Aflion Blush vs. KTT Darling
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the KTT Darling switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Aflion Blush and the KTT Darling mechanical keyboard switches, you'll find that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Blush is lauded for its smooth and snappy feel, thanks to its longer two-stage spring and poppy sound signature. On the other hand, the Darling stands out for its chewy and substantial typing sensation, coupled with a bouncy responsiveness and resonant, high-pitched sound. While the Blush exudes a 'Low-pitched', 'Creamy', 'Silky', 'Buttery' profile, the Darling is characterized by being 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Resonant'. Each switch brings something special to the table, offering a distinct typing experience. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Aflion Blush and the KTT Darling utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances clarity and resonance, making it ideal for switches that prioritize sound quality. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the switches. This shared feature ensures that users of both switches can expect similar audio and visual experiences.
On the other hand, the Blush and Darling differ in their choice of bottom housing material, with the Blush opting for nylon while the Darling sticks to polycarbonate. Nylon bottom housings are known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to their softer nature, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. In contrast, the Darling's polycarbonate bottom housing may offer a more consistent sound profile throughout, complementing the sharper tones produced by its polycarbonate top housing.
The separation of housing materials between the top and bottom of the switch allows for a unique typing experience with distinct characteristics. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, impacting the tactile feedback when keys are pressed. In contrast, the top housing plays a larger role in the sound produced when keys are released, affecting the overall sound profile. By strategically pairing different housing materials, both the Blush and the Darling are able to deliver a diverse range of tactile and auditory responses for users to enjoy.
Weight
In comparing the Aflion Blush linear switch and the KTT Darling linear switch, it is evident that the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Blush has a higher bottom out force of 58 grams compared to the Darling's 53 grams, making it slightly heavier. However, the Darling has a lower actuation force of 45 grams, while the Blush's actuation force is unknown, making it difficult to determine how they compare in this aspect. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Darling may be a better option due to its lower actuation force. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Blush for its higher bottom out force. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing experience and comfort during prolonged use.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blush linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the KTT Darling linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Darling has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Blush. In general, both switches fall within the category of shorter travel distances, with the Blush being slightly shorter than the Darling. Gamers and those looking for faster response times may prefer the Blush due to its shorter travel distance, while individuals who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the Darling with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key press depth and responsiveness.
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 KTT Darling has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Darling for $3.90.
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 profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone with a satisfyingly crisp finish. On the other hand, the KTT Darling linear switch delivers a clacky, high-pitched, and resonant sound experience, giving a sharp and percussive feedback with an immersive auditory quality. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the more bass-heavy tone of the Blush or the sharp and crisp sound of the Darling.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Blush switch is described as creamy, silky, and buttery, offering a smooth and seamless typing sensation that feels like gliding across the keys effortlessly. On the other hand, the KTT Darling switch is known for its bouncy feedback, providing a springy and elastic sensation that adds a lively rebound to each keystroke. While the Blush focuses on a luxurious and smooth typing experience, the Darling enhances interaction with a playful and responsive feel.
Overall, both the Aflion Blush and KTT Darling linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Blush excels in providing a smooth and full typing experience with a poppy sound signature, while the Darling stands out for its chewy and substantial feel paired with a bouncy and resonant sound profile. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will come down to individual preference for sound and feel, ensuring that users can attain a satisfying typing experience tailored to their liking.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Aflion Blush linear switch or the KTT Darling linear switch, it really comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a switch with a slightly heavier bottom out force and a smoother, snappy feel with a poppy sound signature, then the Blush might be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a switch with a lighter bottom out force, a chewy and substantial typing sensation, and a bouncy, springy responsiveness, then the Darling could be the ideal choice. Additionally, if you prefer a low-pitched sound, the Blush may be more to your liking, whereas if you prefer a clacky, high-pitched, or resonant sound, the Darling might be more appealing. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what features are most important to you in a keyboard switch.
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