Aflion Blush vs. Kailh Box Jade
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the Kailh Box Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Aflion Blush and the Kailh Box Jade are two popular mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct features and characteristics. The Blush, a linear switch, is revered for its smooth and snappy typing experience. With its longer, two-stage spring, this switch provides an impressively smooth and full feel, while also delivering a satisfyingly poppy sound signature. On the other hand, the Box Jade, a clicky switch, offers a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and pronounced tactility. Typists who enjoy crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps will appreciate the Box Jade's invigorating typing experience. Both switches have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Dual-stage stainless steel spring
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Blush and the Kailh Box Jade switches share many similarities. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, adding a visually appealing element to the switches. Therefore, users can expect similar sound and visual effects from both the Blush and the Box Jade switches due to their shared polycarbonate top housing.
On the other hand, the bottom housing of the two switches differs in material, with the Blush featuring a nylon bottom housing while the Box Jade utilizes a similar nylon housing. Nylon is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches. This is because nylon is a softer plastic compared to harder plastics, allowing it to absorb more sound and create a duller and rounder sound. With this distinction, the bottom housing of each switch greatly influences the bottom-out sound and feel during key presses.
In summary, while the top housing of the Aflion Blush and the Kailh Box Jade switches is made of polycarbonate, offering similar sound and visual effects, the bottom housing material differs. The Blush's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Box Jade's nylon bottom housing has similar sound-absorbing qualities. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the two switches to achieve their desired typing experience based on the impact each housing material has on the sound and feel during key presses. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. In terms of actuation force, the Blush's exact measurement is unavailable, while the Box Jade requires 50 grams of force. Although we don't have the exact measurement for the Blush, it is safe to assume that the actuation force is similar to or lighter than the Box Jade since it is not specified as heavier.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Blush requires 58 grams of force, which is slightly lighter than the Box Jade's 60 grams. Both switches fall under the medium category in terms of bottom out force.
Considering the weight of switches is crucial as it determines the typing experience and endurance during extended usage. Some individuals prefer lighter switches like the Blush or the Box Jade with similar actuation forces, as they enable longer typing sessions ideal for work or prolonged gaming. On the contrary, those who seek a more substantial typing experience may choose switches with heavier forces like the Box Jade, which requires a slightly stronger push.
In summary, while the exact actuation force of the Blush is unknown, it is likely lighter or similar to the Box Jade's 50 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Blush is lighter at 58 grams compared to the Box Jade's 60 grams. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blush linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches have shorter travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, indicating that they offer a more responsive typing or gaming experience. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. If you prioritize responsiveness, the Aflion Blush with its 3.3 mm travel distance would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt or lacking in depth. In this case, the Kailh Box Jade with its longer 3.6 mm travel distance would provide a more substantial feel when pressing down on the keys. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
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 Kailh Box Jade comes in at $5.50 per 10 switches.
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 Aflion Blush linear switch offers a low-pitched sound profile. These switches produce a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, which can be pleasing to the ears for those who prefer a deeper sound. On the other hand, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch provides a high-pitched sound. These switches produce a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, perfect for those who enjoy a more vibrant and lively auditory experience. Additionally, the Box Jade switches have a crunchy sound, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Blush linear switch offers a creamy, silky, and buttery typing experience. These switches are known for their smooth and buttery sensation when typing, allowing your fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys. The smoothness of these switches enhances the overall typing feel and minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. On the other hand, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch provides an invigorating typing experience. These switches offer pronounced feedback, a moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel, creating an immersive typing sensation. The Box Jades are considered accented switches, providing a notable amount of tactility without being overwhelming or too subtle.
Taking all available information into account, the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch offer distinct subjective qualities. The Blush provides a smooth, full, and snappy type feel, with a poppy sound signature. It offers a creamy, silky, and buttery typing experience. On the other hand, the Box Jades are perfect for those who seek a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and tactility. They provide crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps when typing. With these descriptions, it is clear that the sound and feel of these switches are different, allowing for a range of preferences depending on whether one prefers a low-pitched or high-pitched sound, and a smooth or invigorating typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when it comes to choosing between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch, it ultimately depends on your personal preferences. If you value a smooth and snappy typing experience with a poppy sound signature, the Blush switch might be the ideal choice for you. With its longer, two-stage spring and creamy, silky, and buttery feel, typing on the Blush switch will feel like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. Additionally, if you prefer a low-pitched sound profile, the Blush switch would be a great fit.
On the other hand, if you're seeking a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and noticeable tactile feedback, the Box Jade switch is the way to go. The Box Jade offers crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps, creating an invigorating and immersive typing sensation. If you enjoy a high-pitched sound and an accented tactile feel, the Box Jade switch will provide exactly that.
Overall, the Blush switch excels in offering a smooth and snappy linear feel with a low-pitched sound, while the Box Jade switch delivers a clicky and tactile typing experience with a high-pitched sound and accented tactility. Consider your preferences for feel and sound, and choose the switch that aligns best with your desired typing experience. Happy typing!
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