Aflion Blush vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Blush and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g offer distinct typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The Aflion Blush is celebrated for its smooth and snappy feel, thanks to its longer two-stage spring and long pole, which contribute to a unique poppy sound signature. This switch is often described with terms like "low-pitched," "creamy," "silky," and "buttery," making it ideal for those who enjoy a tactile and audible feedback during their typing sessions. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g focuses on a whisper-quiet typing experience, reminiscent of gentle raindrops, making it perfect for environments where noise is a concern. With a balanced 53g bottom-out force, it appeals to typists seeking a light yet satisfying keystroke. Ultimately, each switch offers unique benefits: the Aflion Blush for those who thrive on audible and tactile feedback and the Silent Sakura for those who prioritize quietness without sacrificing feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that is right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Dual-stage stainless steel spring
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Blush and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches, it’s important to consider how each material influences the overall sound and experience when typing. The Aflion Blush utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper and higher-pitched acoustic profile, resulting in a more resonant sound. This is primarily due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which enhances the clarity of the sound produced. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g features a nylon top housing that dampens sounds, producing a deeper and fuller audio experience. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, leading to a rounder and more muted auditory signature which may appeal to users seeking a quieter typing experience.
On the bottom side of the switches, the Aflion Blush employs a nylon housing, whereas the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g uses polycarbonate. The nylon bottom of the Blush, similar to its top, creates a warm and plush sound, effectively softening the impact noise that occurs when keys bottom out. In contrast, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Silent Sakura provides a crisper and more pronounced bottom-out sound. This divergence in materials emphasizes the blend of characteristics each switch offers; users may notice the Blush providing a consistent sound dampening effect due to nylon on both ends, whereas the Silent Sakura may deliver a contrast between the muted upper and sharper lower sounds, creating a distinctive typing experience.
Ultimately, while the materials of the Aflion Blush and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g differ, they reflect complementary qualities that cater to various user preferences. If a user desires the clear, resonant sound profile characteristic of polycarbonate, the Blush’s bottom housing may still provide similar results to the Silent Sakura's top housing; conversely, those seeking the fuller sound associated with nylon can appreciate how blending both materials in either switch influences the auditory experience. Regardless of the differing materials, both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience, appealing to a wide range of keyboard enthusiasts based on their unique sound and tactile feedback preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Blush linear switch with a bottom-out force of 58 grams and an unspecified actuation force to the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, which has a 45-gram actuation force and a 53-gram bottom-out force, we can identify key differences in their characteristics. The HMX Silent Sakura is lighter, making it more suitable for those who prefer a less strenuous typing experience and longer gaming sessions, while the Aflion Blush is heavier, catering to users who enjoy a more substantial feel during typing. Since the actuation force for the Blush is unknown, we can infer that it may potentially contribute to a similar pushing experience as the Silent Sakura, particularly when considering the bottom-out forces. However, the fact that the Silent Sakura has a defined actuation force means it offers a more predictable keystroke response, whereas the Blush's unknown actuation force creates some uncertainty in comparison. Overall, users seeking a lighter switch experience may gravitate towards the Silent Sakura, while those who prefer a heavier tactile feedback might lean towards the Aflion Blush.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, there is a notable difference between the two. The Blush features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Silent Sakura - 53g has a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This means that the Blush offers a shorter and more responsive feel, which may be preferable for gamers who value quick key actuation. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 53g, with its longer travel distance, provides a more traditional typing experience that some users may find more satisfying due to its hearty depth. Consequently, if you prioritize quick response times, the Aflion Blush would be the preferable choice, whereas those who enjoy a more pronounced key press might lean towards the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g.
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 Silent Sakura - 53g comes in at $3.50 per 10 switches.
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 switch delivers a low-pitched and poppy sound signature, which adds a robust, bass-heavy character to typing that many users find engaging. This rich sound is often complemented by the overall design of the switch, making the act of typing feel more dynamic. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g is engineered for a whisper-quiet typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer silence, such as in office environments or shared spaces. While the Blush generally offers a more pronounced auditory feedback, the Silent Sakura focuses on a muted, gentle sound that can only be described as ethereal, akin to the soft patter of raindrops.
Regarding feel, the Blush shines with its creamy, silky, and buttery characteristics. This means typing feels smooth and luxurious, allowing for quick, effortless keystrokes that glide seamlessly. Users will appreciate the long two-stage spring and long pole design, which further enhances the overall tactile experience. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g lacks a detailed description of its feel, leaving it open to interpretation. However, the switch's balanced bottom-out force suggests a satisfying keystroke that, while light, may or may not achieve the same level of smoothness the Blush provides.
In conclusion, if you prioritize sound, the Aflion Blush will give you a more dynamic auditory experience, while the Silent Sakura - 53g focuses on whisper-quiet operation. As for feel, the Blush’s creamy and buttery characteristics offer a luxurious typing experience, whereas it remains unknown how the Silent Sakura compares in that department. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on whether you value sound or an exceptionally smooth typing feel more in your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, consider your typing habits and preferences. If you seek a tactile and engaging typing experience, the Aflion Blush might be your best bet; its medium bottom-out force of 58 grams combined with a longer, two-stage spring delivers a creamy and silky feel while producing a satisfying pop as you type. This makes it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a bit more resistance in their keystrokes and the low-pitched sound signature that adds a nice auditory dimension to your typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quieter, more subtle experience without sacrificing comfort, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g is the way to go. With its lighter 53-gram bottom-out force, this switch provides a soft and whisper-quiet keystroke reminiscent of raindrops, making it perfect for shared workspaces or late-night gaming sessions. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you value a more pronounced and tactile feel or a gentle, silent typing experience.
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