Aflion Blush vs. HMX Jelly
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the HMX Jelly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Aflion Blush and HMX Jelly switches both offer unique experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The Blush is celebrated for its impressively smooth typing feel, attributed to its longer, two-stage spring and long pole, which create a snappy response and a poppy sound signature characterized by its low-pitched, creamy, silky, and buttery feel. This makes it an excellent choice for typists seeking an engaging auditory experience alongside responsive keystrokes. On the other hand, the HMX Jelly stands out with its low-pitched, deep, thocky sound profile that pairs well with its lightweight actuation force of just 42g. The Jelly’s super smooth feel, enhanced by its excellent factory lube, appeals to those who prefer a lighter touch while typing or gaming. Both switches cater to linear enthusiasts, yet they differ significantly in sound, feel, and tactile 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
48g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.80 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 extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Blush and the HMX Jelly, a distinct contrast emerges between the top housings, while the bottom housings are aligned in their material composition. The Aflion Blush utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and clarity, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This choice enhances the switch's responsiveness, particularly appealing to users who favor pronounced auditory feedback when typing. In contrast, the HMX Jelly employs a nylon top housing, which imparts a deeper, fuller sound that tends to absorb more sound, offering a more subdued auditory experience. This fundamental difference in material plays a significant role in the overall sound signature of the switches, giving typists different sensations depending on the housing they select.
Both the Aflion Blush and the HMX Jelly share nylon as their bottom housing material, which renders them similar in terms of sound absorption characteristics. This shared component means that regardless of the differences in top housing materials, both switches will produce a deeper, rounder sound profile during key presses due to the nylon’s ability to capture and diminish higher frequency sounds. Thus, while the top housing distinctly shapes the key release tone and overall sonic clarity, the softer qualities of the nylon bottom housing contribute to an underlying consistency in sound for both switches.
Ultimately, the contrasting materials of the top housings between the Aflion Blush and HMX Jelly highlight their unique performance characteristics, while the identical bottom housings create a baseline for sound and feel. Users who prioritize distinct auditory feedback in their typing experience may gravitate toward the polycarbonate top of the Blush for an elevated sharpness, while those who prefer a mellow and rounded auditory footprint may find the Jelly's nylon top to their liking. Regardless of choice, both switches promise a satisfying typing experience with a balanced sonic foundation, thanks to their shared nylon bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Blush linear switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch, we observe notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Blush switch has an unknown actuation force and a bottom out force of 58 grams, indicating a medium feel when pressed down. In contrast, the Jelly switch features a light actuation force of 42 grams and a lower bottom out force of 48 grams. This suggests that users may find the Jelly easier to type on for extended periods, while the Blush might provide a more substantial pressing experience for those who prefer heavier switches. Therefore, for gamers or typists seeking a lighter, more responsive feel, the HMX Jelly is the better option, while those who appreciate a firmer typing experience might lean towards the Aflion Blush despite its unspecified actuation force. Overall, the Jelly is the lighter option, making it suitable for long typing sessions, while the Blush offers a heavier touch with its medium bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch, the Aflion Blush measures 3.3 mm, while the HMX Jelly has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This difference indicates that the Blush offers a shorter travel distance, leading to potentially quicker response times for users who prioritize speed, such as gamers. In contrast, the Jelly provides a longer travel distance, which may be preferable for those who enjoy a deeper key press feel, as it can offer a more substantial tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will hinge on personal preference: if you desire a snappier response, the Blush is the better option, while the Jelly caters to those who appreciate a heartier depth in their keystrokes.
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 Jelly has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jelly 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 has a poppy, low-pitched sound signature, characterized by a bass-heavy and mellow tone that adds a satisfying auditory feedback with each keypress. This sound profile can be particularly enjoyable for those who appreciate a deeper sound when typing. In comparison, the HMX Jelly switch boasts a deep, thocky sound signature that emphasizes a low-pitched resonance, contributing to a rich auditory experience. Both switches, while having unique tonal qualities, are designed to provide a gratifying sound that aligns with the preferences of users who favor lower-pitched noises over higher frequencies.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Blush switch excels with its creamy, silky, and buttery typing experience. The longer, two-stage spring combined with a well-designed internal mechanism offers a smooth and effortless keystroke motion, allowing fingers to glide seamlessly over the keys. The Blush effectively suppresses any resistance, creating a luxurious typing sensation that can keep users engaged for extended periods. Unfortunately, there is no detailed description available for the Jelly's feel, but it is known to be smooth due to its factory lube and lightweight construction, suggesting it may provide a comfortable experience as well. However, the specific tactile characteristics remain unspecified.
Overall, both the Aflion Blush and HMX Jelly linear switches offer distinct offerings in sound and feel that cater to different preferences. The Blush stands out with its creamy and snappy typing experience, coupled with its satisfying sound profile, while the Jelly provides a low-pitched thock that many might find appealing. Although the Jelly's tactile characteristics are less detailed, its smoothness from factory lubrication suggests it would still deliver a pleasant typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two will depend on the user's preference for sound and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and typing style. If you favor a slightly heavier typing feel that provides a balanced combination of smoothness and feedback, the Blush with its 58-gram bottom-out force is an excellent option. Its creamy, silky, and buttery feel, paired with a poppy sound signature, makes it fantastic for both typing and gaming, particularly if you enjoy a more tactile experience without straying into the realm of clicky switches. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with an exceptionally smooth feel, the Jelly switch may be more to your liking, with its 48-gram bottom-out force and deep, thocky sound profile. The Jelly is perfect for users who want a seamless typing experience while maintaining a less demanding keystroke, ideal for long typing sessions or those who simply like a lighter switch. By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision that enhances your overall mechanical keyboard experience.
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