SP-Star Ayara vs. Aflion Blush
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the Aflion Blush switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The SP-Star Ayara and Aflion Blush are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct features and advantages. The Ayara switches are ideal for those seeking a robust typing experience, as they have a medium heftiness and provide a soft bottom-out feel, accompanied by a satisfyingly clacky sound profile. Categorized as 'Neutral', 'High-pitched', and 'Polished', the Ayara switches are popular among users who crave a hearty typing sensation. On the other hand, the Blush switches from Aflion are highly regarded as the brand's best linear option. These switches offer an incredibly smooth and snappy typing experience, thanks to their longer, two-stage spring. Additionally, the Blush switches provide a delightful poppy sound signature, with a categorization of 'Low-pitched', 'Creamy', 'Silky', and 'Buttery'. Both switches have their own unique appeal, making it important to delve deeper into their characteristics and qualities to determine the best choice for your keyboard needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Two-stage
Spring
Dual-stage stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Ayara and the Aflion Blush differ significantly. The Ayara utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing on the switches. On the other hand, the Blush features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound profile. Its translucent nature is also beneficial for RGB lighting.
However, if we compare the bottom housings of both switches, we find that they are identical. Both the Ayara and the Blush utilize nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a similar deep and full sound profile when typing. Nylon's softer nature allows it to absorb more sound, creating a dull and round sound experience on both switches. Therefore, if you are primarily concerned with the typing sound and feel, the bottom housing material will have a more significant impact.
It is important to note that when a switch has different housing materials for the top and bottom, the qualities of each material will be split. The bottom housing will primarily affect the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will have a more significant impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, if you are particular about the sound produced when letting go of a key, the top housing material becomes a crucial consideration.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Aflion Blush linear switch, it is important to note that the exact force values for both switches are unavailable. However, it is clear that both switches have a medium bottom out force, with the Ayara having a bottom out force of 62 grams and the Blush having a bottom out force of 58 grams.
Weight, or force, is an important consideration when choosing a switch. Some individuals prefer a lighter actuation force, as this allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. This lighter actuation force can be beneficial for those who use their keyboard extensively for work or engage in prolonged gaming sessions. On the other hand, some individuals prefer a heavier actuation force for a more substantial typing experience. This heavier actuation force provides a stronger push feel, satisfying those who prefer a more tactile and responsive typing experience.
Although the specific actuation forces of the Ayara and Blush switches are unknown, the fact that both switches have a medium bottom out force suggests that they provide a similar typing experience in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of actuation force from both switches, even though the specific values are not provided.
In summary, while the SP-Star Ayara and Aflion Blush linear switches have different bottom out forces, both switches offer a comparable actuation force that provides a satisfying typing experience. The choice between these switches ultimately depends on individual preferences regarding the weight of the keystrokes and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch is 4.0mm, while the Aflion Blush linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3mm. Therefore, the Ayara switch has a longer travel distance compared to the Blush switch. The Ayara's 4.0mm travel distance falls into the category of a more traditional distance, providing a deeper press when typing. On the other hand, the Blush's 3.3mm travel distance is slightly shallower, catering to those who prefer a quicker response time. Gamers, in particular, often lean towards switches with shorter travel distances for faster reaction times. However, some individuals may find the shorter travel distance to feel too abrupt. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference, with the Ayara offering a more traditional and deeper feeling, while the Blush provides a shallower and quicker response.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Ayara has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ayara for $5.40.
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.
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 Ayara linear switch offers a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement. This makes it suitable for both beginners and advanced users, whether you are using it at home or at work. It produces a perfectly clacky sound when pressed, which is sharp and crisp. On the other hand, the Blush linear switch has a low-pitched sound. It offers a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches, providing a different auditory experience. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Ayara linear switch is described as polished. This means that it has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. The reduced friction and smooth key travel of the Ayara switch enhance the overall feel. On the other hand, the Blush linear switch is described as creamy, silky, and buttery. It offers a smooth and buttery typing experience, similar to gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. The Blush switch provides an exceptionally smooth typing feel, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Both switches offer different tactile experiences, catering to individual typing preferences.
In conclusion, the Ayara and Blush linear switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ayara switch provides a neutral sound with a clacky profile and a polished feel for a hearty typing experience. On the other hand, the Blush switch offers a low-pitched sound with a poppy signature and a creamy, silky, and buttery feel for a smooth and enjoyable typing experience. Depending on individual preferences, both switches can provide satisfactory results in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a medium heftness and a hearty typing experience, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch would be a great choice. These switches offer a soft bottom-out feel and a perfectly clacky sound profile, making them ideal for those who enjoy a satisfying typing experience. The Ayara switch is also described as having a polished feel, resulting in a sleek and smooth typing experience with reduced friction.
On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and snappy typing feel, the Aflion Blush linear switch is the way to go. This switch features a longer, two-stage spring, providing an impressively smooth, full, and snappy typing experience. The Blush switch is also known for its long pole, which contributes to a poppy sound signature. Furthermore, it is described as creamy, silky, and buttery, offering a smooth and effortless typing sensation.
In terms of sound, the Ayara switch is neutral and gives a moderate sound profile, suitable for most purposes. If you prefer a sharper and crisper sound, the Blush switch may not be the best choice as it has a low-pitched and more bass-heavy sound profile.
In conclusion, if you prioritize a hearty typing experience with a medium heftness and a polished feel, go for the SP-Star Ayara linear switch. However, if you value a smooth and snappy typing feel with a poppy sound signature, along with a creamy, silky, and buttery sensation, the Aflion Blush linear switch would be the better option. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound profile.
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