Aflion Blush vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly impact your typing experience, and two compelling options are the Aflion Blush and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g, both of which are linear switches. The Aflion Blush is celebrated for its smooth, full, and snappy feel, achieved through a longer, two-stage spring and a unique long pole design that provides a poppy sound signature, characterized by its low-pitched, creamy, silky, and buttery qualities. This switch is ideal for those who enjoy a more tactile punch without the distracting noise, making it perfect for gamers and those who prefer a more dynamic typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 43g shines in its ability to offer a whisper-quiet typing experience, with an ultra-light 43g bottom-out force that caters to light typists who prioritize a serene environment. This switch is particularly well-suited for office settings or shared spaces, where noise can be a concern. While both switches have their merits—smoothness and responsiveness in the Aflion Blush, and quiet and subtle operation in the HMX Silent Sakura—each caters to different preferences and environments. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Aflion Blush Linear

HMX Silent Sakura - 43g Linear

$6.00

$4.07 per 10

$3.50 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Blush and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g, we see a distinct divergence in the types of plastics used in their constructions. The Aflion Blush employs a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, resulting in an intriguing combination of auditory qualities. The polycarbonate top is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, which can enhance the experience of typing, especially when RGB lighting is present, given its translucency. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g features a nylon top housing, which typically offers a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature. This variance in top housing materials suggests that the Blush will produce a more pronounced high end, while the Silent Sakura will lean towards a rounder and less resonant quality in terms of key sounds.

Looking at the bottom housings, there is another notable difference between the two switches. The Aflion Blush's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper sound profile, characteristic of its material's ability to absorb sound. This allows for a smoother and more pleasant bottom-out experience when typing. Meanwhile, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g’s polycarbonate bottom housing introduces a sharper sound, which, when coupled with its nylon top, might lead to a more balanced overall typing experience. The selection of these materials illustrates that the Silent Sakura aims to merge the best aspects of both worlds, relying on the polycarbonate's clarity from the bottom while still benefiting from nylon's sound-absorbing qualities on the top.

Ultimately, while both switches exhibit different sound profiles based on their materials, they can still yield similar results in overall typing experience when considering how the two housings interact. The characteristics imparted by each material are divided between the tops and bottoms, meaning that both switches will influence sound and feel during both the press down and the release phases. For users, this means they can expect a distinct auditory sensation while typing; however, the combined effects of the nylon and polycarbonate materials in each can still produce an enjoyable and nuanced experience despite their differences. Thus, switching between the two could still cater to various preferences, allowing typists to choose based on their sound and feel priorities.

Weight

When comparing the Aflion Blush linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, significant differences in their actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Aflion Blush has an unspecified actuation force and a bottom out force of 58 grams, which is considered medium. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g has a clearly defined actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, categorizing it as light. This means that the Aflion Blush, with its heavier bottom-out force, would provide a more substantial typing experience, appealing to users who prefer a stronger push feel. Meanwhile, the Silent Sakura, being lighter overall, is likely to be favored by those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, as the lower forces can reduce fatigue. Overall, the Aflion Blush is the heavier option, while the Silent Sakura is the lighter choice between the two.

Travel distance

The Aflion Blush linear switch features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switch has a greater travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Blush switch offers a shorter travel distance, appealing to those who favor quicker response times, making it an ideal choice for gamers seeking heightened performance. In contrast, the Silent Sakura's 4 mm travel distance provides a more traditional feel, which some users may prefer for its greater depth and tactile feedback. Ultimately, if you opt for the Aflion Blush, you'll experience a more responsive actuation, whereas the HMX Silent Sakura caters to those who enjoy a more substantial key press.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Aflion Blush switch offers a low-pitched, bass-heavy tone that produces a poppy sound signature. This characteristic adds some pleasant depth to the auditory feedback during typing. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches are engineered for a whisper-quiet experience, intended to create a serene typing atmosphere reminiscent of gentle raindrops. As such, while the Blush provides a more audible sound with depth and character, the Silent Sakura excels in delivering a nearly silent interaction, making them suitable for environments where noise is a concern.

In terms of feel, the Blush switch stands out with a creamy, silky, and buttery typing experience. This combination translates to a smooth, effortless glide across the keys, allowing for a highly enjoyable and satisfying tactile feedback. The longer, two-stage spring design contributes to this fluid motion, creating a full and snappy response. On the other hand, the feel of the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g remains unspecified, which leaves its tactile feedback and overall typing sensation a mystery. Users may find that its ultra-light 43g bottom-out force caters well to light typists, but without specific descriptors, it's hard to compare directly.

In conclusion, if you're seeking a mechanical keyboard switch with distinct auditory feedback and a smooth typing experience, the Aflion Blush linear switch is an excellent choice, particularly for those who enjoy a richer sound and tactile interaction. Conversely, if a quiet and serene typing environment is your priority, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g is designed to meet those needs effectively. While the specific feel of the Silent Sakura remains unknown, it caters to light typists. Overall, you'll find both switches appealing, depending on whether you lean towards auditory and tactile feedback or complete silence and subtlety in your typing experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, selecting between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the environment in which you will be using your keyboard. If you are someone who appreciates a more tactile and responsive feel, especially for gaming or fast-paced typing, the Aflion Blush, with its medium 58g bottom-out force and creamy, silky, and buttery typing experience, may be your best bet. This switch offers a satisfying resistance that can enhance your overall typing dynamics, making it ideal for both casual and intensive use. On the other hand, if you value a quieter typing experience—perhaps working in shared spaces or seeking a more serene atmosphere—the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switch is your go-to choice. Its light 43g bottom-out force means less effort in pressing keys, coupled with an incredibly discreet sound profile that allows for silent operation without sacrificing overall performance. Ultimately, your choice should align with your typing habits and environment to ensure maximum satisfaction and comfort.

Mentioned in this article

Aflion Blush Linear

$6.00

$4.07 per 10

Learn more

HMX Silent Sakura - 43g Linear

$3.50 per 10

Learn more