Aflion Blush vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Aflion Blush and the HMX Swift mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches with unique characteristics, there are distinct differences to consider. The Aflion Blush is renowned for its smooth, full, and snappy feel attributed to the longer two-stage spring, along with a poppy sound signature from the long pole design. Categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Creamy', 'Silky', and 'Buttery', it offers a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Swift stands out for its deeper sound profile, thanks to the full nylon housings, and silky smooth feel paired with a delicate 42g actuation force. Categorized as 'Clacky', 'Easy-to-press', 'Feathery', 'Bouncy', and 'Creamy', the HMX Swift provides a different typing experience altogether. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.90 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 extended spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Blush and HMX Swift both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. On the other hand, the Blush's nylon bottom housing and the Swift's nylon bottom housing both contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile, with nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. While the top housings of both switches may produce a similar sound due to the polycarbonate material, the bottom housings will result in a different sound experience, with the nylon bottom of the Blush creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the bottom of the Swift.
In terms of aesthetic appeal, the polycarbonate top housing of the Aflion Blush is translucent, making it ideal for use with RGB lighting to create a visually appealing effect. The nylon top housing of the HMX Swift may not offer the same transparency, but it does contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Both switches' bottom housings, being made of nylon, share the common characteristic of absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. However, the impact of these bottom housings on the overall typing experience may differ slightly between the two switches.
Overall, while both the Aflion Blush and HMX Swift share similarities in their housing materials with polycarbonate top housings and nylon bottom housings, the specific qualities they bring to the typing experience vary. The Blush's use of polycarbonate in the top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, while its nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper sound. In contrast, the Swift's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound experience, with its nylon bottom housing also adding to the overall sound profile. Both switches offer unique sound profiles based on the combination of their housing materials, creating distinct typing experiences for users.
Weight
In comparing the Aflion Blush linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, it is evident that there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Blush has an actuation force of None grams, making it unclear how much force is needed to trigger a keystroke, while the Swift requires 42 grams for actuation. In terms of bottom out force, the Blush requires 58 grams, which is heavier compared to the Swift's 50 grams. The Blush provides a more substantial typing experience with its higher bottom out force, while the Swift offers a lighter touch for longer typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blush linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the HMX Swift linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm. In this case, the Swift has a longer travel distance compared to the Blush. The difference of 0.6 mm may not seem like much, but it can affect the overall feel and response of the switch. Shorter travel distances, like that of the Blush, are favored by gamers for faster response times, while longer travel distances, like that of the Swift, can provide a more satisfying tactile feedback for typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the type of typing experience you are looking for.
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 Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift 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 offers a low-pitched sound, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone when pressed. On the other hand, the HMX Swift linear switch produces a clacky sound, sharp and snappy with a crisp, bright, and percussive quality. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Aflion Blush linear switch is often described as creamy, silky, and buttery, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience with minimal resistance. This smoothness allows for a seamless and effortless typing sensation, akin to gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. Conversely, the HMX Swift linear switch is known for being easy-to-press, feathery, and bouncy, providing gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force reduces finger fatigue and enhances the overall typing experience by offering a responsive and low-impact feel.
Considering all the available information, it's clear that the Aflion Blush linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Blush switch stands out for its smoothness and full, snappy feel, along with a low-pitched sound signature, while the Swift switch impresses with its deep sound profile and easy-to-press, feathery feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound and typing experience, both switches provide unique characteristics that cater to different user preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the Blush and Swift switches would depend on whether you prefer a smoother, mellow typing experience or a snappier, more responsive feel.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, consider the factors that matter most to you. If you prioritize a medium bottom out force with a smooth, full, and snappy feel along with a poppy sound signature, the Blush switch might be your best choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, along with a deeper sound profile and silky smoothness, the Swift switch could be the perfect fit for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. Choose the switch that aligns best with your needs and enjoy a satisfying keyboarding experience.
Mentioned in this article
