Aflion Blush vs. HMX Lotus (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between options that promise unique typing experiences. The Aflion Blush is widely celebrated for its exceptionally smooth feel, courtesy of its longer, two-stage spring, which provides a buttery and poppy typing experience that many users find irresistible. This switch is characterized by a low-pitched, creamy sound signature that adds an element of auditory pleasure to each keystroke. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches present a contrasting experience with their medium-heavy weight of 62.5g and bright, resonant sound, delivering a bouncy responsiveness that energizes every press. While the Blush excels in offering a snappy and silky touch, the Lotus (Heavy) caters to those who appreciate a more robust and lively feel. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences—whether you lean towards a smooth glide or a satisfying bounce, there's something for everyone. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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 Aflion Blush and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) showcase differing approaches to switch housing materials that significantly influence their sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Blush features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and translucency, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile when typing. This stiffer plastic not only enhances clarity with brighter highs but also makes it an ideal choice for setups with RGB lighting due to its ability to transmit light effectively. In contrast, the Lotus (Heavy) opts for a nylon top housing that yields a deeper, fuller sound, characterized by a rounder and softer sound profile. This difference brings forth two distinct auditory experiences: the Blush offering more high-frequency clarity, while the Lotus focuses on a warmer and more subdued acoustical output.
In the bottom housings, both the Aflion Blush and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) utilize nylon—an established material in mechanical switch design. With similar properties, the nylon bottom from both switches provides a deeper and fuller typing experience as it absorbs more sound, thereby contributing to a duller, rounder acoustic quality. Since both switches incorporate nylon in this aspect, users can expect a consistent performance at the bottom-out stage when pressing the keys. This commonality helps to bridge the differences seen in the top housings, ensuring that while the top sound profiles may diverge, both switches share a common foundation of warmth and depth at the bottom.
Ultimately, the contrasting materials in the top housings of the Aflion Blush and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) create unique typing sounds and sensations. The polycarbonate top of the Blush generates a bright, resonant tone, especially effective in enhancing RGB effects, while the nylon top of the Lotus (Heavy) delivers empathetic sounds more suitable for quieter environments. However, since both switch designs utilize nylon for the bottom housing, the end-user experience will still benefit from the consistent, dampened acoustics that nylon provides. This combination of differing upper materials with a shared lower structure allows for a tailored experience that merges clarity and warmth, accommodating a variety of preferences when it comes to tactile and auditory feedback.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Blush linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch, a distinct difference emerges in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Blush switch has an unknown actuation force, while its bottom out force is measured at 58 grams, which is considered medium. In contrast, the Lotus (Heavy) linear switch has a more defined actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, also classified as medium. This indicates that the Blush switch may offer a lighter feel in terms of actuation, depending on its unknown value, while the Lotus switch is the heavier option, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial response when typing. For users who enjoy longer typing sessions, the potentially lighter actuation of the Blush switch could provide more comfort, whereas the heavier force of the Lotus switch may satisfy those seeking a robust typing experience. Overall, while both switches are medium in their bottom out forces, their actuation forces differ, making the Blush switch possibly lighter compared to the Lotus switch's well-defined heaviness.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch, the Blush features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Lotus (Heavy) measures at 3.5 mm. This makes the Blush the shorter option, leading to a potentially more responsive feel that many gamers might appreciate for quicker key presses. On the other hand, the Lotus (Heavy) offers a longer travel distance, which can provide a more substantial feel for those who favor a depthier experience while typing or gaming. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize responsiveness with the Blush or a more pronounced keypress with the Lotus (Heavy).
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 (Heavy) has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lotus (Heavy) 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 and bass-heavy tone, resulting in a mellow auditory experience that feels warm and inviting. This sound profile is characterized by a poppy quality due to its long pole design, which adds a pleasing resonance with each keystroke. The HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch, while similar in offering a bright and resonant quality, has not been explicitly described in detail. However, as sound is also heavily influenced by external factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycap materials, both switches can deliver satisfying auditory experiences that may vary based on the overall setup.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Blush switch stands out with a remarkably smooth and buttery typing experience, described as creamy, silky, and buttery. This exceptional quality is likely attributed to specific materials or factory lubrication, allowing for seamless gliding across the keys and minimal resistance when engaging with the switch. Meanwhile, the feel of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch is noted for its medium-heavy weight, providing a super bouncy sensation with each press. Although exact descriptors for its tactile quality are unknown, this lively feedback can offer an engaging typing experience that's enjoyable in its own right.
In conclusion, both the Aflion Blush and HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches cater to different preferences in the realm of mechanical keyboard switches. The Blush excels in delivering a low-pitched sound paired with a smooth, buttery feel, making it appealing for those who prioritize an enjoyable typing experience. The Lotus (Heavy), with its bright sound and bouncy feedback, will similarly resonate with users who appreciate tactility and responsiveness. Ultimately, while each switch brings unique attributes to the table, they both offer pathways to pleasurable typing experiences, leaving users to choose based on their personal preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch should ultimately depend on your specific typing preferences and the experience you're looking to achieve. If you favor a smoother, more creamy feel with a poppy sound signature and appreciate a medium bottom-out force, the Blush is an excellent choice. Its buttery smooth typing experience will satisfy those who enjoy gliding effortlessly across the keys, making it ideal for long typing sessions or those who prioritize comfort. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier key feel with a more resonant sound and an exhilarating bounce to each keystroke, the Lotus (Heavy) might be the better fit. The medium-heavy actuation gives you a gratifying feedback with every press, making it suitable for those who enjoy a tactile connection while typing or gaming. Ultimately, consider how each switch aligns with your typing style and auditory preferences to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard experience.
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