Aflion Blush vs. Bsun Chiikawa - 45g
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly impact the typing experience, and two intriguing options are the Aflion Blush and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g, both linear switches. The Aflion Blush is celebrated for its smooth and snappy feel, made possible by a longer, two-stage spring that enhances its overall performance. This switch not only provides a satisfying tactile response but also features a poppy sound signature characterized as low-pitched, creamy, and silky. On the contrary, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g offers a stark contrast with its bright sound profile and very light actuation force, making it exceptionally responsive. This switch’s high-pitched sound and crisp feedback cater to typists who favor swift, effortless keystrokes. Both switches have merit based on personal preferences: the Blush excels in providing a rich, buttery experience, while the Chiikawa - 45g shines with its agility and brightness. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
51g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 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
Y3X
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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the Aflion Blush and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g utilize similar materials for their top and bottom housings, leading to comparable acoustic properties and overall feel during use. Specifically, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This similarity arises from the inherent stiffness of polycarbonate, allowing for a more resonant sound that is particularly advantageous for users interested in RGB lighting due to its translucency. As a result, both switches will provide a clear and vibrant auditory feedback when pressed, which can enhance the overall typing experience.
In contrast to their top housings, both the Aflion Blush and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g utilize nylon for their bottom housings. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. This characteristic means that when typing on either switch, users can expect a softer, rounder sound that contrasts with the crisper sounds produced by the polycarbonate tops. The blend of these materials in both switches ensures that while they share tonal similarities from the top housing, they also evoke a unique auditory experience due to the damping effect provided by the nylon bottom.
Ultimately, while there may be subtle differences in the feel and sound, the consistent use of polycarbonate in the top and nylon in the bottom of both switches means that users will likely find them to produce analogous auditory results. The polycarbonate's clarity will dominate the top-end sound, while the nylon's damping properties will blend to create a cohesive sound profile. Therefore, regardless of specific switch variations, the combination of these materials guarantees a balanced typing experience characterized by both sharpness and depth in sound, appealing to a wide range of users looking for a quality typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom-out forces. The Aflion Blush has an unspecified actuation force, which makes it challenging to make a direct comparison in that regard, but it does feature a bottom-out force of 58 grams, categorized as medium. In contrast, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g has a clearly defined actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom-out force of 51 grams, which is classified as medium-light. This means that the Chiikawa switch is lighter overall in terms of both actuation and bottom-out force, making it potentially more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, the heavier bottom-out force of the Blush might appeal to users seeking a more substantial typing experience. If the actuation force of the Blush were known and found to be heavier, it would further enhance its appeal to users who prefer a stronger keystroke feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch, the Blush features a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Chiikawa - 45g has a longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. For users who prioritize responsiveness, the Aflion Blush may be the more appealing option due to its shorter travel distance, allowing for quicker actuation. Conversely, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g, with its deeper press, might be preferred by those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback and a more substantial keystroke experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to individual preferences regarding the balance of responsiveness and depth in typing feel.
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 Chiikawa - 45g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Chiikawa - 45g 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
In terms of sound, the Aflion Blush switch has a unique low-pitched sound signature that provides a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, creating a warm acoustic environment while typing. This poppy sound can be appealing to those who appreciate a weightier auditory feedback when pressing keys. On the other hand, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g is characterized by its bright sound profile, delivering a crisp, high-pitched tone that is sharp and attention-grabbing. This stark contrast means that while both switches aim for responsiveness in sound, the Blush offers a deeper, smoother auditory experience, whereas the Chiikawa emphasizes brightness and clarity.
When it comes to feel, the Blush switch excels with its notably smooth, creamy, and buttery typing experience attributed to its longer, two-stage spring and the high-quality materials used. Typing on the Blush is akin to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys, full of a silky sensation that minimizes resistance at every keystroke. The Chiikawa - 45g, however, offers an undetermined feel that leaves room for exploration, as its specific tactile characteristics aren't outlined. This leaves potential users curious about the Chiikawa's performance, suggesting that opinions on its feel may vary widely based on personal preference.
In summary, the Aflion Blush switch is well-regarded for its lower-pitched, smooth, and satisfying sound and feel, providing a rich typing experience. Conversely, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g is marked by its bright sound but lacks detailed descriptors for its tactile feel, which could result in a less cohesive understanding among new users. Those looking for a fulfilling sound experience may prefer the Blush, while those drawn to a more responsive, brisk auditory sensation might favor the Chiikawa. Ultimately, both switches present unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, allowing enthusiasts to explore and find what resonates best with their style.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when considering your choices between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch, it ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and what you value most in your keyboard experience. If you’re looking for a switch that offers a more tactile and engaging experience, the Blush may be the better option for you. Its heavier bottom-out force of 58 grams provides a solid feel, while its two-stage spring mechanism delivers a smooth, buttery typing experience combined with a poppy sound signature that adds an enjoyable auditory element to your keystrokes. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force coupled with an even more responsive typing experience, the Chiikawa - 45g is an excellent choice. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 51 grams means less effort for each keystroke, and the bright, high-pitched sound profile adds a crispness that some typists find gratifying. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you prioritize a smooth and snappy feel or a light and responsive touch; both switches have distinct characteristics that cater to different typing styles.