Aflion Blush vs. Bsun Cliff
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the Bsun Cliff switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Aflion Blush and the Bsun Cliff offer different experiences tailored to distinct typing preferences. The Blush, celebrated as Aflion's finest linear switch, stands out for its longer, two-stage spring that delivers an impressively smooth and responsive typing experience. Users appreciate its poppy sound signature, categorized as low-pitched, creamy, silky, and buttery, making it an ideal choice for those who favor a fast, uninterrupted keystroke without the hindrance of tactile feedback. In contrast, the Bsun Cliff features a medium tactility that provides a satisfying tactile bump during each keystroke, accompanied by a crisp sound signature that appeals to users who enjoy a bit more feedback when typing. Choosing between these two switches largely depends on whether you prefer the seamless fluidity of the Blush or the engaging feedback of the Cliff. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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 Bsun Cliff switches both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a shared sonic experience that emphasizes clarity and resonance. The inherent stiffness of polycarbonate promotes a sharper, higher-pitched sound, providing an overall crisper audio profile. Moreover, the translucency of the polycarbonate material enhances the visual appeal of the switches, particularly when paired with RGB lighting systems. Users can expect a similar sound quality and aesthetic performance due to the uniformity of this material choice, which is likely to create vibrant lighting effects that complement the overall design.
In contrast, both switches employ nylon for their bottom housings, which sets a foundation for distinct auditory characteristics. Nylon, being a softer plastic, contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile that contrasts with the brighter tones produced by the polycarbonate top. This dual-material setup creates a harmonious balance where the top housing influences the release sound while the bottom housing impacts the feel and bottom-out sound when the switch is fully pressed. As such, users will experience a unique typing sensation that combines the crispness of the polycarbonate with the warmth of nylon, resulting in a nuanced auditory feedback that caters to varied preferences.
Ultimately, while the Aflion Blush and Bsun Cliff share similar materials for their top and bottom housings and yield parallel sound traits, the combination of these materials creates a diversified audio experience. The polycarbonate top contributes clarity and sharpness, while the nylon bottom develops fullness and depth, producing a rich auditory environment. This intentional design choice ensures that users can enjoy both the aesthetically pleasing visual elements and the intricate sound characteristics, making both switches ideal for those who appreciate fine-tuned auditory feedback and engaging RGB lighting effects.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Bsun Cliff tactile switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Blush switch features a bottom out force of 58 grams, categorizing it as a medium force, while its actuation force is unknown. In contrast, the Cliff switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, which is classified as light. This distinction means that the Blush switch requires a heavier, more substantial push to engage, appealing to those who prefer a firmer typing experience. Conversely, the Cliff switch's lighter actuation and bottom out forces make it suitable for users who favor a less strenuous typing action, allowing for extended use without fatigue. Ultimately, if the actuation force of the Blush could be determined to match its bottom out force, users expecting a heavier switch would experience similar resistance when typing, while those preferring a lighter touch should gravitate toward the Cliff switch.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blush linear switch features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Bsun Cliff tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that if you prioritizing a faster response time, the Blush switch would be the better option due to its shorter travel distance, making it more suitable for gamers who seek quick actuations. Conversely, the Cliff switch, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more satisfying and hearty feel for those who prefer a deeper press when typing or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on the individual's preference for responsiveness versus a more substantial typing experience.
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 Cliff has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cliff for $2.19.
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, the Aflion Blush linear switch produces a low-pitched, poppy signature that adds a pleasant thump to each keystroke. This bass-heavy quality can provide a satisfying auditory experience for users who appreciate a more subdued yet resonant sound while typing. On the other hand, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch is characterized by a crisp sound signature, which likely indicates a more pronounced auditory feedback at the actuation point. Although the Cliff's specific tonal qualities are not detailed, the distinction between the mellow sound of the Blush and the possibly sharper tones of the Cliff suggests different auditory preferences being fulfilled by each switch.
In terms of feel, the Blush switch excels with its creamy, silky, and buttery characteristics, offering an exceptionally smooth and pleasurable typing experience. Its longer, two-stage spring and well-designed internal components contribute to that velvety sensation as users glide their fingers over the keys. This enhances the overall tactile experience by minimizing resistance and making each keystroke feel effortless. The Cliff tactile switch, however, does not have additional descriptors provided for its feel, leaving its tactile characteristics less defined. Users seeking a distinctly tactile response may find the medium tactility of the Cliff appealing, but the specific sensations it offers remain unclear.
In conclusion, if you are torn between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Bsun Cliff tactile switch, your choice will ultimately rest on your preferences for sound and tactile feedback. The Blush specifically promotes a lower-pitched, more bass-heavy auditory experience along with a luxurious feel, while the Cliff seems to provide a sharper sound and a defined tactile response, though its exact feel qualities are not detailed. It's essential to consider how sound and feel impact your typing experience, as they are significant factors that contribute to overall satisfaction with a mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
In summary, your choice between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Bsun Cliff tactile switch hinges on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you value a smooth and fluid typing experience, the Blush is your go-to option; its creamy, silky, and buttery feel is perfect for long typing sessions, whether for work or gaming, where responsiveness and comfort are crucial. The Blush's medium bottom-out force of 58 grams also provides a satisfying weight that strikes a balance between too heavy and too light, delivering a poppy low-pitched sound that adds to its enjoyable acoustic profile. On the other hand, if you prefer tactile feedback to enhance your keystrokes and enjoy a distinctly crisp sound signature, the Cliff is an excellent choice. Its lighter 45-gram actuation force is ideal for fast-paced typing or gaming, where every millisecond counts, and its medium tactility contributes to a responsive feel that can improve typing accuracy. Therefore, consider your typing style and sound preference: choose the Blush for a smooth ride or the Cliff for an engaging, tactile experience. Ultimately, both switches offer unique advantages, so you can't go wrong with either, depending on your priorities.
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