Aflion Blush vs. Everglide Crystal Violet

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options stand out: the Aflion Blush and the Everglide Crystal Violet. The Blush switch, a linear switch, is highly regarded for its longer, two-stage spring, providing an incredibly smooth and snappy typing experience. With a long pole, it also produces a distinct poppy sound. On the other hand, the Crystal Violet, a tactile switch, offers a lighter operating force of 45g, making it ideal for a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience. Its sound profile is pleasantly mellow, leaning towards the lower-pitched spectrum, thanks to the rare use of ABS in its housing. While these general descriptions give us an idea of the key features of each switch, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Aflion Blush Linear

Everglide Crystal Violet Tactile

$6.00

$4.07 per 10

$7.08

$4.19 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Aflion Blush and the Everglide Crystal Violet have contrasting housing materials. The Blush features a polycarbonate top housing, while the Crystal Violet has an ABS top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile compared to ABS, which tends to produce a lower-pitched sound. Additionally, the polycarbonate top housing of the Blush is translucent, making it ideal for RGB lighting enthusiasts. However, both switches possess similarities in their bottom housings. The Blush utilizes a nylon bottom housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Crystal Violet also features an ABS bottom housing for a relatively low-pitched sound. In terms of typing experience, the top housing material has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key, while the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel.

In terms of sound profiles, the housing materials of the Aflion Blush and the Everglide Crystal Violet result in contrasting experiences. The Blush's polycarbonate top housing leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, providing an overall more vibrant typing experience. In contrast, the Crystal Violet's ABS top housing produces a relatively lower-pitched sound, which may be preferred by those seeking a quieter typing experience. However, both switches share similarities in their bottom housings. The Blush's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Crystal Violet's ABS bottom housing offers a relatively low-pitched sound. Both materials absorb sound differently, creating unique sound profiles for each switch.

While the housing materials of the Aflion Blush and Everglide Crystal Violet differ for their top and bottom housings, they both offer distinct advantages. The Blush's polycarbonate top housing, with its translucency, is perfect for those who enjoy RGB lighting effects and offers a clearer and resonant sound profile. On the other hand, the Crystal Violet's ABS top housing, even though relatively rare in switch housings, provides a more subdued and low-pitched typing experience. The shared nylon bottom housing of the Blush and ABS bottom housing of the Crystal Violet both contribute to absorbing sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. Overall, while the top and bottom housings have different characteristics, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. In terms of actuation force, the Blush has an unavailable grams force requirement, while the Crystal Violet requires 45 grams of force. Although the specific force for the Blush is unknown, it is clear that the Crystal Violet has a lighter actuation force. This means that it can be triggered with less pressure, providing a more responsive typing experience.

Moving on to the bottom out force, the Blush requires 58 grams of force, which can be considered medium in terms of heaviness. On the other hand, the Crystal Violet requires 55 grams of force, making it slightly lighter than the Blush. This lighter bottom out force can be advantageous for users who prefer a smoother and less jarring typing experience, as it requires slightly less pressure to reach the bottom of the switch.

Considering weight is an important factor when choosing a switch, as it can have an impact on typing endurance and overall typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter switch that enables typing for longer periods of time may find the Crystal Violet more suitable. On the contrary, individuals seeking a heavier and more substantial push feel may lean towards the Blush.

In conclusion, the Crystal Violet has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Blush. This means that users can expect a more responsive typing experience with less force required for both triggering keystrokes and reaching the bottom of the switch. However, it is worth noting that the specific actuation force for the Blush is unknown, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison. Overall, both switches offer medium to medium-light forces, allowing for a comfortable typing experience depending on the user's preference.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Aflion Blush linear switch is 3.3 mm, while the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of comparison, the Crystal Violet has a slightly longer travel distance than the Blush. A 4.0 mm travel distance is considered more traditional and provides a deeper keystroke feel, while a 3.3 mm travel distance is slightly shorter, ideal for gamers seeking faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive typing experience, the Blush with its shorter travel distance would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper and more substantive feel when typing, the Crystal Violet with its longer travel distance might be more appealing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for either a shallower and faster typing experience or a deeper and more satisfying keystroke.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, both the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch have a low-pitched sound profile. This means that they both produce a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. However, the Crystal Violet switches are also described as having a neutral sound profile, which makes them suitable for various purposes and users, whether beginner or advanced, using them at home or work. It's important to note that the sound produced by a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, both the Blush and Crystal Violet switches offer a creamy typing experience. This means that they provide a smooth and buttery sensation when typing, allowing your fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys. Additionally, the Blush switch is described as having a silky and buttery feel, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing experience. On the other hand, the Crystal Violet switches are also described as being mild and stepped. This means that they offer a gentler typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics, and they have a tactile feedback that feels more mild, with noticeable pre-travel and/or post-travel.

Taking all the available information into account, both the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch offer smooth and buttery typing experiences. They both have low-pitched sound profiles, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone. While the Blush switch has a longer, two-stage spring that offers a snappy type feel, the Crystal Violet switch has a light operating force of 45g, providing a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing experience desired.

Conclusion

In summary, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium bottom out force, smooth typing feel, and a snappy type feel, the Aflion Blush would be a great choice for you. With its longer, two-stage spring and long pole, this switch offers a smooth and full typing experience, accompanied by a poppy sound signature. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a slightly lighter bottom out force, a relaxed typing experience, and a mellow sound profile, the Everglide Crystal Violet would be a better fit. These switches are ideal for those seeking a comfortable and stepped tactile typing experience, with their light operating force and rare use of ABS in their housings. Overall, both switches offer their own unique characteristics, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel. Whether you prefer a linear switch with a snappy type feel or a tactile switch with a gentle and comfortable feel, both the Blush and Crystal Violet switches have their merits.

Mentioned in this article

Aflion Blush Linear

$6.00

$4.07 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Crystal Violet Tactile

$7.08

$4.19 per 10

Learn more