Aflion Blush vs. HMX Poro
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the HMX Poro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Aflion Blush and the HMX Poro both present compelling options for enthusiasts seeking a linear typing experience. The Blush switch stands out with its longer, two-stage spring design that promises a smooth and snappy typing feel, complemented by a low-pitched, creamy sound signature that many find satisfying. This makes it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a more robust tactile feedback while maintaining a linear characteristic. On the other hand, the HMX Poro boasts meticulously lubricated keystrokes that deliver an effortlessly smooth glide, making each keystroke feel seamless. Its ultra-light actuation force combined with a delightful poppy and clacky sound profile appeals to users who prefer a lighter touch and a more playful auditory feedback. Both switches have unique advantages, catering to 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
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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-stage spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Blush and HMX Poro both utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which provides a consistent auditory experience. Nylon, being a softer plastic, contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, effectively absorbing sound waves and resulting in a duller, rounder auditory output. This shared material allows for a comparable bottom-out sound when switching between the two models, making it less likely for users to discern significant differences in feel and acoustic qualities during actuation. The bottom housing's effect on the overall typing experience is pronounced, particularly in how it mellows the sound if the switch bottoms out, which is a crucial consideration for gamers and typists alike.
In contrast, the top housing of these models reveals a marked difference in material selection. The Aflion Blush employs a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness, which notably enhances sound clarity and resonance, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is particularly evident when the key is released, as the polycarbonate's properties allow for a more pronounced sound signature that can be complemented beautifully with RGB lighting effects due to its translucency. Conversely, the HMX Poro utilizes a nylon top housing, which contributes to a rounder and arguably quieter sound output during key releases. The characteristics of the top housing are critical in shaping the overall auditory feedback when typing and can greatly influence a user's perception of the switch's responsiveness.
The combination of these different top and bottom housing materials in the Aflion Blush and HMX Poro means that users will experience both the sharpness of polycarbonate in the Blush and the muted warmth of nylon in the Poro. This differentiation allows for an exploration of sound profiles that cater to personal preferences in tactile feedback and auditory satisfaction when typing. Overall, while the bottom housings deliver a similar foundational sound due to their shared nylon material, the differing top materials facilitate a distinct range of auditory experiences, indicating that even with a common bottom housing, the sound profile and feel of each switch model can cater to diverse user needs and preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Blush linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, notable differences in actuation force and bottom out force emerge. The Aflion Blush has an unknown actuation force, making it difficult to assess how it would feel during usage. However, its bottom out force is measured at 58 grams, providing a medium feel when the switch is fully pressed. In contrast, the HMX Poro features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a slightly lower bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Poro switch requires less force to trigger a keystroke, which may be more comfortable for extended typing or gaming sessions. Therefore, those who prefer a lighter touch might gravitate towards the Poro switch, while users looking for a more substantial feel could favor the Blush, despite not having its actuation force available. Overall, the Blush is heavier compared to the Poro, offering varying experiences based on user preference.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blush linear switch features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the HMX Poro linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that the Blush is the shorter option, providing a more responsive feel that gamers may prefer for quicker input times. In contrast, the Poro, with its longer 3.7 mm travel distance, offers a more pronounced depth that some users might find more comfortable or satisfying during use. Both switches, however, reflect a preference for shorter travel distances in modern designs, appealing to different user preferences based on how abrupt or deep they wish the keypress experience to be.
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 Poro has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Poro 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
In terms of sound, the Aflion Blush linear switch stands out with a low-pitched, bass-heavy tone that offers a mellow auditory experience compared to higher-pitched switches. This sound profile can create a more subdued environment for typing, appealing to those who prefer a less intrusive auditory feedback when communicating with their keyboard. On the other hand, the HMX Poro linear switch is characterized by its satisfyingly poppy and clacky sound profile, which is both fun and engaging. Its emphasis on a lighter actuation force contributes to this lively sound, making it ideal for users who appreciate a keyboard that provides a more noticeable acoustic response. Ultimately, while these two switches may offer distinct sound signatures, the overall acoustic experience can vary greatly depending on the board and keycaps used.
When considering the feel of these switches, the Aflion Blush offers a truly refined typing experience. Described as creamy, silky, and buttery, this switch allows for a buttery smooth operation that promotes an effortless glide across each key. The longer, two-stage spring lends itself to a full and snappy feel, making each keystroke satisfying and responsive. Conversely, the feel of the HMX Poro switch is not explicitly detailed but is emphasized for its silkiness and effortless glide, thanks to meticulous lubrication. This suggests a smooth typing experience, though the nuances of tactile feedback are less defined compared to the Blush. Therefore, users can expect a pleasant tactile experience from both switches, with the Blush likely winning in terms of depth of description and overall tactile variability.
In conclusion, both the Aflion Blush and HMX Poro linear switches offer distinct experiences suited for different typing preferences. The Blush is celebrated for its low-pitched sound and creamy, silky feel, which combines smooth operation with a full sensory experience. In contrast, the Poro's lighter and more poppy sound adds an element of excitement to typing, enhanced by its silky feel. Ultimately, users looking for a rich auditory experience may lean towards the Blush, while those seeking a lively sound profile might find the Poro more appealing. The choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences, as both provide outstanding qualities that cater to various typing styles.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, it really comes down to your personal preferences for typing experience and sound profile. If you favor a medium actuation force with a slightly more substantial feel, the Blush switch is a fantastic choice. Its creamy and silky typing experience, combined with a low-pitched, bass-heavy sound, offers a rich tactile sensation that many users find satisfying, especially if you're engaging in long typing sessions or focused gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and enjoy an ultra-smooth keystroke, the HMX Poro switch might be the better fit for you. With its 50-gram bottom-out force, the Poro provides effortless gliding and a poppier sound profile, making it an excellent choice for fast-paced gaming or rapid typing tasks. Ultimately, consider what aspects of typing—force, sound, and feel—are most important to you, and choose accordingly.
Mentioned in this article
