Aflion Blush vs. Keygeek Briny
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the Keygeek Briny switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Blush and the Keygeek Briny both offer unique experiences tailored to different typing preferences, despite being linear switches. The Blush, often heralded as Aflion's premier linear option, features a longer, two-stage spring design that contributes to an impressively smooth and snappy typing experience. Users appreciate its low-pitched, creamy sound—a testament to its well-engineered poppy sound signature. On the other hand, the Keygeek Briny distinguishes itself through its construction, utilizing a UPE stem combined with a pure PA66 bottom housing, which results in a balanced sound profile, allowing for a more subdued auditory feedback during typing. Those who prioritize a more consistent and mellow sound may lean towards the Briny, while the Blush caters to those who favor a lively, buttery feel. Each switch brings its own character and cater to different preferences, making the choice dependent on what typing experience you desire. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
UPE
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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Blush and Keygeek Briny switches utilize different materials for their top housings, which significantly influences their sound profiles. The Blush is equipped with a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is partly due to polycarbonate’s stiffer properties, which lead to a clearer and more resonant output. Moreover, its translucency allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects, enhancing both aesthetic appeal and functionality. In contrast, the Briny features a nylon top housing that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. As nylon is a softer material, it absorbs more sound compared to polycarbonate, yielding a rounder auditory experience. This difference in top housing materials sets the two switches apart in terms of sound quality and visual effects, catering to specific user preferences.
When examining the bottom housing of both switches, it becomes clear that they share a commonality. Both the Aflion Blush and Keygeek Briny utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which enhances the overall tactile experience. As nylon is known for its sound-absorbing properties, both switches offer a deeper and fuller bottom-out sound. This similarity suggests that the feel of the switch during operation will be more consistent, regardless of their differing top materials. When typing on either switch, users will experience that familiar softer sound profile, attributable to the nylon bottom, which will be prominent in both switch designs.
In terms of overall user experience, the variability in top housing materials means that while both the Blush and Briny will provide a satisfying tactile feel thanks to their matching nylon bottoms, their sound characteristics will diverge. The crisper, brighter tones of the Aflion Blush’s polycarbonate top will contrast with the duller, warmer notes produced by the Keygeek Briny's nylon top. Thus, users looking for a precise auditory feedback from their typing experience may prefer the Aflion Blush, while those who enjoy a more round sound may gravitate towards the Keygeek Briny. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will hinge on personal preference regarding sound clarity and RGB aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Keygeek Briny linear switch, we find notable differences. The Blush switch lacks a specified actuation force, making it difficult to directly assess its responsiveness, while its bottom out force is recorded at 58 grams. In contrast, the Briny switch has a defined actuation force of 50 grams and a slightly higher bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that the Briny is the lighter option in terms of actuation, offering a more responsive feel for typing and gaming. However, both switches share a similar range of bottom out forces, indicating a comparable depth in keystroke travel before reaching the bottom. Overall, those who favor a lighter actuation for prolonged use might lean towards the Briny switch, while the Blush’s unspecified actuation presents an uncertainty for users looking for a definitive typing feel.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blush linear switch features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Keygeek Briny linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference of 0.3 mm may seem minor, but it can impact the overall feel and responsiveness of each switch. The Blush, with its shorter travel distance, is likely to be favored by gamers seeking quick response times, as it requires less effort to actuate. On the other hand, the Briny offers a fuller depth with its longer travel distance, which some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. Hence, individuals looking for a responsive feel might lean towards the Aflion Blush, whereas those who appreciate a more pronounced key press might opt for the Keygeek Briny.
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 Keygeek Briny has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Briny for $3.29.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Aflion Blush and Keygeek Briny linear switches, the Blush distinctly stands out with its low-pitched, bass-heavy tonal quality, characterized by a full and mellow resonance that might appeal to those who enjoy a richer auditory experience. This sound is enhanced by the switch's long pole, which contributes to a poppy sound signature. In contrast, the Briny switch is known for producing a balanced sound profile, although specific descriptors for its sound characteristics are unspecified. Effective sound output can vary based on the keyboard setup, including the choice of board and keycaps, so both switches may deliver satisfying acoustics depending on their overall configuration.
In terms of feel, the Blush linear switch excels with its creamy, silky, and buttery typing experience. This combination leads to an exceptionally smooth and effortless gliding sensation across the keys, reminiscent of a pleasurable typing experience that many users desire. The two-stage spring and longer design contribute to a full and snappy response, allowing for a satisfying tactile engagement with each keystroke. On the other hand, details about the feel of the Briny switch are not provided, making it difficult to establish a direct comparison regarding its tactile sensation. Therefore, while the Blush clearly offers an appealingly smooth typing experience, the characteristics of the Briny's feel remain unknown.
In conclusion, the Aflion Blush linear switch presents a defined acoustic profile with a low-pitched, poppy sound, alongside an exceptionally smooth and enjoyable typing feel thanks to its creamy, silky qualities. Although the Briny switch provides a balanced sound profile, it lacks specific details regarding its feel, which makes it challenging to thoroughly evaluate against the Blush. Ultimately, for newcomers choosing a switch, the Aflion Blush clearly emphasizes smooth sound and feel, while the Keygeek Briny remains an intriguing option that may have its own appealing qualities, albeit less defined.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Aflion Blush and the Keygeek Briny linear switches, consider your personal preferences and typing habits. If you value a smooth, creamy, and buttery typing experience, the Blush may be the ideal choice for you. Its longer, two-stage spring and low-pitched sound signature give it a unique character, making it suitable for both gaming and typing where you want a satisfying feel and pleasant acoustics. The Blush's lower-pitched, bass-heavy sound can also create an enjoyable atmosphere while you type or game. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly firmer feel and a more neutral sound profile, the Briny is your go-to. With a bottom-out force of 60 grams, it provides just a bit more resistance, which some may find to enhance their typing precision without straying into the realm of heaviness. The Briny's balanced sound characteristics cater to those who might prefer a more subdued auditory experience while still enjoying the reliability that comes with high-quality materials like UPE and PA66. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you seek a luxurious, tactile experience with the Blush or a slightly firmer yet balanced typing sensation with the Briny.
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