Aflion Blush vs. Gateron CJ
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the Gateron CJ switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two options worth considering are the Aflion Blush and the Gateron CJ. The Aflion Blush, a linear switch, is renowned for its smooth and snappy typing experience, thanks to its longer, two-stage spring. Additionally, its long pole produces a distinctive poppy sound signature. In comparison, the Gateron CJ is also a linear switch but offers a unique and enjoyable typing experience. It is characterized by higher-pitched clacks and an impossibly smooth push feel. These switches are both excellent choices, but 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
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Dual-stage stainless steel spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Blush and the Gateron CJ switches differ significantly. The Blush utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, while the CJ features Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing. Polycarbonate offers a sharper and crisper sound profile, producing a higher-pitched tone. This material's stiffness contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound. In contrast, the INK blend top housing of the CJ switch provides a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, described as clacky. While both materials offer distinct sound profiles, the Blush's polycarbonate top housing is more likely to be beneficial for RGB lighting due to its translucency.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Blush incorporates a nylon material, while the CJ includes a POM housing. Nylon brings a deeper and fuller sound profile to the Blush switch, creating a rounder and duller sound as it absorbs more sound due to its softness. On the other hand, the CJ's POM bottom housing offers an incredibly pleasing and unique sound. This material leans towards the deeper side and delivers a relatively more muted sound profile.
When considering the overall sound and feel of these switches, it is essential to note that the qualities of the bottom and top housing materials are divided between the two. When pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. In contrast, the top housing material influences the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, the combination of top and bottom housing materials in each switch will result in distinct sound and feel experiences.
Overall, the Aflion Blush and Gateron CJ switches differ in their choice of housing materials, leading to contrasting sound profiles. The Blush's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and higher-pitched sound, while the CJ's INK blend top housing offers a pointed and clacky sound. In terms of the bottom housing, the Blush's nylon material generates a deeper and fuller sound, while the CJ's POM material creates a deeper and more muted profile. Although these switches diverge in their housing materials, they both offer unique characteristics that users may find appealing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Gateron CJ linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. In terms of actuation force, the Aflion Blush switch has an undisclosed measurement, while the Gateron CJ switch has an actuation force of 50 grams. Both can provide a relatively light touch for typing or gaming sessions, allowing for extended use without experiencing fatigue.
On the other hand, when it comes to bottom out force, the Aflion Blush switch has a bottom out force of 58 grams, which is considered medium. In contrast, the Gateron CJ switch has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 60 grams, also classified as medium. So, for those seeking a more substantial typing experience, the Gateron CJ switch might be the preferred option due to its slightly higher force requirement for bottoming out.
Ultimately, while the specifics of the actuation force for the Aflion Blush switch are unknown, it can be inferred that both switches can deliver a similar outcome in terms of typing experience, as they fall within the same weight range. Moreover, individuals who prioritize a lighter touch would be satisfied with either switch, as they both offer relatively low actuation forces. However, those desiring a bit more resistance and feedback may lean towards the Gateron CJ switch due to its slightly heavier bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blush linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Gateron CJ linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the CJ has a longer travel distance compared to the Blush. The more traditional travel distance is 4.0 mm, so the CJ falls into this category. On the other hand, the Blush has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times, as it allows them to actuate the key more quickly. If you prioritize responsiveness, the Blush would be a better option for you. However, some individuals find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt, and prefer a deeper feel when pressing down on a key. In this case, the CJ with its longer travel distance might be more suitable. Overall, it ultimately depends on personal preference and the type of typing experience one is looking for.
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 Gateron CJ has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CJ for $5.35.
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
The Aflion Blush linear switch is best known for its impressively smooth, full, and snappy type feel, thanks to its longer, two-stage spring. It also has a long pole which provides a poppy sound signature. In terms of sound, the Blush is described as low-pitched, which means it features a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. When it comes to feel, the Blush is described as creamy, silky, and buttery, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience with minimal resistance.
On the other hand, the Gateron CJ linear switch is best known for its unique and enjoyable presentation of what a linear switch can be. When typing on the CJ switches, higher-pitched clacks can be heard and an impossibly smooth push feel can be detected. In terms of sound, the CJ is described as chirpy, neutral, low-pitched, and thocky. The chirpy nature of the CJ switch gives it a slight squeak, setting it apart from other switches. The CJ switch also has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes. In terms of feel, the CJ switch is described as mild, offering a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics.
In conclusion, both the Aflion Blush and Gateron CJ linear switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Blush switch provides a low-pitched and poppy sound signature with a smooth and buttery typing experience. On the other hand, the CJ switch offers higher-pitched clacks and a slightly chirpy sound, with a mild and approachable typing experience. While they have their own distinct characteristics, both switches provide enjoyable and smooth typing experiences. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, either switch can provide satisfying results.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium bottom out force, both the Aflion Blush and the Gateron CJ switches are solid options to consider.
The Blush switch is best known for its impressively smooth, full, and snappy typing experience. Its longer, two-stage spring and long pole contribute to a satisfyingly poppy sound signature. Additionally, the Blush switch has a low-pitched sound profile, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. The Blush switch can be described as creamy, silky, and buttery, providing a smooth and effortless typing sensation.
On the other hand, the CJ switch offers a unique and enjoyable presentation of a linear switch. It features higher-pitched clacks and an impossibly smooth push feel. The CJ switch has a chirpy sound signature, adding a little squeak to the typing experience. It also has a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes. The CJ switch is described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that many will find approachable.
Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Gateron CJ linear switch depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize smoothness and a bass-heavy sound, the Blush switch might be the better option for you. However, if you enjoy a unique and slightly higher-pitched sound with a gentler typing experience, the CJ switch could be the way to go. Consider your desired typing feel and sound profile when making your decision.
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