Aflion Blush vs. Akko V3 Cream Black Pro
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Aflion Blush and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro are both excellent options to consider. The Blush, a linear switch, is known for its smooth and snappy feel, thanks to its longer, two-stage spring and poppy sound signature. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro, another linear switch, stands out for its budget-friendly price without compromising on quality, offering a unique poppy and clacky sound paired with exceptional smoothness. The Blush is described as 'Low-pitched', 'Creamy', 'Silky', 'Buttery', while the V3 Cream Black Pro is categorized as 'Creamy', 'High-pitched', 'Bouncy', 'Snappy', 'Polished'. Both switches have their own strengths and characteristics that cater to different preferences and needs. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
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
20mm
Housing materials
Both the Aflion Blush and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, which contributes to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it a great choice for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind. While both switches share this top housing material, they may still offer slight variations in sound and aesthetics based on other design factors.
In contrast, the Blush features a nylon bottom housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Black Pro also incorporates a nylon bottom housing, offering a similar typing experience with a duller and rounder sound compared to switches with harder plastic bottom housings. These differences in bottom housing materials can affect the overall typing feel and sound of each switch.
Although the top housing material is the same for both switches, the differences in their bottom housing materials showcase how the qualities of each material are distributed throughout the switch. The impact of the bottom housing will be felt more when pressing down on a key, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Despite these slight differences, both the Blush and the V3 Cream Black Pro aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with their unique combination of housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch, there are some key differences to note. The Blush switch has a lower actuation force of None grams, making it lighter to press down initially, while the V3 Cream Black Pro has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Blush requires 58 grams to fully press the key, which is lighter compared to the V3 Cream Black Pro's bottom out force of 65 grams. Both switches fall under the medium category, but the V3 Cream Black Pro leans towards the medium-heavy side. This means that the Aflion Blush linear switch may offer a smoother and easier typing experience, perfect for those who prefer a lighter touch, while the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switch provides a more substantial and satisfying typing experience with its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Aflion Blush and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switches have the same travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience a consistent travel distance from the top of the switch to the bottom. Therefore, you can expect similar results in terms of keypress feel and feedback with both switches. Overall, the travel distance of these switches is equal, providing a smooth and consistent typing experience for users.
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 Akko V3 Cream Black Pro has an MSRP of $3.77 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Black Pro for $2.70.
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 and poppy sound signature that is more bass-heavy and mellow, providing a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch delivers a high-pitched, poppy, and clacky sound when pressed, catering to those who prefer a sharper and crisper sound profile. Both switches offer distinct sound characteristics that can enhance the overall typing experience, depending on personal preferences and the specific setup of the keyboard and keycaps.
In terms of feel, both the Aflion Blush and Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switches are described as creamy, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience that feels silky and effortless. The Blush switch is also noted for its snappy feel, thanks to its two-stage spring design, while the V3 Cream Black Pro switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation that adds a lively feel to typing. Additionally, both switches are polished, resulting in a sleek and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Overall, users can expect a consistent and high-quality feel with either switch option.
In conclusion, the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch each offer unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Blush switch provides a low-pitched sound and a snappy feel, the V3 Cream Black Pro switch offers a high-pitched sound with a bouncy sensation. Both switches share a creamy and polished feel, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, either switch can provide a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience for users, offering variety in terms of sound profile and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Blush and Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switches, consider the key characteristics that matter most to you. If you prioritize a smoother, full, and snappy typing experience with a poppy sound, the Aflion Blush switch with its 58g bottom out force and low-pitched sound profile might be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for budget-friendly switches with a unique poppy and clacky sound, notable smoothness, and a slightly heavier 65g bottom out force, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switches could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
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