Aflion Blush vs. HMX Lucky

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Aflion Blush and HMX Lucky both offer unique linear experiences that cater to different typing preferences. The Blush switch stands out with its longer, two-stage spring, delivering a smooth, full, and snappy typing feel complemented by a poppy sound signature that is described as low-pitched, creamy, silky, and buttery; making it ideal for those who enjoy feedback without the harshness of tactile bumps. In contrast, the HMX Lucky switch boasts softer, glittery nylon housings that provide a more lightweight and neutral typing experience, making it deeply satisfying for users who appreciate a balanced and effortless key press. While both switches are excellent in their own right—one emphasizing a pronounced auditory experience and tactile response, and the other focusing on comfort and ease of use—your choice ultimately depends on your personal typing style. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.

By the numbers

Aflion Blush Linear

HMX Lucky Linear

$6.00

$4.07 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Aflion Blush and HMX Lucky switches employ different materials for their top housings, which significantly influences their aural characteristics. The Blush features a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper, clearer sound profile due to its stiffer composition. This transparency allows for effective RGB lighting effects, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the keyboard when illuminated. In contrast, the Lucky utilizes a nylon top housing, a classic choice in switch design that tends to absorb sound and produce a deeper, fuller auditory experience. While they both serve the purpose of enclosing the internal mechanisms of the switches, the differing materials provide distinct acoustic properties that offer users varied tactile and auditory feedback.

Interestingly, both switches feature nylon for their bottom housings, which contributes to a more muted sound profile. In both cases, the nylon bottom housing absorbs sound effectively, resulting in a duller, rounder acoustic experience when the key is bottomed out. This similarity means that both the Blush and Lucky can provide a satisfying tactile feel upon activation, but the overall sound signature will still differ due to the contrasting top housing materials. With the Blush's clearer top and the Lucky's fuller sound, users will notice a disparity when engaging with the keyboards, especially upon releasing keys, as the top housing's material predominantly determines that aspect of the sound profile.

When synthesizing the characteristics of both switches, one can conclude that while the Blush creates a crisper, more resonant sound due to its polycarbonate top, the Lucky's nylon top lends itself to a warmer and softer auditory experience. However, the use of nylon in both bottom housings helps unify their performance, ensuring a rich and satisfying typing experience despite the differences above. Ultimately, users' preferences for sound profiles and aesthetics will guide their choice between the two switches, making the decision a personal one based on the contrasting design philosophies.

Weight

The Aflion Blush and HMX Lucky linear switches present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Blush has an unknown actuation force, which makes it difficult to compare directly with the Lucky's actuation force of 37 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Blush is recorded at 58 grams, classifying it as a medium force switch, whereas the Lucky features a lighter bottom out force of 43 grams. This suggests that typists who prefer a less strenuous typing experience might gravitate towards the HMX Lucky, which provides a lighter feel overall, making it suitable for prolonged use. In contrast, the Blush offers a firmer experience with its higher bottom out force, catering to users who appreciate a more pronounced tactile feedback while typing. Thus, while the Lucky is the lighter option, the Blush stands out as the heavier choice, particularly in terms of bottom out force.

Travel distance

The Aflion Blush linear switch features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the HMX Lucky linear switch has a longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This distinction means that gamers and users seeking quicker response times may favor the Blush for its shorter travel, resulting in potentially faster actuation. On the other hand, the Lucky, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel and depth in their key presses. Ultimately, users will experience a marked difference between the two switches, with the Blush providing a more responsive touch and the Lucky offering a more pronounced travel experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Aflion Blush linear switch is characterized by a low-pitched sound signature that produces a mellow, bass-heavy tone while typing. This can create a more satisfying acoustic feedback that many users find appealing, especially in quieter environments. On the other hand, the sound profile of the HMX Lucky linear switch remains unspecified, which leaves some ambiguity in its acoustic performance. However, it's worth noting that the final sound production for any switch can be significantly affected by the choice of keyboard case, switches, and keycaps used, so results may vary regardless of the inherent qualities of the switches themselves.

When assessing the feel of each switch, the Aflion Blush switches shine with their creamy, silky, and buttery sensations, delivering an exceptionally smooth and enjoyable typing experience. The longer, two-stage spring contributes not only to a poppy sound but also enhances the tactile feedback, allowing a satisfying performance as you type. In stark contrast, the HMX Lucky switches are described as lightweight and neutral, which suggests a simpler and potentially less textured feel compared to the Blush. This could appeal to those who prefer a more straightforward typing experience. The differentiation in feel highlights that while both switches are linear, the Blush emphasizes a more dynamic and engaging tactile feedback.

Overall, both the Aflion Blush and HMX Lucky linear switches cater to distinct preferences in sound and feel. For those who appreciate richer sound quality and a notably smooth typing sensation, the Blush switch is likely to provide a more rewarding experience. In contrast, the Lucky switch may satisfy users looking for a more neutral typing style. Regardless, potential keyboard enthusiasts can expect engaging results tailored to their unique typing style, though the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference between the distinctive qualities highlighted in the Blush and the more understated performance of the Lucky.

Conclusion

To wrap up, the choice between the Aflion Blush and the HMX Lucky linear switches ultimately hinges on your personal typing preferences and intended use cases. If you favor a medium actuation force and seek a typing experience that combines smoothness with a satisfying auditory backdrop, the Blush switch would be an excellent choice. Its 58-gram bottom-out force, combined with its creamy and silky feel, will provide a engaging, tactile experience suitable for extended typing sessions and gaming alike. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch that requires less force to actuate, the Lucky switch would be ideal for you, especially if you value a neutral typing experience without the fuss of heavier resistance. Its 43-gram actuation is excellent for fast-paced typists or gamers who thrive on swift key presses without fatigue. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities: the Blush provides a poppy sound and a more substantial feel, while the Lucky emphasizes lightness and satisfaction without extra weight. Consider what matters most to you—smoothness, sound, or actuation force—as you make your decision.

Mentioned in this article

Aflion Blush Linear

$6.00

$4.07 per 10

Learn more

HMX Lucky Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more