The HMX Xinhai (light) and Aflion Blue Sky switches are both standard MX mechanical switches of the linear breed. They both feature Nylon bottom housing, POM stem material, standard stem shape, 2 mm pre-travel, however, they come with different top housing (Nylon PA12 vs PC), spring (22 mm KOS single stage extended vs 15 mm stainless steel), actuation (37 g vs 50 g), bottom-out force (45 g vs 60 g), total travel (3.40 mm vs 4 mm). That said, they are only slightly similar. Let's check out this side-by-side specs rundawn with details, availability -- and even current prices -- to figure out which one fits you the best!
The HMX Xinhai (light) is a linear standard MX mechanical switch with Nylon PA12 top housing, Nylon bottom housing, and POM stem (standard shape). It features a 22 mm KOS single stage extended spring. The 37g actuation occurs at 2mm. The 45g bottom-out occurs at 3.40mm. Factory lubing? Yes! Designed by HC Studio. Manufactured by HMX. | The Aflion Blue Sky is a linear standard MX mechanical switch with PC top housing, Nylon bottom housing, and POM stem (standard shape). It features a 15 mm stainless steel spring. The 50g actuation occurs at 2mm. The 60g bottom-out occurs at 4mm. Factory lubing? Yes! Manufactured by Aflion. |
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| Name | HMX Xinhai (light) | Aflion Blue Sky |
|---|---|---|
| Type | linear | linear |
| Footprint | 5-pin | 5-pin |
| Top housing | Nylon PA12 | PC |
| Bottom housing | Nylon | Nylon |
| Stem material | POM | POM |
| Stem shape | standard | standard |
| Spring | 22 mm KOS single stage extended | 15 mm stainless steel |
| Actuation | 37 g | 50 g |
| Bottom-out | 45 g | 60 g |
| Pre-travel | 2 mm | 2 mm |
| Total travel | 3.40 mm | 4 mm |
| Lube | Factory lubing? Yes! Applying more lubrication to the leaf spring, with a modified application process. | Factory lubing? Yes! |
| Designer | HC Studio | - |
| Manufacturer | HMX | Aflion |
By tracking prices and in-stock status of 30+ well-known keyboard stores worldwide, we can state that the Aflion Blue Sky is available at a single shop at the moment, while the HMX Xinhai (light) can be found in multiple stores.
Clicking the links below take you to some notable keyboard shops offering HMX Xinhai (light) and Aflion Blue Sky switches. When accepted, the prices indicated already include the discount - use the KBDNEWS coupon code at checkout to claim your saving!
Prices, discounts, and stock status are checked regularly; however, changes since the last update cannot be ruled out. Everything here is for informational purposes only. Check the product pages for the latest prices!
HMX Xinhai (light) sound test | Aflion Blue Sky sound test |
No Aflion Blue Sky sound test available. |
Comments on HMX Xinhai (light) switches | Comments on Aflion Blue Sky switches |
The HMX Xinhai switch distinguishes itself from other HMX switches in several notable ways. Firstly, its top housing is constructed from a softer material, PA12, as opposed to the more common PA66 or PA2. This design choice results in a less sharp and less pronounced top-out sound. Additionally, the bottom housing is composed of a modified Nylon material, a standard choice among HMX switches. Notably, the housing materials used in the Xinhai are identical to those in the HMX Macchiato; the key distinction between the two switches lies in their stem material. The Macchiato features a POK stem, lending it a pronounced 'thocky' sound in the mid-range, whereas the Xinhai employs a POM stem, producing a crisper, higher-pitched bottom-out sound. Furthermore, Xinhai employs a unique factory lubrication technique. This method involves applying more lubrication to the leaf spring and modifying the application process to ensure a more even lubricant distribution – Unikeys. | The Aflion Blue Sky is part of Aflion's 2023 lineup and features a brand new mould that results in better quality and tolerances. Aflion is the manufacturer behind the Melody and Pink Robin as well as the Invokeys switches and is known for their amazing quality and sound. This switch comes factory lubed and therefore is ready to use out of the box. Their sound and feel is very similar to that of the Invokeys Matcha Latte – Beaverkeys. |
