Aflion Blush vs. HMX Perky
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the HMX Perky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for your typing needs, the Aflion Blush and the HMX Perky stand as two excellent options, each offering a distinct experience despite both being linear switches. The Aflion Blush is celebrated for its remarkable smoothness and snappy feel, complemented by a longer two-stage spring and a long pole that produces a satisfying poppy sound signature. Its features make it ideal for users who appreciate a fuller typing experience with a low-pitched, creamy, and silky feel. Conversely, the HMX Perky enchanting with its softer, glittery nylon housings, provides a more neutral and deeply satisfying typing experience, with a notably condensed action due to the shorter travel distance. This switch is suited for those who prefer a quicker response while maintaining a sense of comfort. Each switch brings its unique flair and benefits to the table, making them appealing choices for different typing styles. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on which switch is right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
The Aflion Blush and the HMX Perky switches showcase a contrasting combination of housing materials that significantly impact their overall sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Aflion Blush employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This distinct quality provides the user with a crisper auditory feedback upon keystroke, making it particularly effective for applications where precision and clarity in sound are valued. Additionally, the polycarbonate's translucency enhances aesthetics, especially for users who favor RGB lighting, allowing them to achieve a vibrant and dynamic visual effect through their keyboards.
On the other hand, the HMX Perky features a nylon top housing, which is inherently softer and more flexible than polycarbonate. This material characteristic results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as nylon's ability to absorb sound waves contributes to a more subdued and rounded auditory experience. Consequently, users of the HMX Perky can expect a heavier and more robust keystroke feedback, appealing to those who prefer a softer touch and a sound that emphasizes warmth rather than sharpness. When comparing the two, the key difference lies in how the top housing's material choice affects the sound profile during the release of a key, with the nylon delivering a mellower tone compared to the polycarbonate’s brightness.
However, when examining the bottom housing of both switches, it becomes clear that they share a commonality, as both the Aflion Blush and the HMX Perky utilize nylon in their respective bottom housings. This shared material means that both switches will exhibit similar qualities when it comes to the deeper, fuller sound profile produced during keystrokes. Regardless of the variation in top housing materials, the softer nylon bottom ensures that users will experience a similarly cushioned and absorbent response, resulting in a consistent weighty feel during bottom-out events. Thus, while the Aflion Blush and HMX Perky differ mainly in their top housing acoustics, their pairing of nylon at the bottom helps unify their overall performance characteristics.
Weight
The actuation and bottom out forces of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch present a clear contrast in terms of tactile experience. The Blush switch has an unknown actuation force but features a bottom out force of 58 grams, indicating a medium resistance when fully pressed down. In contrast, the HMX Perky has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a lower bottom out force of 50 grams. This suggests that users of the Perky will experience less resistance during both typing and bottoming out, making it more suitable for long typing sessions or gaming marathons where reduced fatigue is desirable. Meanwhile, the Blush's heavier bottom out force provides a firmer push feel, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Overall, users seeking a lighter switch may favor the HMX Perky, whereas those appreciating a stronger tactile feedback might lean towards the Aflion Blush.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Aflion Blush linear switch is 3.3 mm, while the HMX Perky linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Blush the shorter option, which could appeal to gamers or users seeking faster response times, as a shorter travel distance can enhance performance by reducing the time it takes to register a keypress. In contrast, the Perky's 3.4 mm travel distance offers a bit more depth, which may be preferred by users who appreciate a more tactile feel and don't mind a slightly longer actuation time. Overall, the choice between these switches can significantly impact the typing or gaming experience, depending on individual preferences for responsiveness versus a more prolonged key feel.
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 Perky has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Perky 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 produces a low-pitched tone that is rich, bass-heavy, and mellow, contributing to a pleasant auditory experience during typing. This poppy sound signature stems from its longer pole design, which enhances the overall resonance of each keystroke. In contrast, the sound characteristics of the HMX Perky switch are currently unknown, leaving its auditory profile up for speculation. However, it's important to note that the sound of each switch can be influenced by various factors including the keyboard housing and the choice of keycaps, which means both switches might yield different experiences in different setups.
In terms of feel, the Blush switch stands out for its exceptional typing experience characterized by creamy, silky, and buttery qualities. The longer two-stage spring provides a smooth, almost gliding sensation that allows for effortless keystrokes—ideal for users who appreciate a fluid and snappy typing experience. Unfortunately, details about how the Perky switch feels remain unspecified, which makes it difficult to draw a direct comparison in this aspect. That said, its softer nylon housing may imply a comfortable yet distinct experience that should not be overlooked.
In summary, the Aflion Blush switch offers a well-defined auditory and tactile experience, highlighted by its low-pitched sound and the creamy, silky-feel it provides while typing. The HMX Perky switch does present an appealing alternative with its softer material, though more information is needed to fully assess its sound and feel qualities. If you're looking for smoothness and a satisfying auditory experience, the Blush is an excellent choice, while the Perky might offer a unique feel that could be equally rewarding, albeit with less definitive specifications.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the Aflion Blush and the HMX Perky linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a medium bottom-out force and are looking for a switch that offers a creamy and silky feel, along with a poppy sound signature, the Blush would be your go-to option. Its longer two-stage spring provides a smooth and snappy experience that's perfect for typists who appreciate both tactility and sound. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch, the Perky is ideal for those who like a more condensed typing experience. Its softer nylon housing results in a satisfying, neutral feel, making it suitable for users who lean towards a quicker and less forceful keystroke. Additionally, if a more refined, quieter typing experience is what you seek, the Perky’s configuration will likely suit you better. Ultimately, your choice should reflect how you prioritize aspects like force, sound, and overall tactile sensation in your typing experience.
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