sound while preserving the rich tonal quality unique to nylon.

In summary, while the Aflion Blush and HMX Gravel switches share similarities in their top and bottom housing materials—both utilizing polycarbonate for the top and nylon for the bottom—the combination offers a nuanced auditory experience. The stiff polycarbonate enhances the higher frequencies and adds brightness, while the softer nylon contributes depth and warmth. Users can look forward to enjoying a consistent performance due to these material choices, allowing for an engaging typing experience characterized by both clarity and richness. Ultimately, no matter which switch you choose, you will appreciate the marriage of these materials resulting in a well-rounded sound profile and aesthetic appeal.

Weight

When comparing the Aflion Blush linear switch to the HMX Gravel linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Aflion Blush has an unknown actuation force but a bottom out force of 58 grams, classified as medium, indicating that while we cannot determine the force required to actuate a keystroke, it will require a moderate amount of pressure to fully depress the key. In contrast, the HMX Gravel features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an overall lighter switch. This means users who prefer an easier keystroke with less effort will find the Gravel more suitable, especially for extended typing or gaming sessions. While the Gravel's bottom out force is lower than that of the Blush, the difference in actuation forces emphasizes that the Gravel delivers a more responsive experience, making it the lighter option suited for those who favor a softer typing feel.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the HMX Gravel linear switch, the Blush offers a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Gravel has a longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference means that the Blush switch may be more appealing for gamers who prefer quicker response times due to its shorter travel, allowing for faster key presses. On the other hand, the Gravel's 3.5 mm travel may provide a more substantial tactile feedback, catering to those who enjoy a deeper press that feels more definitive. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize speed and responsiveness or a more pronounced depth in your key presses.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Aflion Blush linear switch presents a low-pitched audio profile, characterized by a bass-heavy and mellow tone that many users find appealing. This sound signature is further enhanced by the poppy nature of the switch, making it distinctively engaging while typing. In contrast, the noise profile of the HMX Gravel switch remains unknown, but it’s important to note that sound production can vary significantly depending on the keyboard's design and the choice of keycaps used, affecting the auditory experience overall.

In terms of feel, the Blush switch excels with its creamy, silky, and buttery qualities. This combination provides an exceptionally smooth and tactile typing experience, allowing fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys without feeling any resistance. The longer two-stage spring design contributes to a full and snappy feel that is often favored by those who appreciate a more immersive tactile environment. On the other hand, the feel of the Gravel switch is not specifically detailed, but it is noted for its exceptional smoothness and a medium-light actuation force that promises an effortless typing experience, catering to those who prefer a lighter touch when typing.

Overall, both the Aflion Blush and HMX Gravel switches offer distinct typing experiences that appeal to different preferences. The Blush is a strong contender for those who appreciate a rich, smooth feel with a satisfying auditory presence, while the Gravel seems to cater to typists favoring a quick and effortless engagement. If sound quality or specific tactile responses between the two switches become critical for your typing preference, trying each switch on a keyboard might offer the best insight due to the variance in individual experiences.

Conclusion

In summary, the decision between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the HMX Gravel linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prefer a medium bottom-out force with a satisfying snappy feel and enjoy the low-pitched, poppy sound signature that Blush provides, then this switch may be the right choice for you. Its creamy and silky texture creates an exceptionally smooth experience, making it ideal for both typing and gaming when you want clear tactile feedback. On the other hand, if you desire a lighter actuation force for an effortlessly responsive typing experience, the Gravel is an excellent option. Its refined smoothness combined with a medium-light bottom-out force allows for easy and rapid keystrokes, which can be particularly advantageous in fast-paced gaming or extended typing sessions. Thus, choosing between these two switches should hinge on whether you value a heavier, more tactile feel with a bassy sound or a lighter, smoother typing experience that facilitates speed and agility.

Mentioned in this article

Aflion Blush Linear

$6.00

$4.07 per 10

Learn more

HMX Gravel Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more