Aflion Blush vs. HMX Hibiscus
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the HMX Hibiscus 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 Hibiscus stand out as two exceptional linear options that cater to distinct typing preferences. The Aflion Blush is celebrated for its impressive smoothness, thanks to its longer, two-stage spring and long pole, which create a snappy, creamy typing feel complemented by a low-pitched, poppy sound signature. This switch is ideal for those who appreciate a buttery and silky tactile experience with their keystrokes. On the other hand, the HMX Hibiscus offers a unique typing experience characterized by an ultra-light actuation force that is exceedingly satisfying for typists who seek a light and nimble feel. The Hibiscus also boasts a clacky and crispy sound, enhancing the overall auditory feedback during typing. While both switches provide smooth performance typical of linear designs, their distinct sound signatures and actuation characteristics cater to different user 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
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
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T3
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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Blush and HMX Hibiscus utilize distinct materials for their top housings, which significantly influences the sound profiles of each switch. The Blush features a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for its rigidity and translucence. This material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it particularly effective when used with RGB lighting due to its ability to allow light to pass through. In contrast, the Hibiscus employs a nylon top housing, a classic choice that results in a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound waves, leading to a duller and rounder auditory experience. While both materials serve the function of housing the switch, their differing properties shape the resultant sound in distinct ways.
When it comes to the bottom housings, both the Aflion Blush and HMX Hibiscus share a commonality, employing nylon for this component. As a classic switch housing material, nylon contributes a deeper, fuller sound profile for both switches. The similar characteristics of nylon in both switches allow for consistent auditory feedback while typing. This shared material ensures that when users bottom out their keys, they experience a cushioned response, enhancing the overall typing experience. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches solidifies their ability to absorb sound and deliver a pleasant, muted tone during impacts, creating a sense of familiarity for users.
In summary, the contrasting top housing materials between the Aflion Blush and HMX Hibiscus showcase how the choice of materials can shape the overall auditory experience. Despite these differences in the top housings—polycarbonate for the Blush and nylon for the Hibiscus—the shared use of nylon in the bottom housings creates a common ground, ensuring that both switches provide a rounded sound profile when bottomed out. This interplay between the harder top housing of the Blush and the softer construction of the Hibiscus highlights the nuanced impact of material selection on sound quality, allowing users to appreciate the distinct strengths of each switch while enjoying a cohesive typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Blush linear switch to the HMX Hibiscus linear switch, there is a notable difference in actuation force and bottom out force. The Blush switch has an unknown actuation force, yet it features a bottom out force of 58 grams, categorized as medium. In contrast, the Hibiscus switch boasts a lighter actuation force at 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, which is considered light. This distinction in force dynamics indicates that the Hibiscus is better suited for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the Blush offers a more substantial feel with its higher bottom out force. For users who value a more tactile experience, the medium weight of the Blush may be preferable, despite its unknown actuation force. Overall, those who favor lighter switches will find the Hibiscus more appealing, whereas those seeking a heavier touch might lean towards the Blush.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the HMX Hibiscus linear switch, it is evident that they differ in length. The Aflion Blush features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the HMX Hibiscus has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that for those who favor quicker response times, the Blush offers a shorter actuation distance, potentially appealing to gamers and users who prioritize speed. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced key press for a satisfying typing experience, the Hibiscus with its greater travel distance may suit your needs better. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference regarding responsiveness versus depth.
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 Hibiscus has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hibiscus 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 switch produces a low-pitched sound signature characterized by a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, which can be quite appealing if you're looking for a less distracting typing experience. The poppy sound that accompanies its actuation creates an engaging auditory feedback that can enhance the typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Hibiscus switch features a satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, adding a lively and dynamic auditory characteristic to your keystrokes. While both switches offer a poppy quality, the Blush leans towards a deeper, bass-rich sound, whereas the Hibiscus provides a more articulate clack, making their auditory profiles distinct yet enjoyable.
In terms of feel, the Blush switch excels with its impressive creamy, silky, and buttery characteristics. This combination ensures an exceptionally smooth, buttery typing experience that feels as if your fingers glide effortlessly across the keys. The longer two-stage spring design adds to the full, snappy feel, making each keypress satisfying and responsive. Unfortunately, the specific feel qualities of the Hibiscus switch are unknown, so a direct comparison cannot be made. However, the description of the Hibiscus switches points to an overall smooth and pristine typing experience, suggesting that they may similarly offer a high level of comfort and satisfaction for typists.
In conclusion, both the Aflion Blush and HMX Hibiscus linear switches present unique attributes that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Blush is distinguished by its low-pitched, bass-heavy sound and creamy, silky feel, creating a smooth typing experience. In contrast, the Hibiscus offers a lively and crisp auditory feedback but lacks detailed information regarding its feel. While the Blush is known for its full and snappy response, the Hibiscus promises an enjoyable typing experience that may also appeal to users seeking something distinct. Ultimately, selecting between them may come down to personal auditory preferences and the tactile feel that aligns with one's typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the HMX Hibiscus linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and the kind of experience you're looking for. If you prefer a medium resistance during your typing sessions, with a poppy sound and a smooth, creamy feel, the Blush is an excellent option. Its longer two-stage spring mechanism allows for a satisfying tactile feedback while delivering a low-pitched sound signature that’s less intrusive, making it ideal for environments where noise might be a concern. On the other hand, if you desire an ultra-light actuation force and an exceptionally smooth typing experience, then the Hibiscus is your go-to switch. The lightweight nature of the Hibiscus, combined with its clacky and crispy sound signature, makes it perfect for fast-paced typists or gamers who want rapid and responsive keypresses with minimal effort. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you prioritize a more robust and controlled typing experience with the Blush or a featherlight, effortlessly smooth feel with the Hibiscus.
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