Aflion Blush vs. HC Studio Crabapple
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the HC Studio Crabapple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Blush and HC Studio Crabapple both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Aflion Blush is renowned for its smooth and snappy typing experience, thanks to its longer, two-stage spring design. The resulting feel is full and buttery, with a distinctive poppy sound signature. On the other hand, the HC Studio Crabapple switches are crafted from POM, providing a frictionless typing journey that is both dry and smooth. The subtle texture felt with each keystroke adds a tactile element to the typing experience. While the Blush switch is categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Creamy', 'Silky', 'Buttery', the Crabapple switch is described as 'Frictionless', 'Mild', 'Subdued', 'Textured'. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal, making them suitable for different typing preferences. 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
2.00 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
POM
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
Lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Blush and HC Studio Crabapple both offer unique housing materials for their keyboards, with the Blush featuring polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, while the Crabapple has POM top and bottom housings. The polycarbonate top housing of the Blush creates a sharper and crisper sound profile compared to the deeper and more muted sound produced by the POM top housing of the Crabapple. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Blush provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the POM bottom housing of the Crabapple offers a similar deep and muted sound.
While the top and bottom housings of the Aflion Blush and HC Studio Crabapple have different materials, they both result in unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The polycarbonate top housing of the Blush creates a more resonant sound due to its stiffness, while the POM top housing of the Crabapple produces a deeper and more muted sound. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Blush absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile, while the POM bottom housing of the Crabapple offers a similar deeper and muted sound quality.
In terms of aesthetics and functionality, the choice between polycarbonate and POM housing materials for the top and bottom of a keyboard switch can impact the overall typing experience. Depending on whether you prefer a sharper and crisper sound profile or a deeper and more muted sound, the housing materials of the Aflion Blush or HC Studio Crabapple can cater to different preferences. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate can be especially useful for RGB lighting, adding a unique visual element to the typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Blush linear switch and the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch, it is evident that they have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Blush has a medium bottom out force of 58 grams but the actuation force is unknown, while the Crabapple has a light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This makes the Crabapple the lighter option in terms of force required for typing. The actuation force is crucial in determining how quickly a keystroke is registered, while the bottom out force affects the overall typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Crabapple, which offers a smoother and easier typing feel, while the Blush would be suitable for those who prefer a more substantial push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences and typing habits.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blush linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Crabapple has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Blush. Both switches fall within the shorter travel distance range, making them suitable for those seeking quicker response times, such as gamers. However, for individuals who prefer a more substantial keypress feel, the Crabapple with its longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding travel distance and keypress feedback.
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 HC Studio Crabapple has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Crabapple for $4.70.
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
When it comes to sound, the Aflion Blush linear switch offers a low-pitched tone with a more bass-heavy and mellow quality, while the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch provides a subdued sound that is dampened and subtle. The Blush switch's poppy sound signature contrasts with the Crabapple switch's mild and understated sound. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Blush leaning towards a deeper tone and the Crabapple providing a quieter and more reserved sound.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Blush linear switch is often described as creamy, silky, and buttery, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience. On the other hand, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch is known for its frictionless feel, mild typing experience, and subtle texture felt with each downstroke. Both switches provide a smooth typing experience, but the Blush switch focuses on offering a luxurious and seamless sensation, while the Crabapple switch emphasizes effortless and gentle keystrokes.
Overall, the Aflion Blush linear switch and the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch each have their own unique qualities when it comes to sound and feel. The Blush switch stands out with its low-pitched and poppy sound signature, combined with a creamy and buttery feel that provides a luxurious typing experience. In contrast, the Crabapple switch offers a subdued sound with a mild and frictionless typing experience, complemented by a subtle texture for added feedback. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches can offer a satisfying typing experience, providing similar results in terms of smoothness and overall quality despite their differences in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and enjoy a switch with a smooth, full, and snappy feel along with a poppy sound signature, then the Blush switch might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and value a frictionless typing experience with a mild and understated sound signature, then the Crabapple switch could be the perfect fit for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and what characteristics matter most to you in a keyboard switch.
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