Aflion Blush vs. HMX Lotus
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the HMX Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Blush and the HMX Lotus stand out as two excellent options. The Blush, a linear switch, is praised for its smooth and snappy feel, thanks to its longer, two-stage spring design. Additionally, its long pole produces a satisfyingly poppy sound signature. On the other hand, the Lotus, also a linear switch, offers a bouncy sensation with a 50g bottom out weight and a bright, resonant sound. While the Blush is known for its low-pitched, creamy, silky, and buttery characteristics, the Lotus's specific categorization is not provided. Both switches have their unique qualities and advantages, making them suitable for different preferences and typing styles. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
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
The housing materials of the Aflion Blush and the HMX Lotus differ in terms of their top housing material. The Blush features a polycarbonate top housing, which provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. On the other hand, the Lotus has a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This contrast in top housing materials results in a noticeable difference in the sound produced by each switch.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, both the Blush and the Lotus use nylon. This commonality means that typing on switches from both keyboards will elicit a similar deep and full sound profile, as nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Despite having different top housing materials, the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing of these keyboards means that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound when interacting with both switches.
In general, the choice of housing material for a keyboard switch plays a significant role in shaping the sound profile of the switch. The stiffer polycarbonate top housing of the Blush leads to a clearer and more resonant sound, while the softer nylon top housing of the Lotus creates a deeper and fuller sound. The split between the top and bottom housings in each switch means that the sound profile is affected differently depending on whether you are pressing down or letting go of a key. Ultimately, while the selections of housing materials differ between the Blush and the Lotus, both keyboards offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
Weight
The Aflion Blush linear switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch have notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Blush has a bottom out force of 58 grams, which is medium compared to the Lotus with a lighter 50-gram bottom out force. The actuation force of the Blush is unknown, while the Lotus requires 45 grams to trigger a keystroke. This makes the Lotus lighter in both aspects compared to the Blush. The lighter weight of the Lotus may appeal to those looking for a smoother typing experience or for longer typing sessions. In contrast, the heavier bottom out force of the Blush may provide a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a stronger push. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and desired force requirements.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blush linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the HMX Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Blush has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Lotus. Both distances are within the range of modern switch preferences, with shorter travel distances being favored by gamers for quicker response times. If you prefer a more abrupt feel, the Blush may be the better choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a bit more depth, the Lotus with its slightly longer travel distance could be the option for you. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on personal preference and the type of typing or gaming experience you are looking for.
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 Lotus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lotus 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 linear switch offers a low-pitched tone that provides a bass-heavy and mellow sound profile, enhancing the overall typing experience with a calming note. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus linear switch's sound qualities are unknown, but it is essential to consider that sound can be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Aflion Blush linear switch is praised for offering a creamy, silky, and buttery typing experience. With its smooth and buttery feel, typists can expect a silky sensation that makes every keystroke effortless and satisfying. The HMX Lotus linear switch's feel is unspecified, but it is important to note that the creamy, silky, and buttery qualities of the Aflion Blush switch can significantly impact the typing experience.
In conclusion, the Aflion Blush and HMX Lotus linear switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Blush switch boasts a low-pitched sound profile and a creamy, silky, and buttery typing experience, the qualities of the Lotus switch remain unknown. Depending on individual preferences and typing style, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, with the Aflion Blush offering smoothness and fullness in both sound and feel realms. Ultimately, users can expect a delightful typing experience from both switches, achieving similar results in terms of quality and performance.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force, the Blush with 58 grams may be the right choice for you. Its smooth, full, and snappy feel along with its poppy sound signature make it a popular option for those who enjoy a medium weight switch. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, the Lotus with 50 grams may be more suitable for you. Its super bouncy feeling and bright, resonant sound provide a delightful typing experience. Ultimately, choose the switch that aligns best with your preferred typing experience and sound profile.
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