Gateron Beer vs. Aflion Blush
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Aflion Blush switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Two of the most popular mechanical keyboard switches on the market today are the Gateron Beer, a tactile switch, and the Aflion Blush, a linear switch. The Gateron Beer is renowned for its translucent green color, lightweight design, stepped tactility, and characteristic clacky sound signature. On the other hand, the Aflion Blush stands out with its longer, two-stage spring, smooth and snappy typing feel, and poppy sound signature.
While the Beer switch is known for being clacky and easy-to-press with a stepped feel, the Blush switch is categorized as low-pitched, creamy, silky, and buttery.
Ultimately, the decision between these switches will come down to personal preference and the specific type of typing experience you are looking for. 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
38g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Dual-stage stainless steel spring
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Beer and the Aflion Blush feature polycarbonate top housings that create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate leads to a clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal material for switches where sound quality is a priority. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the switches. While both switches share this top housing material, they may differ in their bottom housing composition.
In contrast to the Beer's polycarbonate bottom housing, the Aflion Blush utilizes a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for its ability to provide a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches. This is due to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs more sound compared to stiffer plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The difference in bottom housing materials between the two switches may impact the overall sound experience and feel when typing, with the bottom housing playing a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.
Despite the variances in bottom housing materials, the Gateron Beer and the Aflion Blush both utilize polycarbonate in their top housings, highlighting the importance of this material in shaping the sound profile of the switches. While the bottom housing may influence the typing experience in different ways, the top housing's impact on the sound when letting go of a key remains consistent between the two switches. Overall, the choice of housing materials in both switches showcases how different plastics can contribute to distinct sound profiles and tactile sensations for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Aflion Blush linear switch, it is evident that the Beer is lighter in both aspects. The Beer has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a light typing experience. On the other hand, the Blush has an unknown actuation force and a bottom out force of 58 grams, providing a slightly heavier typing feel. The actuation force of the Beer is known to be lighter, while the bottom out force of the Blush is heavier. This means that users can expect a lighter and quicker keystroke with the Beer, while the Blush offers a more substantial typing experience with a slightly heavier touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding typing force and weight.
Travel distance
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Aflion Blush linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, particularly among gamers seeking faster response times. The slight difference in travel distance may not be very noticeable to the average user, but those who prefer a slightly deeper feel when typing or gaming may lean towards the Gateron Beer switch. On the other hand, individuals who prioritize a quicker, more responsive keypress may prefer the slightly shorter travel distance of the Aflion Blush switch. Ultimately, both switches offer a relatively similar travel distance, providing users with comparable results in terms of overall typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Beer has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Beer for $4.59.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Beer tactile switch stands out for its clacky signature, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Aflion Blush linear switch offers a low-pitched sound, giving off a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Both switches provide distinct auditory experiences, with the Beer offering a more crisp and bright sound, while the Blush delivers a deeper and more relaxed tone.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is described as easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate and providing a responsive and low-impact typing feel. Additionally, the stepped tactility of the Beer offers a mild two-stage sensation during key presses. On the other hand, the Aflion Blush linear switch offers a creamy and silky typing experience, with a smooth and buttery feel that enhances the overall typing comfort. The long pole of the Blush switch also contributes to a full and snappy typing sensation.
Overall, the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Aflion Blush linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Beer provides a distinctive clacky sound and easy-to-press, stepped tactility, the Blush offers a creamy typing experience with a longer, two-stage spring for a smooth and snappy feel. Depending on personal preferences, users can choose between the bright and sharp sound of the Beer or the mellow and bass-heavy sound of the Blush, as well as the lightweight and easy-to-press feel of the Beer or the smooth and buttery feel of the Blush. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality performance and can cater to a variety of typing preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Aflion Blush linear switch, consider your preferences for actuation force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and enjoy a clacky sound with a subtle tactility, the Gateron Beer switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier actuation force and desire a low-pitched, smooth, and creamy typing experience, the Aflion Blush switch might be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you desire.
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