Aflion Blush vs. Outemu Crystal
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the Outemu Crystal switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Aflion Blush and the Outemu Crystal are both popular linear mechanical keyboard switches, each offering a unique typing experience. The Blush is best known for its impressively smooth and snappy type feel, thanks to its longer, two-stage spring. Its long pole also provides a poppy sound signature, making it a favorite among those seeking a tactile and auditory typing experience. On the other hand, the Crystal switches offer a fairly elastic type feel and a medium-light weight, resulting in a unique and satisfying linear typing experience. With a neutral sound profile, typing on the Crystals is quiet and polished. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your keyboard setup.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Dual-stage stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Blush and the Outemu Crystal share some similarities. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate is especially beneficial for those planning to use RGB lighting, as it allows for vibrant illumination. Additionally, polycarbonate's stiffness enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. This means that both the Blush and the Crystal will provide similar results in terms of sound quality, showcasing the advantages of polycarbonate as a top housing material.
However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing materials. The Blush utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Conversely, the Crystal features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which shares the same characteristics as its top housing counterpart. The stiffer plastic of the polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a more clear and resonant sound profile, aligning with the overall characteristics of the Crystal switch.
As a result of the differing bottom housing materials, the sound and feel of the switches will be impacted differently depending on the action. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing material will be more prominently felt and heard, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the sound produced when releasing a key will be more influenced by the characteristics of the top housing material. This distinction highlights how the combination of housing materials in a switch can result in a well-rounded and nuanced typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Outemu Crystal linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Blush switch has an unknown actuation force, making it difficult to directly compare to the Crystal switch's actuation force of 45 grams. However, both switches fall within the medium range for bottom out force, with the Blush switch at 58 grams and the Crystal switch at 55 grams.
Considering weight as a factor, the Crystal switch is lighter in terms of actuation force compared to the Blush switch, making it more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch while typing for extended periods. This lightness can be beneficial for individuals who use their keyboards extensively for work or long gaming sessions.
On the other hand, for those who prioritize a stronger push feel and desire a more substantial typing experience, the Blush switch may be the better option. With its higher bottom out force of 58 grams, it provides a more pronounced tactile response, allowing users to feel a greater resistance when pressing down on the keys.
In summary, while the actuation force of the Aflion Blush linear switch is unknown, its bottom out force is slightly higher than that of the Outemu Crystal linear switch. The Crystal switch, on the other hand, has a lighter actuation force, which may appeal to individuals who prefer a lighter touch. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blush linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Outemu Crystal linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Blush offers a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Crystal. The 4.0 mm travel distance of the Crystal is more traditional, providing a deeper key press sensation. On the other hand, the Blush's 3.3 mm travel distance is preferred by gamers who prioritize faster response times. The shorter travel distance allows for quicker key presses and enhances responsiveness. However, some individuals may find the shorter travel distance to feel more abrupt. Therefore, the choice between the two switches ultimately depends on individual preferences, with the Blush offering a faster and more responsive feel, while the Crystal provides a deeper and more substantial key press 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 Outemu Crystal comes in at $3.40 per 10 switches.
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 offering a smooth, full, and snappy typing experience. Its longer, two-stage spring and long pole contribute to a smooth and buttery feel, akin to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. This switch is described as creamy, silky, and buttery, providing a seamless and uniform typing sensation. In terms of sound, the Blush switch has a low-pitched profile, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. When paired with the right board and keycaps, the Blush switch can deliver a satisfying and immersive typing experience.
On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal linear switch offers a more unique and elastic typing experience. It has a medium-light weight, allowing for a responsive and bouncy feel. The Crystal switch is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. With reduced friction and smooth key travel, this switch ensures minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. In terms of sound, the Crystal switch has a chirpy profile, adding a subtle squeak to its acoustic signature. It also has a high-pitched sound, producing a sharp and crisp tone when pressed. This can be a refreshing departure from the richer and bassier sound profiles of other switches.
In conclusion, the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Outemu Crystal linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities. The Blush switch provides a smooth, full, and snappy typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Crystal switch offers an elastic typing experience with a chirpy and high-pitched sound profile. Depending on your personal preferences for feel and sound, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience. Both switches excel in their own ways, and by considering factors such as board and keycap choices, you can achieve similar results in terms of feel and sound with either switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium bottom out force, the Aflion Blush would be a great choice. It is known for its impressively smooth and snappy typing feel, thanks to its longer, two-stage spring. The Blush also has a long pole that provides a poppy sound signature. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a slightly lighter bottom out force, the Outemu Crystal is a good option. These switches offer a unique, linear typing experience with a fairly elastic feel. They also have a neutral sound profile when typing.
When it comes to sound, the Blush has a low-pitched tone that is more bass-heavy and mellow compared to higher-pitched switches. In contrast, the Crystal has a chirpy sound with a little squeak, setting it apart from other switches. It also has a high-pitched sound that is sharp and crisp.
In terms of feel, the Blush is described as creamy, silky, and buttery, offering a smooth and effortless typing experience. The Crystal, on the other hand, is described as polished, resulting in a sleek and refined typing feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Ultimately, the decision between the Aflion Blush and the Outemu Crystal comes down to personal preference. Consider factors such as preferred bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel to find the switch that suits your needs and preferences the best.
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