Durock Blue Lotus vs. Aflion Blush
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Aflion Blush switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two standout options are the Durock Blue Lotus and the Aflion Blush. The Blue Lotus switches from Durock are renowned for their unique combination of tactile intensity and lightning-fast responsiveness. With a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm, compared to the standard 4mm, these switches provide a satisfying tactile feel. Furthermore, the Blue Lotus switches come equipped with a detachable light column that offers vibrant RGB illumination, making them visually striking. On the other hand, the Blush switch from Aflion is hailed as one of their best linear offerings. Its longer two-stage spring ensures an incredibly smooth and snappy typing experience, while its long pole provides a distinctive poppy sound signature. The Blush switch is categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Creamy', 'Silky', and 'Buttery'. Each switch offers its own unique advantages, so let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you make an informed choice based on your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.70 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 long spring
Spring
Dual-stage stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The Durock Blue Lotus and the Aflion Blush both have unique housing materials that contribute to their overall performance and sound profiles. The Blue Lotus features a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, which provides a premium feel. This blend of materials offers a balance between durability and flexibility, resulting in a switch that is both sturdy and comfortable to type on. In contrast, the Blush utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced, making it ideal for those who prefer a more distinct typing experience. Although they differ in material composition, both the Blue Lotus and the Blush offer a satisfying feel and sound when pressing down on the keys.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both the Blue Lotus and the Blush utilize nylon, a classic switch housing material. Typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This makes the switches quieter and more suitable for environments where noise level is a concern. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both the Blue Lotus and the Blush ensures a pleasant and immersive typing experience.
Although the Blue Lotus and the Blush differ in their top housing materials, they share similar qualities in their nylon bottom housing. This means that users can expect a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on both switches. However, the presence of the modified PC and UPE Blend top housing in the Blue Lotus may provide a slightly different feel compared to the polycarbonate top housing of the Blush. Pressing down on the Blue Lotus will emphasize the qualities of the nylon bottom housing, resulting in a switch with a deeper bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the Blush's sound profile will be influenced more by its polycarbonate top housing, creating a distinct sound when releasing a key. Overall, both switches offer unique and satisfying typing experiences due to their carefully chosen housing materials.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Aflion Blush linear switch, we can observe some similarities and differences. When it comes to weight, the Blue Lotus is on the heavier side with an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. On the other hand, the Blush's actuation force is currently unavailable, but it does have a bottom out force of 58 grams, which is considered medium.
For those who prefer a lighter feel, the Blue Lotus might not be the ideal choice as it requires a bit more force for actuation and bottoming out. However, if you enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push, the Blue Lotus offers that extra weight.
As for the Blush, since the actuation force is unknown, we can't directly compare it to the Blue Lotus in terms of triggering a keystroke. However, the bottom out force of 58 grams suggests a medium typing experience, which is lighter than the bottom out force of the Blue Lotus.
In conclusion, while the actuation force and bottom out force may differ between the Durock Blue Lotus and the Aflion Blush, both switches offer a medium level of weight for typing. However, if you specifically prefer a lighter or heavier feel, the Blue Lotus provides a slightly heavier experience compared to the Blush.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch is 3.7 mm, while the Aflion Blush linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm distance. These shorter travel distances are becoming increasingly popular, particularly among gamers who value faster response times. If you prioritize a more responsive typing experience, the shorter travel distance of the Blush switch would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper typing feel, the Blue Lotus switch with its slightly longer travel distance may be more appropriate. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on individual preferences for depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Blue 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 Blue 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
When it comes to sound, the Durock Blue Lotus switches offer a deep and rich bassy sound profile during key presses. This means that the sound produced has a lower frequency range, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the Aflion Blush switches have a low-pitched sound, which is characterized by 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 PCB and the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Durock Blue Lotus switches can be described as accented, snappy, and stepped. Accented switches refer to a certain type of tactile switch that is not hypersensitive but still provides a prominent amount of tactility. Snappy switches, on the other hand, are super responsive due to longer or dual-staged springs, giving a more lively typing experience. Stepped switches have a two-stage feel, with some pre-travel and/or post-travel, making them feel milder compared to hypersensitive switches.
On the other hand, the Aflion Blush switches are known for their creamy, silky, and buttery feel. Creamy switches offer a smooth and buttery typing experience due to lubricant applied at the factory or specific materials used. Silky switches provide an exceptionally smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Lastly, buttery switches imply a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, resulting in a seamless and uniform typing sensation.
In conclusion, the Durock Blue Lotus and Aflion Blush switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Blue Lotus switches have a bassy sound profile and provide an accented, snappy, and stepped tactile feel. On the other hand, the Blush switches have a low-pitched sound and offer a creamy, silky, and buttery typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches provide unique options. However, if you are looking for similar results in terms of sound and feel, the Blush switches may offer a comparable experience to the Blue Lotus switches, with their low-pitched sound and smooth typing feel.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you are someone who enjoys a pronounced tactile feel and values visual appeal, the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch is an excellent choice for you. With its medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams and slightly reduced travel, these switches offer a snappy and responsive typing experience. Additionally, the Blue Lotus switches feature a detachable light column for vibrant RGB illumination, adding to their captivating visual appeal.
On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and snappy linear switch, the Aflion Blush is the way to go. With a medium bottom out force of 58 grams and a longer, two-stage spring, these switches provide an impressively smooth and full typing feel. The long pole of the Blush switch also contributes to a distinctive poppy sound signature.
In terms of sound, the Blue Lotus switches offer a deep and rich bassy tone during key presses, while the Blush switches provide a low-pitched and mellow sound profile.
When it comes to feel, the Blue Lotus switches are described as accented, snappy, and stepped, providing a medium amount of tactility without being overwhelming. On the other hand, the Blush switches are described as creamy, silky, and buttery, offering an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing sensation.
Ultimately, your choice between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Aflion Blush linear switch will depend on your preference for tactile feedback, sound profile, and overall typing experience. Consider your personal preferences and select the switch that aligns with your desired feel and performance.
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