Aflion Blush vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference and typing style, making the comparison between Aflion's Blush switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) particularly intriguing. The Blush switch stands out as Aflion's premier linear offering, well-regarded for its longer, two-stage spring that delivers a remarkably smooth and snappy typing experience, accompanied by a low-pitched, creamy, and buttery sound signature. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prioritize a satisfying feedback loop while typing. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) offers a unique twist, featuring a sturdier build with a PA12 top housing that contributes to its softer acoustics and a POM stem that lends a crisp, higher-pitched resonance. This switch is ideal for users seeking a balance of subtle sophistication and precise performance. Both switches cater to different nuances of linear action, appealing to diverse typing preferences. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 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
POM
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 the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) differ primarily in their choice of materials for the top housing, which significantly impacts the sound profile produced during use. The Aflion Blush uses polycarbonate for its top housing, a material known for its stiffness and ability to deliver a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This characteristic makes the sound crisper and more resonant, providing a defined auditory feedback that is particularly appealing for gamers and typists who prefer a more pronounced keypress sound. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai features a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This difference arises from nylon’s softer composition, which absorbs sound better than polycarbonate, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. Thus, while the Aflion Blush aims for clarity and brightness, the HMX Xinhai leans towards warmth and richness in sound.
Interestingly, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, creating a uniformity in the sound profile that stems from this shared material. This similarity means that regardless of their top housing variations, both switches provide a consistent depth of sound when bottoming out. The nylon bottom housing allows for a more impactful auditory experience, as its softer material effectively dampens vibrations, thereby ensuring rounded and fuller sound characteristics. This shared aspect means that the tactile feedback and the basic sound produced when the switch is pressed down will remain similarly deep and rich across both models. Therefore, while the top housings create contrasting auditory environments, the bottom housings maintain a baseline of sound quality.
In conclusion, the Aflion Blush and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) present a compelling study of contrasts and similarities in their housing materials. The polycarbonate and nylon dichotomy in the top housings leads to different sound profiles, catering to distinct user preferences when it comes to auditory feedback. However, the conformity in the nylon bottom housing ensures a cohesive sound experience, wherein the deeper, fuller notes resulting from the nylon material provide a shared foundation between the two switches. Thus, users can expect a generally consistent feel and sound upon bottoming out regardless of which switch they choose, while still enjoying unique auditory qualities shaped by the individual top housing materials.
Weight
The Aflion Blush linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch present a noteworthy comparison in terms of their actuation and bottom out forces. The Blush has an unknown actuation force, but its bottom out force is recorded at 58 grams, which is considered medium. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) features a defined actuation force of 55 grams and a slightly higher bottom out force of 62.5 grams. While the Blush's actuation force remains unspecified, the presence of a bottom out force indicates that its characteristics might not differ significantly from the Xinhai when it comes to tactile feedback during use. Given that the Xinhai has a clearly defined actuation force and a heavier bottom out force, it will provide a more substantial typing experience, making it ideal for users who prefer a firmer key press. Thus, while the Blush has a medium bottom out force, it is still unclear how its actuation compares. Overall, the Xinhai (Heavy) is the heavier option, providing a stronger tactile response, whereas the Blush's lighter characteristics are undetermined.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, there is a slight but notable difference: the Blush has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Xinhai (Heavy) measures at 3.4 mm. This means that the Blush is the shorter of the two, making it potentially more appealing to gamers or users who value quicker response times. On the other hand, the Xinhai (Heavy), with its longer travel distance, could be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel when pressing keys. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Aflion Blush is the better choice, whereas if you favor a deeper typing experience, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) would be more suitable.
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 Xinhai (Heavy) has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai (Heavy) 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 features a low-pitched tone that provides a bass-heavy and mellow acoustic profile. This quality contributes to a more subdued auditory experience, making the Blush an ideal option for users who prefer a quieter typing environment. On the other hand, the sound signature of the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) is not specified, which leaves its acoustic characteristics a bit of a mystery. However, it's important to note that sound perception is also influenced by the type of keyboard and keycaps used, meaning that even with unspecified qualities, the Xinhai could have a distinct sound profile that varies based on individual setups.
When considering feel, the Aflion Blush switch excels with descriptors like creamy, silky, and buttery, all suggesting an exceptionally smooth typing experience. The two-stage spring and long pole contribute to a glide-like sensation when typing, offering a rich tactile feedback that allows fingers to flow effortlessly across the keys. In contrast, the feel of the Xinhai (Heavy) is not elaborated upon in the provided information, leaving potential users uncertain about its exact tactile characteristics.
In summary, the Aflion Blush linear switch stands out for its rich auditory and tactile qualities, especially with its creamy, silky, and buttery feel coupled with a mellow sound profile. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) presents a more ambiguous picture in terms of sound and feel. If you are looking for an assured smoothness and satisfying auditory experience, the Blush is a robust choice. However, if you are curious about the Xinhai's performance, exploring user reviews or personal testing could provide clarity, as the differences could ultimately affect your typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch ultimately hinges on your specific typing preferences and the typing experience you're seeking. If you value a smooth, creamy, and silky typing feel that enhances your overall comfort during long typing sessions, then the Aflion Blush is an excellent option. Its medium bottom-out force of 58 grams makes it an approachable choice for both casual and dedicated typists, while the two-stage spring offers an impressive snappy response. On the other hand, if you prefer a more robust typing experience that provides a distinct crispness and higher-pitched resonance, you might lean towards the HMX Xinhai (Heavy). With a slightly heavier bottom-out force of 62.5 grams, it’s designed for those who enjoy a more tactile and substantial feel under their fingers. Furthermore, the unique PA12 top housing offers a softer acoustic profile, making it suitable for environments where sound dampening is appreciated. Therefore, your decision should reflect whether you want a more effortless and creamy experience with the Blush or a solid and precise action with the Xinhai (Heavy). Ultimately, it's about finding the switch that aligns with your personal typing style and preferences.
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