Durock Black Lotus vs. Aflion Blush
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Aflion Blush switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to comparing and contrasting two exceptional mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Black Lotus and the Aflion Blush stand out as top contenders. The Black Lotus is celebrated for its silky smooth feel and unparalleled precision, boasting reduced housing and stem wobble for maximum typing pleasure. With a 55g actuation weight that strikes a perfect balance between substantial and comfortable, this linear switch provides an exceptional typing experience. Additionally, the unique removable light column adds a touch of customization to suit your preferences. On the other hand, the Blush switch from Aflion impresses with its longer, two-stage spring, resulting in an incredibly smooth, full, and snappy typing feel. The long pole design lends itself to a distinct and satisfying poppy sound signature. Both switches offer their unique advantages, be it the Black Lotus' precision and customizable lighting or the Blush's smoothness and satisfying spring layout. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Dual-stage stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The Durock Black Lotus and the Aflion Blush both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct characteristics. The Black Lotus utilizes a modified PC and UPE Blend for its top housing, while the Blush boasts a polycarbonate top housing. Though different, both materials offer desirable qualities and contribute to the premium feel of these switches.
The modified PC and UPE Blend top housing of the Black Lotus provides a unique and premium feel to the switch. This blend combines the durability of PC with the added benefits of UPE, resulting in a housing that is both sturdy and resilient. The combination of these materials offers a pleasant tactile experience when pressing down on the switch. Similarly, the polycarbonate top housing of the Blush also enhances the overall feel of the switch. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, which translates to a sharper, crisper sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for impressive RGB lighting effects, making it a favored choice for those who prioritize aesthetics.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Black Lotus and the Blush utilize nylon. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. Due to its relatively softer nature, nylon absorbs sound better than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that many enthusiasts appreciate. The nylon bottom housing in both switches enhances the typing experience, providing a satisfying and immersive sound when pressing down on the keys.
It is worth noting that the top and bottom housings of a switch play different roles in determining the overall sound and feel. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Although the materials may differ, the Black Lotus and Blush both excel in delivering a satisfying typing experience. Whether it is the unique blend of PC and UPE in the Black Lotus or the stiffer polycarbonate in the Blush, users can expect similar results in terms of premium feel and immersive sound.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Aflion Blush linear switch, there are some notable similarities and differences to consider. In terms of weight, the lighter option would be the Blush, as its actuation force is unknown, while its bottom out force is 58 grams, which falls under the medium range. On the other hand, the Black Lotus has an actuation force of 55 grams and a slightly heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Blush switch could be a suitable choice as its lower bottom out force allows for longer typing sessions without inducing fatigue. This would be particularly advantageous for individuals using the keyboard for work or engaging in extended gaming sessions. On the contrary, the Black Lotus offers a more substantial typing experience with its slightly higher actuation and bottom out forces. This heavier push feel can be preferred by users who value a more tactile and satisfying key press.
While the actuation force of the Blush remains unknown, it is reasonable to assume that it would be in the same general range as the Black Lotus since both switches are classified as linear switches. Therefore, if one desires a similar resistance level to the Black Lotus, the Blush could still provide comparable results.
In summary, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch offers a medium-heavy typing experience with an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams. On the other hand, the Aflion Blush linear switch provides a lighter option, with an unknown actuation force and a bottom out force of 58 grams, falling into the medium range. Both switches cater to different preferences, allowing users to choose between a heavier or lighter typing experience based on their individual needs and preferences.
Travel distance
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Aflion Blush linear switch have different travel distances. The Black Lotus has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered a more traditional depth. On the other hand, the Blush has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it shallower. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. So, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Blush switch would be a better option. However, for those who prefer a more substantial key press, the longer travel distance of the Black Lotus may be preferable. Both switches offer distinct experiences, catering to different preferences and needs when it comes to key feel and response.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Black Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Black Lotus for $4.57.
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 Black Lotus linear switch does not have a specified descriptor, so its sound quality is unknown. On the other hand, the Blush switch is described as having a low-pitched sound. Low-pitched switches typically have a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel, both the Black Lotus and the Blush switches share similar qualities. Both switches are described as silky, buttery, and smooth, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience. They minimize resistance when pressing and releasing keys, providing a seamless and effortless keystroke sensation. The Black Lotus is also described as mild, indicating a more gentle typing experience, while the Blush is described as creamy, which adds to the smooth and buttery feel.
In conclusion, the Black Lotus and the Blush switches have some similarities in terms of feel, both being described as silky and buttery. While the sound quality of the Black Lotus is unknown, the Blush is known for having a low-pitched sound. Overall, both switches offer a smooth typing experience, and the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the other factors in your setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when it comes to choosing between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Aflion Blush linear switch, there are a few factors to consider. If you're looking for a slightly heavier switch with a unique light column feature, the Black Lotus is a great option. It offers a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams and has a silky smooth feel with reduced wobble for an enhanced typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a longer, two-stage spring for an impressively smooth and snappy feel, the Blush is worth considering. With a medium bottom out force of 58 grams and a long pole design that produces a poppy sound signature, it provides a unique typing sensation. Both switches offer a silky, buttery feel, but the Blush also has a creamy sensation thanks to factory-applied lubricant. Ultimately, the choice between them depends on individual preferences for weight, sound, and feel.
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