Aflion Blush vs. Akko Botany
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the Akko Botany switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the Aflion Blush and Akko Botany exemplify distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Aflion Blush, celebrated for its smooth and snappy typing experience, features a unique two-stage spring that enhances its creamy and silky feel, alongside a low-pitched, buttery pop when pressed. This makes it an excellent choice for those seeking a satisfying and responsive keystroke. In contrast, the Akko Botany offers a sharper, clacky sound profile right out of the box, providing a dynamic auditory feedback that appeals to users who enjoy a more pronounced typing experience. Both switches are linear, making them ideal for gamers and typists alike who prefer a seamless keypress without tactile bumps. 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
N/A
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon Pro
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Dual-stage stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Blush and the Akko Botany showcase distinct characteristics in their housing materials that contribute to their overall acoustic profiles. The Blush features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer construction that produces a sharper and crisper sound profile. This resonant quality is particularly enhanced in the presence of RGB lighting, as the translucent nature of polycarbonate allows the illumination to shine through effectively. In contrast, the Botany’s top housing made of nylon delivers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition. The sound produced from typing on nylon tends to absorb more vibrations, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. This fundamental difference in top housing material sets the two switches apart in their sound characteristics during typing.
When we examine the bottom housings, both the Aflion Blush and the Akko Botany are equipped with nylon materials, bringing a united feature to this aspect of their design. As each switch has a nylon bottom housing, typing on either will offer a consistent experience—offering a deeper and fuller sound profile that characterizes nylon. The absorption qualities inherent in nylon help reduce the clatter, providing a more muted bottom-out sound. This commonality between the two models illustrates that while the top housing materials diverge in their acoustic responses, the bottom housing harmonizes their sound characteristics, allowing for a midway point in their overall auditory experiences.
The interplay between the top and bottom housing materials in both switches emphasizes the importance of these materials in dictating sound. The Blush's polycarbonate top enhances crisper highlights when releasing keys, whereas the Botany's nylon top gives a smoother sound deliverance. Nonetheless, when bottoming out, the shared nylon characteristic of both switches ensures a consistent deep sound profile, creating a unifying aspect despite differences in the top housing. Ultimately, while the Aflion Blush and Akko Botany cater to different auditory preferences through their top housing choices, they harmoniously share the classic properties of nylon in their bottom housings, which fosters a nuanced yet fuller typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Akko Botany linear switch, a notable difference lies in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Blush switch has a bottom out force of 58 grams, categorizing it as a medium-weight option, but its actuation force is unknown. Conversely, the Botany switch has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This makes the Botany switch the overall lighter option, which is ideal for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience for extended periods. In contrast, the Blush's heavier bottom out force may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel. Overall, if you're seeking a switch that allows for prolonged typing with a light touch, the Akko Botany would be a suitable choice. The Aflion Blush might cater to users who favor a firmer response, especially when bottoming out.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Akko Botany linear switch, the Blush measures at 3.3 mm, while the Botany has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This indicates that the Blush offers a shorter travel distance, which can be beneficial for gamers or users seeking quicker response times. Conversely, the Botany's longer travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel with deeper key presses. Thus, if you favor a more responsive typing experience, the Aflion Blush would be the better choice, while the Akko Botany may be more suited for those who enjoy a lengthier actuation.
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 Akko Botany has an MSRP of $3.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Botany for $3.11.
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 Aflion Blush switch stands out with a low-pitched tone that contributes to a more bass-heavy and mellow auditory experience. This sound signature is characterized by a poppy quality that enhances the enjoyment of the typing experience without being overly sharp or jarring. In contrast, the Akko Botany switch is known for its crisp and lively clacky sound, offering a more pronounced auditory feedback that's both energetic and upbeat. The differences in sound profile suggest that while the Blush delivers a deeper, warmer sound, the Botany provides a spirited punch, which can influence how users perceive their typing experience. It's important to note that the overall sound can also be shaped by the keyboard chassis and keycap materials used, meaning users can achieve varying results regardless of the switch choice.
Regarding the feel of each switch, the Aflion Blush excels with a creamy, silky, and buttery typing experience, resulting in remarkably smooth keystrokes. This is likely influenced by the switch’s design, which includes a longer, two-stage spring that enhances the seamless transition between key presses. Users can expect a gliding sensation that minimizes resistance and maximizes comfort, effectively reducing fatigue during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the feel of the Akko Botany switch is not extensively described here, leaving an open question about its tactile response. However, if it falls within the linear switch category, it may offer a relatively smooth experience, but without the nuanced sensations conveyed by the Blush.
In summary, the Aflion Blush linear switch is appreciated for its smooth, buttery feel and low-pitched, poppy sound signature, making it ideal for users seeking a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience. Conversely, the Akko Botany switch offers a crisp and lively auditory profile, though its tactile qualities remain less defined. If one opts for either switch, they can expect a relatively smooth typing experience from both, with notable differences in sound that cater to distinct user preferences. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will hinge less on the fundamental linearity and more on the desired auditory characteristics and typing sensations.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Akko Botany linear switch largely depends on your personal typing preferences and the kind of experience you seek. If you prefer a heavier, more tactile feel with a medium bottom-out force of 58 grams, the Blush may be the better option for you. Its buttery, creamy, and silky typing experience provides a smooth glide that many typists and gamers appreciate, especially for extended periods of use. Additionally, the low-pitched sound profile of the Blush makes it ideal for environments where a quieter typing experience is preferred, while still offering a satisfying, poppy feedback that can enhance your typing rhythm. Conversely, if you like a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of just 45 grams, the Botany switch is designed to deliver a crisp and lively sound right out of the box. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a quick and agile response, whether for gaming or fast typing, and its clacky sound can add a playful element to your setup. Ultimately, your decision should be guided by what feels most comfortable to you during typing or gaming sessions, thus ensuring an enjoyable mechanical keyboard experience.
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