Aflion Blush vs. HMX EMO
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the HMX EMO switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Blush and the HMX EMO both offer unique features worth considering. The Aflion Blush, a linear switch, is praised for its smooth and snappy feel, thanks to its two-stage spring and long pole design. Its low-pitched, creamy, silky, and buttery characteristics make it a popular choice among users seeking a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX EMO, also a linear switch, stands out for its lively and clacky feel, paired with a feather-light 46g bottom-out force. With exceptional factory lubrication, the EMO provides an effortless and bouncy typing experience that is both smooth and satisfying. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
46g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
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 EMO both feature polycarbonate top housings, which provide a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches intended to be used with RGB lighting. The similarities in their polycarbonate top housings ensure that both switches will deliver a consistent sound profile and aesthetic appeal when it comes to RGB lighting effects.
On the other hand, the Blush and EMO differ in their bottom housings, with the Blush utilizing a nylon bottom housing and the EMO also featuring a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use nylon bottom housings. Despite this difference, both switches maintain the characteristic sound qualities associated with nylon bottom housings, providing a unique typing experience for users.
When considering the overall typing experience of the Aflion Blush and HMX EMO, the combination of their top and bottom housing materials plays a crucial role. While the top housing primarily influences the sound when a key is released, the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. This means that the qualities of the housing materials are distributed between pressing down on a key and releasing it, enhancing the overall tactile feedback and sound experience for users of both switches.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the HMX EMO linear switch differ significantly. The Blush requires no specific actuation force and has a bottom out force of 58 grams, providing a medium typing experience. On the other hand, the EMO has an actuation force of 40 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 46 grams. This makes the EMO switch easier to press and potentially more comfortable for extended typing sessions. The Blush switch, with a higher bottom out force, may be preferable for individuals seeking a more substantial and tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blush linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the HMX EMO linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the EMO has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Blush. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them preferred choices for those seeking faster response times, such as gamers. However, for those who prefer a more substantial key press with a deeper feel, the Blush may be the preferred option due to its slightly shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 EMO comes in at $3.49 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 offers a low-pitched tone, providing a bass-heavy and mellow sound compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, information on the sound profile of the HMX EMO linear switch is not provided. It is essential to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard's build and the keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Blush linear switch is described as creamy, silky, and buttery, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience with a silky sensation. This smoothness is attributed to factors such as factory-applied lubricant and specific materials used. In contrast, there is no detailed information available regarding the typing feel of the HMX EMO switch.
Overall, the Aflion Blush linear switch is known for its smooth, full, and snappy feel with a poppy sound signature, offering a creamy, silky, and buttery typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX EMO switch is praised for its lively, clacky feel with a feather-light 46g bottom-out force, delivering an effortless and bouncy typing experience. If you are looking for a linear switch with a focus on smoothness and fullness, the Aflion Blush may be the ideal choice. However, if you prefer a lively and clacky typing feel with a lighter bottom-out force, the HMX EMO switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences in sound and feel.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when deciding between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the HMX EMO linear switch, consider the characteristics that best suit your typing preferences. If you prefer a medium bottom-out force and enjoy a smooth, full, and snappy typing experience with a poppy sound signature, then the Blush switch might be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom-out force and enjoy a lively, clacky feel with a feather-light touch, then the HMX EMO switch could be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound, so choose wisely based on what aligns best with your typing style.
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