Aflion Blush vs. Huano Caramel Latte
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the Huano Caramel Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Aflion Blush and Huano Caramel Latte stand as two compelling options within the realm of linear switches. The Blush is celebrated for its innovative two-stage spring design, which not only delivers an impressively smooth and responsive typing experience but also features a long pole that lends a poppy sound signature. This is ideal for those who value a silky, buttery feel while typing. On the other hand, the Caramel Latte switches from Huano offer a medium weight of 50g at bottom out, providing a delightful balance that contributes to a bright, clacky sound profile. This switch is well-suited for users seeking a bright, tactile experience that enhances every keystroke. Both switches bring their distinct advantages to the table, making them worthy contenders for your next mechanical keyboard build. 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
55g
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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POK
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
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Aflion Blush and the Huano Caramel Latte distinguish them in terms of sound profile and tactile feedback. The Blush features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This material excels in clarity and resonance, especially when lit by RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Caramel Latte employs a top housing made from POK material, which, while still strong and durable, provides a smoother experience thanks to its low coefficient of friction. The POK material lends itself to producing a more clacky and responsive feedback when typing, resulting from its superior wear and shock resistance compared to both polycarbonate and common plastics like Nylon.
On the bottom side, both switches utilize a nylon housing, delivering consistent acoustic characteristics. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound, which results in a deeper, fuller sound profile when typing. This shared bottom housing material means that both switches will exhibit similar auditory sensations on bottoming out, characterized by a rounder and more muted sound. Since bottom housing impacts the tactile feel more significantly, users can expect an equally satisfying response when pressing down on either of these switches, despite differences in their top housing configurations.
When considering the complete switch experience, the combination of different top housing materials with the shared nylon bottom creates a nuanced performance in both models. For the Aflion Blush, the crispness from polycarbonate complements the sound-dampening properties of nylon, while the Huano Caramel Latte merges the smooth feedback of POK with the warmth of nylon’s sound absorption. As a result, users can anticipate a unique auditory experience when pressing down on the switches, where the top housing influences the sound upon releasing the key, creating a distinctive atmosphere for typing sessions. Ultimately, the differing top materials will impart varying qualities, yet both switches provide an overall satisfying typing experience due to their common nylon bottom housing.
Weight
The Aflion Blush linear switch and the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch differ notably in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Blush has an actuation force that is not specified (None grams) but a bottom out force of 58 grams, which is considered medium. In contrast, the Caramel Latte features a known actuation force of 45 grams and a slightly lower bottom out force of 55 grams, placing it in the medium-light category. As a result, the Caramel Latte is the lighter option, making it more suitable for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, especially beneficial during prolonged work or gaming sessions. Conversely, the Blush, while lacking a defined actuation force, is a heavier switch due to its higher bottom out force, which might appeal to those seeking a more substantial typing feel. Overall, users looking for a lighter switch should opt for the Huano Caramel Latte, while those who favor more resistance should consider the Aflion Blush.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch, we observe a notable difference. The Blush switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Caramel Latte features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that gamers or users who prefer quick responsiveness may lean towards the Blush switch due to its shorter travel distance, which can facilitate faster key presses. Conversely, those who enjoy a more substantial feel and depth in their key presses may gravitate towards the Caramel Latte, as its longer travel distance of 3.6 mm provides a more pronounced tactile experience. Thus, the Blush switch offers a quicker response, while the Caramel Latte gives a more robust typing sensation, appealing to different user preferences.
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 Huano Caramel Latte has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Caramel Latte for $2.75.
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 profile, the Aflion Blush linear switch stands out with a low-pitched signature that provides a bass-heavy, mellow tone, making for a pleasant auditory experience during typing. This contrasts with the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch, which is noted for its bright and clacky sound. While both switches offer engaging auditory experiences, the Blush leans towards a smoother, less intrusive sound, while Caramel Latte could be considered more pronounced and lively, depending on the board and keycap choices.
In terms of feel, the Blush switches excel with their creamy, silky, and buttery characteristics that deliver an impressively smooth and enjoyable typing experience. The longer, two-stage spring design contributes to a full and snappy sensation, making each keystroke feel satisfying. Unfortunately, the specific tactile qualities of the Caramel Latte switches are not described in detail, leaving a gap in comparative analysis; however, the known medium weight of 50g bottoming out suggests that they might also provide a solid, pleasant typing feel, albeit with a different texture.
Considering both the sound and feel aspects, the Aflion Blush switch provides a low-pitched, smooth, and creamy typing experience, while the Huano Caramel Latte offers a brighter and clackier auditory experience with an unknown specific tactile quality. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences, whether you gravitate towards a more subdued sound and exceptionally smooth keystrokes or a louder, more vibrant auditory feedback. Choosing between them comes down to individual taste, and trying them both can offer clear insights into which aligns better with your typing style and sound preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Aflion Blush and Huano Caramel Latte linear switches, your decision will primarily hinge on your typing style and preferences. If you prefer a snappy and engaging feel with a slightly higher actuation force, the Blush switch, with its 58-gram bottom out force and creamy, silky, and buttery texture, would be an excellent choice. It excels in providing a smooth and satisfying experience, ideal for those who enjoy tactile feedback and a poppy sound profile that adds a bit of character to your keystrokes. Conversely, if you're drawn to a lighter, more fluid typing experience with a lower bottom out force of 55 grams, the Caramel Latte switch might be more suitable for you. Known for its bright and clacky sound, the Caramel Latte provides a super smooth feel, making each keystroke feel effortless. Ultimately, your choice should reflect what you find most enjoyable, whether that's the deeper sensory engagement of the Blush or the lighter, breezier feel of the Caramel Latte.
Mentioned in this article
