Huano Acacia vs. Aflion Blush
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the Aflion Blush switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Acacia and the Aflion Blush, both linear switches, present unique advantages that cater to different typing preferences. The Huano Acacia is recognized for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, delivering an excellent typing experience straight out of the box. This makes it a fantastic choice for those who crave a smooth and consistent feel without any additional modifications. On the other hand, the Aflion Blush stands out with its longer two-stage spring, resulting in an impressively smooth, full, and snappy typing feel, complemented by a low-pitched, creamy sound signature. This distinct auditory feedback can enhance the typing experience for users who appreciate a more tactile sound while typing. Ultimately, your choice may depend on whether you prioritize effortless typing with the Acacia or a more dynamic typing experience with the Blush. 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
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
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
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Dual-stage stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The Huano Acacia and the Aflion Blush utilize identical housing materials, specifically polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. This similarity ensures that both switches deliver comparable aural characteristics. The polycarbonate top housing contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. Its inherent stiffness allows for a more resonant sound, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize clarity in auditory feedback when typing. The translucency of polycarbonate also enhances the aesthetic aspect of the switches, especially when RGB lighting is employed, as it allows for vibrant lighting effects to shine through, creating visually appealing setups.
On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing in both the Acacia and the Blush is what differentiates the tonal qualities when a key is pressed. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound vibrations differently than polycarbonate, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This material is essential for crafting a softer tactile feedback and a rounded bottom-out sound, which can deliver a warmer typing experience compared to its stiffer counterpart. Since both switches utilize this classic material for their bottom housing, users can expect a commendable level of consistency in the overall sound and feel during key presses.
Ultimately, the synergy between the materials used in both the Huano Acacia and the Aflion Blush creates a balanced auditory experience. While the polycarbonate top generates crisp sounds during the release phase, the nylon bottom softens the impact during the bottom-out phase. As both switches boast the same housing materials, typists can confidently expect a coherent audio profile that harmonizes the sharpness of the top and the warmth of the bottom. This duality is vital for those who appreciate a nuanced sound signature in their keyboard experience, making the Acacia and the Blush excellent choices for a variety of typing preferences.
Weight
The Huano Acacia linear switch features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light, making it well-suited for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Aflion Blush linear switch has an unknown actuation force but a bottom out force of 58 grams, placing it in the medium range regarding key press resistance. Given that the Blush's actuation force is unspecified, we cannot make a direct comparison regarding the initial resistance felt when pressing the key. However, the Blush's bottom out force is slightly heavier than that of the Acacia, which may suggest a more substantial feel. Overall, the Acacia is the lighter option, appealing to users seeking ease of use, while the Blush, with its heavier bottom out force, may cater better to those who enjoy a firmer typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Aflion Blush linear switch, the Acacia features a distance of 3.5 mm, while the Blush offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Acacia switch provides a bit more depth when pressed, appealing to those who prefer a more pronounced tactile experience. In contrast, the Blush, with its shorter travel distance, may cater to gamers or users seeking quicker response times for fast-paced environments. Both distances fall within the modern trend of shorter travel options, but if one favors a more substantial key press, the Acacia would be the better choice, whereas those who prioritize speed and responsiveness might lean towards the Blush. Ultimately, your preference for depth versus responsiveness will dictate which switch might be more suitable for your needs.
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 Huano Acacia comes in at $3.39 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
When it comes to sound, the Huano Acacia switch is relatively quiet, maintaining a balanced profile that doesn’t draw too much attention, making it suitable for office environments or shared spaces. In contrast, the Aflion Blush switch presents a low-pitched sound signature, characterized by a bass-heavy and mellow tone. This unique acoustic quality adds a satisfying auditory feedback during typing, enhancing the overall experience but may also be subject to the acoustics of your chosen setup, which can influence how sound resonates.
In terms of feel, the Acacia switch offers a medium-light weight that combines with its minimal stem wobble for a stable and enjoyable typing experience right out of the box. This switch’s construction results in a pleasant tactile feedback without feeling overly rigid. On the other hand, the Blush switch excels with its longer, two-stage spring, resulting in an impressively smooth and snappy typing sensation. Descriptions of the Blush suggest that it feels creamy, silky, and buttery, providing a luxurious typing experience characterized by effortless keystrokes, which is enhanced by the generous factory lubrication.
In summary, while both the Huano Acacia and Aflion Blush switches excel in their own rights, they cater to slightly different user preferences. The Acacia offers a more subdued auditory experience paired with a reliable feel, perfect for those seeking comfort in a quieter environment. In contrast, the Blush switch provides a more pronounced sound profile and an exceptionally smooth tactile feedback, ideal for users who enjoy a more dynamic typing sensation. Depending on what qualities you prioritize, both switches can lead to an enjoyable typing experience, albeit with different auditory and tactile rewards.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Huano Acacia and Aflion Blush linear switches ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and typing habits. If you favor a medium-light actuation force and appreciate a typing experience that comes optimized out of the box with minimal wobble and generous lubrication, the Acacia is likely your best option. It offers a typing feel that is consistently smooth and buttery, making it suitable for long typing sessions where comfort is key. Conversely, if you prefer a switch that provides a bit more resistance with a medium actuation force, the Blush is worth considering. Its two-stage spring design not only enhances smoothness across the keypress but also delivers a satisfying, snappy feel along with a low-pitched and bass-heavy sound signature. This makes it a great choice for a tactile typing experience that’s both lively and engaging. Ultimately, your choice should reflect what you value in your keyboard experience: the effortless, creamy smoothness of the Acacia or the poppy, snappy sensation of the Blush.
Mentioned in this article
