Aflion Blush vs. Akko V3 Crystal Pro
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the Akko V3 Crystal Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Aflion Blush linear switch to the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch, it becomes apparent that both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Blush switch by Aflion is celebrated for its longer, two-stage spring that provides a smooth, full, and snappy typing experience, accompanied by a poppy sound signature. On the other hand, the V3 Crystal Pro switches from Akko stand out due to their fully polycarbonate construction, offering a bright and chirpy sound signature along with a silky smooth typing feel. While the Blush switch is described as low-pitched, creamy, silky, and buttery, the V3 Crystal Pro is categorized as bouncy, chirpy, and polished. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on individual preferences, so let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities to help you decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Polycarbonate
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
18mm spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Blush and the Akko V3 Crystal Pro both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the material's stiffness. This makes both keyboards ideal for users who prioritize a clear and resonant sound when typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is advantageous for those looking to enhance their RGB lighting experience. However, the Blush stands out with its nylon bottom housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to the material's softer nature that absorbs more sound. This difference in bottom housing material could result in a slightly different typing experience compared to the V3 Crystal Pro.
Despite their differences in bottom housing material, the Aflion Blush and the Akko V3 Crystal Pro share the use of polycarbonate in their top housings, ensuring a consistent sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Both keyboards offer users the benefit of a clear and resonant sound that is especially desirable for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. However, the distinction in bottom housing material between the Blush's nylon and the V3 Crystal Pro's polycarbonate may lead to subtle variations in typing sound and feel. While the Blush prioritizes a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon bottom housing, the V3 Crystal Pro maintains a more uniform sound profile throughout.
In terms of construction, the choice of housing materials between the Aflion Blush and the Akko V3 Crystal Pro creates a balance between the sharper sound from the polycarbonate top housing and the deeper sound from the nylon bottom housing of the Blush. This balance may result in a unique typing experience for users of each keyboard. The Akko V3 Crystal Pro, with its consistent use of polycarbonate in both top and bottom housings, offers a more cohesive sound profile that may appeal to those looking for a uniform typing experience. Ultimately, the selection of housing materials in each keyboard caters to different preferences in sound quality, providing users with options to suit their individual needs.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Blush has an actuation force of None grams, meaning it is incredibly light to press down. In contrast, the V3 Crystal Pro has an actuation force of 48 grams, providing a slightly heavier feel. However, both switches have a medium bottom out force, with the Blush at 58 grams and the V3 Crystal Pro at 60 grams. This means that while the actuation force differs between the two switches, the overall typing experience in terms of bottoming out will be quite similar. For those who prefer a light touch, the Blush may be the better option, while those looking for a bit more resistance might lean towards the V3 Crystal Pro. Ultimately, the weight of a switch is a personal preference based on typing style and desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blush linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it shorter than the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Blush offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice for gamers looking for speed and agility in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the V3 Crystal Pro provides a slightly deeper feeling with its longer travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and how it affects the 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 Akko V3 Crystal Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Crystal Pro for $3.30.
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 is known for its low-pitched sound, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch offers a chirpy sound signature with a unique squeak that sets it apart from others. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Aflion Blush switch is described as creamy, silky, and buttery, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience that feels like gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. On the contrary, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro switch is characterized as bouncy and polished, providing a spring-like feedback sensation with a lively feel and a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. Both switches offer different tactile experiences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference.
In conclusion, the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Blush switch provides a low-pitched sound with a smooth and buttery feel, while the V3 Crystal Pro switch offers a chirpy sound with a bouncy and polished feel. Depending on your preference for sound and typing experience, you can choose between the two switches to achieve similar results in overall performance and satisfaction.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and what attributes are most important to you in a switch. If you value a smooth, snappy, and poppy typing experience with a low-pitched sound, the Blush switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a bright, chirpy typing experience with a fully polycarbonate construction that offers a silky smooth feel, then the V3 Crystal Pro switch might be more suited to your preferences. Consider your typing style, sound preference, and desired typing feel when making your decision between these two excellent linear switches.
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