Aflion Blush vs. Durock Dolphin
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the Durock Dolphin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Aflion Blush and the Durock Dolphin mechanical keyboard switches, it's important to consider the distinct characteristics that set them apart. The Blush is a linear switch that stands out for its smooth, full, and snappy feel, thanks to its longer, two-stage spring design. It also features a long pole that produces a poppy sound signature, appealing to those who enjoy a tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Dolphin is also a linear switch known for its silent operation, making it a great choice for office settings or environments where noise levels are a concern. With a medium-heavy actuation force and a polished, muted sound profile, the Dolphin offers a satisfying press with a bit more resistance. Each switch has its own unique qualities that cater to different preferences and needs. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Blush and the Durock Dolphin both utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially beneficial for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through effectively. However, while both switches share the same top housing material, they differ in their bottom housing material.
In contrast to the top housing, the Blush features a nylon bottom housing that creates a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Dolphin also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which offers similar sound characteristics to the Blush. The nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes significantly to the sound and feel of bottoming out a key, enhancing the overall typing experience.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in both the Blush and Dolphin switches results in a well-rounded sound profile with unique characteristics. While the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel. Despite the differences in their bottom housings, the Aflion Blush and Durock Dolphin ultimately provide similar results in terms of sound quality and typing experience, making them both popular choices among keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Aflion Blush linear switch and Durock Dolphin linear switch both have a medium bottom out force, with the Blush coming in at 58 grams and the Dolphin at 62 grams. However, the actuation force for both switches is not provided, making it difficult to compare in that aspect. In terms of weight, both switches fall into the medium category, making them suitable for a wide range of typing preferences. Some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Blush for longer typing sessions, while others may prefer the slightly heavier bottom out force of the Dolphin for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and desired force feedback.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blush linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Durock Dolphin linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Dolphin has a longer travel distance compared to the Blush. The Blush's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times, while the Dolphin's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth for those who prefer a more traditional feel. Ultimately, selecting between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific needs of the user.
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 Durock Dolphin has an MSRP of $6.87 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Dolphin for $5.41.
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 conclusion, both the Aflion Blush and Durock Dolphin linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Blush switch provides a satisfyingly smooth and snappy feel with a poppy sound signature, making it a great choice for those who prioritize feel and sound. On the other hand, the Dolphin switch is ideal for those in quieter environments, offering a muted sound profile and a medium-heavy actuation force for a more substantial typing experience. While both switches offer distinct characteristics in sound and feel, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific use case. Whether you choose the Blush for its creamy and silky feel or the Dolphin for its polished and muted sound, you can expect a high-quality typing experience with either switch option. Ultimately, both switches are top-notch linear options that will provide a satisfying and reliable typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Durock Dolphin linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference and usage scenario. If you value a smooth and snappy typing experience with a poppy sound signature, the Blush might be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you need a silent switch for a quieter work environment with a medium-heavy actuation force, the Dolphin could be the more suitable option. Both switches offer their own unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, so consider your personal preferences and requirements before making your decision.
Mentioned in this article
