Aflion Blush vs. Bsun Pine
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the Bsun Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Aflion Blush and the BSUN Pine. The Blush, a linear switch, is praised for its smooth and snappy feel, thanks to its longer two-stage spring and long pole that provides a unique poppy sound signature. On the other hand, the Pine, a tactile switch, stands out for its sharp tactile bump and fast action, making it a favorite for those who enjoy direct tactility. While the Blush is described as 'Low-pitched', 'Creamy', 'Silky', 'Buttery', the Pine is categorized as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', 'Snappy'. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Dual-stage stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Aflion Blush and the Bsun Pine both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. Both switches will provide similar sound profiles and aesthetic appeal when it comes to the top housing material.
When it comes to the bottom housing material, both the Blush and the Pine utilize nylon, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer properties absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of these switches will contribute to a more satisfying typing experience with a softer sound profile.
In terms of overall typing experience, the qualities of the housing materials in both the Aflion Blush and the Bsun Pine will be felt differently when pressing down and releasing a key. The qualities of the nylon bottom housing will have more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the characteristics of the polycarbonate top housing will be more noticeable when releasing a key. Despite these differences, both switches will provide a balanced and pleasing typing experience with the combination of their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Bsun Pine tactile switch, it is evident that there are differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Blush switch has an actuation force of None grams, making it a lighter option in terms of initial key press sensitivity. In contrast, the Pine switch requires 45 grams of force for actuation, providing a slightly heavier touch. Both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Blush necessitating 58 grams and the Pine requiring 65 grams. By having a lighter actuation force, the Blush may be preferred by individuals looking for a gentler typing experience, while the Pine offers a bit more resistance for those seeking a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blush linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Bsun Pine tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the category of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. The Blush offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which may be preferred by those looking for a more responsive feel. On the other hand, the Pine provides a slightly longer travel distance, which can offer a bit more depth to the keypress. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the type of typing or gaming experience desired.
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 Bsun Pine has an MSRP of $4.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $3.70.
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 offers a low-pitched sound profile, giving off a bass-heavy and mellow tone when typing. On the other hand, the BSUN Pine switch's sound characteristics are not specified, so it's difficult to directly compare the two switches in this aspect. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Aflion Blush is described as providing a creamy, silky, and buttery typing experience. This indicates a smooth and effortless feel with each keystroke, making it a comfortable option for prolonged typing sessions. In contrast, the BSUN Pine switch is lauded for its accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy tactile feedback. This offers a distinct and responsive typing sensation, suitable for those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile bump and quick actuation.
Overall, the Aflion Blush linear switch stands out for its smooth and full feel with a poppy sound profile, making it a solid choice for users who prefer linear switches with a tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the BSUN Pine tactile switch offers a unique typing experience with its sharp tactile bump, quick bottom-out, and direct feedback, catering to individuals who enjoy a more pronounced tactile response. Depending on personal preference and typing style, both switches provide distinctive qualities that can enhance the typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the BSUN Pine tactile switch, you should consider the specific qualities each switch offers. If you prefer a smoother and snappier typing experience with a poppy sound signature, the Blush linear switch with its medium bottom out force of 58 grams might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a distinct and quick bottom-out with sharp tactile feedback, the Pine tactile switch with its medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams could be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for either a creamy and silky feel of the Blush or the accented and sharp feel of the Pine switch. Choose the switch that best suits your typing style and preferences to enhance your overall typing experience.
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