Aflion Blush vs. Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between linear and tactile types can greatly influence your typing experience. The Aflion Blush stands out as a top-tier linear switch, beloved for its impressively smooth and snappy feel, attributed to its longer, two-stage spring and long pole design. This results in a poppy sound signature that many users find satisfying, often described as low-pitched, creamy, silky, and buttery. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro offers a distinct tactile experience with a pronounced bump, delivering an invigorating sensation that can enhance typing feedback. Its bassier, loud sound signature makes it a favorite for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory response while typing. Choosing the Blush is ideal for users seeking a seamless and fast keystroke, perfect for gaming or rapid typing tasks, while the Creamy Purple Pro is well-suited for those who prefer feedback and a more traditional typing sound. 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
30g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
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 spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Blush and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This commonality leads to a similar sound profile characterized by sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper acoustics. The rigidity of polycarbonate contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound, making it an ideal choice for switches designed to interact well with RGB lighting. The translucency inherent to polycarbonate not only serves an aesthetic purpose but also enhances the light diffusion for RGB effects, ensuring brighter and more vibrant illumination when the lights are activated.
In contrast, the bottom housing of both switches is composed of nylon, which significantly alters the overall auditory experience. Nylon, known for its softer characteristics compared to polycarbonate, results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when engaged. This material absorbs sound more effectively, creating a rounder and more subdued auditory feedback when typing. Since the bottom housing is responsible for the bottom-out sound and feel, the nylon material plays a crucial role in providing comfort and a satisfying tactile sensation during use.
Ultimately, the combined use of polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing in both the Aflion Blush and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro demonstrates a thoughtful approach to switch design. While the top housing ensures a high-pitched and vibrant sound, the nylon bottom housing mitigates this with a fuller, warmer profile. Thus, users can expect a balanced auditory experience, merging the crispness of the tops with the softness of the bottoms. This synthesis allows for a rich typing experience, with the distinct acoustic qualities accentuated by each type of housing material offering a unique feel when the keys are pressed and released.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Blush switch does not specify an actuation force, but it has a bottom out force of 58 grams, categorized as medium. In contrast, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a lower bottom out force of 50 grams, which is considered light. This makes the Akko switch easier to press, potentially allowing for less fatigue during extended typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, the Aflion Blush, with its heavier bottom out force, lends itself to a more substantial typing feel, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push while typing. Therefore, for users who favor a lighter switch, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is the better option, while those seeking a heavier tactile experience may gravitate towards the Aflion Blush.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Aflion Blush features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it slightly longer than the 3 mm travel distance of the V3 Creamy Purple Pro. This means that if you’re seeking a quicker response time, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro may be more favorable, as it reflects the trend of shorter travel distances preferred by gamers. On the other hand, the Aflion Blush could provide a more pronounced feedback sensation for those who enjoy a bit more depth in their keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference regarding response and tactile feedback, with the Aflion Blush offering a longer travel distance compared to the more responsive V3 Creamy Purple Pro.
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 Creamy Purple Pro has an MSRP of $3.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Creamy Purple Pro for $2.10.
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 linear switch is noted for its low-pitched, bass-heavy tone, which contributes to a mellow and enjoyable auditory experience while typing. This characteristic can create a satisfying poppy sound signature, especially due to its longer pole design. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch is recognized for its loud sound signature, particularly with a deeper bass pitch. The difference in sound profiles indicates that while both switches produce noticeable audio feedback, the Blush favors a softer tone, whereas the Creamy Purple Pro offers a more pronounced auditory experience, catering to different preferences.
When it comes to feel, the Blush switch stands out for its beautifully creamy, silky, and buttery typing experience. This smoothness is likely enhanced by its factory lubrication and design elements, making it feel almost effortless as you glide your fingers across the keys. Conversely, while specific tactile qualities of the V3 Creamy Purple Pro are not detailed, its tactile bump is highlighted as significant, suggesting it offers a distinct physical feedback that is characteristic of tactile switches. Thus, while the Blush focuses on smoothness and fluidity, the Creamy Purple Pro likely emphasizes a pronounced tactile sensation, delivering an entirely different typing experience.
In summary, the Aflion Blush linear switch excels in providing a soft, smooth auditory experience coupled with a buttery feel, making it ideal for those who prefer a gentle touch and sound. In contrast, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro offers a loud and engaging auditory climax with its tactile feedback, appealing to users who enjoy a more pronounced key response. Choosing between these two switches comes down to whether you prioritize a smoother typing experience or the pronounced tactile sensation of a robust tactile switch, as each brings different strengths to your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch will ultimately depend on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a smooth and creamy typing experience with a medium activation force, the Blush switch is ideal for you. Its longer two-stage spring provides a satisfying snappiness, making it great for both typing and gaming, while the low-pitched sound adds to a more subdued acoustic environment. On the other hand, if you enjoy a lighter key press with a pronounced tactile response, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is the way to go. Its 50-gram activation force and invigorating tactile bump cater well to those who want to feel each keystroke distinctly, and the bass-heavy sound profile offers an engaging auditory experience. Both switches have their unique attributes, so consider what aspects—smoothness versus tactile feedback—are most vital for your keyboard experience, and choose accordingly.
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