Aflion Blush vs. HMX Macchiato

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Aflion Blush and the HMX Macchiato both present compelling options for those who prefer linear switches, yet they cater to different preferences. The Aflion Blush is celebrated for its longer two-stage spring, which not only enhances the smoothness of keystrokes but also delivers a snappy and satisfying typing experience, complemented by a low-pitched, creamy sound profile. In contrast, the HMX Macchiato, designed by YG Studio, prioritizes a silky smooth feel with a bright sound signature, making it an enticing choice for those who enjoy a more dynamic auditory feedback. While the Blush provides a buttery touch with its poppy sound, the Macchiato focuses on elegance and clarity. Each switch has its own unique strengths, whether you value the Blush's snappy responses or the Macchiato's serene smoothness. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Aflion Blush Linear

HMX Macchiato Linear

$6.00

$4.07 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Aflion Blush and HMX Macchiato switches exhibit notable differences in their top housing materials, which significantly influence their acoustic profiles. The Blush features a polycarbonate top housing that is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is attributed to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, allowing for a clear and resonant auditory experience. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it well-suited for RGB lighting applications, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of any keyboard setup. In contrast, the Macchiato utilizes a nylon top housing, a material recognized for its ability to evoke a deeper and fuller sound profile. As nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, it delivers a duller and rounder auditory experience, which caters to those preferring a more subdued, enriched typing experience.

When examining the bottom housing of both switches, they converge on the same material: nylon. This similarity in bottom housing contributes to a consistent sound profile when typing on either switch, as nylon's properties tend to absorb sound, leading to a deeper and fuller acoustic result. Consequently, this commonality in the bottom housing allows for a more unified tactile feel and sound when bottoming out the switches. As the essence of nylon remains intact in both models, users can expect a relatively similar acoustic experience in the bottoming-out phase, regardless of the top housing material.

Thus, the overall sound profile of both the Aflion Blush and HMX Macchiato can be viewed as a combination of both the top and bottom housing materials. With the Blush's sharper and crisper sound stemming from its polycarbonate top, coupled with the deeper tones produced by its nylon bottom, the result is a unique auditory blend. On the other hand, the Macchiato combines the full-bodied tonal depth from its nylon top with the same nylon bottom, leading to a consistently rounded sound throughout. Since the bottom housing primarily influences the bottom-out feel and sound, both switches can yield satisfying results in their own right while providing distinctive characteristics due to their different top housing materials.

Weight

When comparing the Aflion Blush and HMX Macchiato linear switches, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Blush features an unknown actuation force, making it challenging to determine how it feels during use, but it has a bottom out force of 58 grams, which positions it in the medium range for tactile feedback. In contrast, the Macchiato has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a lower bottom out force of 50 grams, categorizing it as a lighter switch ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming. Consequently, the Macchiato is the preferred choice for users seeking a more effortless typing experience, while the Blush may appeal to those who favor a more substantial push with its expressive bottom out force. Overall, the differences in these switches will cater to varying user preferences regarding typing feel and comfort.

Travel distance

The Aflion Blush linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the HMX Macchiato linear switch features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference positions the Blush as the shorter option, catering to users who might prefer quicker response times, which can be advantageous for gaming and rapid typing scenarios. On the other hand, the Macchiato, with its longer travel distance, offers a more substantial feel with a hearty depth that some users find more satisfying for a typing experience. Ultimately, if users favor a swift, responsive action, the Blush would likely appeal more, while those who enjoy a deeper keystroke might lean towards the Macchiato for its more traditional feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Aflion Blush switch features a low-pitched signature that delivers a bass-heavy, mellow tone. This auditory quality is likely to provide a satisfying backdrop to your typing experience, creating a pleasant atmosphere without being overly distracting. In contrast, the HMX Macchiato switch boasts a bright sound profile, which suggests a crisper, more articulate auditory feedback that can invigorate the typing experience. However, since the specific descriptors and nuances of the Macchiato's sound remain unspecified, I can't provide a detailed comparison. It’s important to note that individual board and keycap choices will significantly influence the overall sound, so while both may have distinct auditory characteristics, the final result could vary based on your setup.

In terms of feel, the Blush switch stands out with its complex tactile feedback, described as creamy, silky, and buttery. This means that users can expect an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience, where each keystroke seems to glide under the fingers with remarkable ease. It's ideal for those who appreciate a seamless transition from one key to the next. Unfortunately, the Macchiato's feel characteristics are not detailed, leaving a gap in direct comparison. However, considering the emphasis on a silky smooth typing experience, it’s possible that it may deliver a similarly satisfying tactile sensation, potentially aligning closely with the Blush switch's attributes.

In conclusion, while the Aflion Blush linear switch is characterized by its low-pitched sound and a rich, buttery feel, the HMX Macchiato presents a crisper auditory experience, yet lacks specific descriptors to fully dissect its tactile qualities. If you're looking for a switch that offers smoothness and a satisfying typing experience, both options seem promising; the Blush offers more defined auditory and tactile details, while the Macchiato appears to promise a different auditory flair. Ultimately, personal preference and individual typing styles will play significant roles in determining which switch feels and sounds best for you.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Aflion Blush and the HMX Macchiato linear switches, consider your typing preferences and requirements. The Aflion Blush switch, with its medium bottom-out force of 58 grams, is an excellent choice for those who enjoy a more tactile and snappy experience. Its longer, two-stage spring design gives it a creamy, silky, and buttery feel, making it ideal for users who prefer a smooth and satisfying keystroke combined with a low-pitched, bass-heavy sound signature. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch, the HMX Macchiato with its 50-gram bottom-out force may be the better option. This switch caters to those who value a silky smooth typing experience, perfect for long hours of typing or gaming without the fatigue that can come with heavier switches. The bright sound profile of the Macchiato can also appeal if you enjoy a more lively auditory feedback while typing. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a snappy, fuller feedback with a deeper sound, or a lighter, effortlessly fluid experience with a brighter auditory signature.

Mentioned in this article

Aflion Blush Linear

$6.00

$4.07 per 10

Learn more

HMX Macchiato Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more