Aflion Blush vs. Dareu Dream
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the Dareu Dream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Aflion Blush and the Dareu Dream, both linear switches. The Aflion Blush is praised for its smooth and snappy feel, thanks to its longer, two-stage spring and long pole which produces a poppy sound signature. On the other hand, the Dareu Dream switches are known for their light and easy-to-press feel, making them a cost-effective choice for those seeking quality and affordability. While the Blush offers a creamy and silky typing experience, the Dream provides a clacky and mild feel. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Dual-stage stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Aflion Blush and Dareu Dream both utilize polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic that provides a clear and resonant sound. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, despite sharing the same material for their top housings, the Blush's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Dream's nylon bottom housing, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
While the Blush and Dream share similarities in their top housings being made of polycarbonate, the differences lie in their bottom housings, which impact the typing experience differently. The nylon bottom housing of the Blush contributes to a deeper sound profile, enhancing the typing experience with a fuller sound. On the other hand, the Dream's nylon bottom housing also provides a deeper sound but may have a slightly different feel due to the specific properties of the nylon material. Ultimately, the bottom housing material plays a significant role in how a switch sounds and feels when pressed, making it an important factor to consider for enthusiasts seeking a specific typing experience.
In conclusion, while both the Aflion Blush and Dareu Dream feature polycarbonate top housings that contribute to a sharp and clear sound profile, their differences lie in the nylon bottom housings. The Blush offers a deeper and fuller sound experience with its nylon bottom housing, while the Dream's nylon bottom housing may offer a slightly different typing feel despite also providing a deep sound. Understanding how each housing material impacts the sound and feel of a switch is essential for enthusiasts looking to customize their typing experience to suit their preferences. By considering the unique qualities of the housing materials used in each switch, users can choose the one that best aligns with their desired typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Dareu Dream linear switch, it is evident that there are significant differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Blush has an actuation force of None grams, meaning it requires no force to trigger a keystroke, while the Dream has an actuation force of 40 grams. On the other hand, the Blush has a bottom out force of 58 grams, which is medium in terms of heaviness, whereas the bottom out force of the Dream is unknown. In terms of weight, the Blush is lighter in terms of actuation force, while the Dream is lighter in terms of bottom out force. This means that the Blush may be more conducive to long writing or gaming sessions, while the Dream may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blush linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, which is shorter than the Dareu Dream linear switch that has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Blush offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice for gamers who prioritize speed. On the other hand, the Dream provides a more substantial keystroke depth, which some users may prefer for a more tactile typing experience. Both switches offer different advantages depending on individual preferences, with the Blush being the shorter option and the Dream being the longer option. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference for travel distance.
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 Dareu Dream has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Dream for $3.76.
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, bass-heavy tone, providing a more mellow sound experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Dream linear switch is described as clacky, producing a sharp, snappy sound that is crisp and bright. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Blush being more subdued and the Dream offering a more pronounced and percussive sound.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Blush linear switch is praised for its creamy, silky, and buttery typing experience, characterized by a smooth and fluid keystroke with minimal resistance. The Dareu Dream linear switch, on the other hand, is known for being easy-to-press and mild, providing a gentle typing experience with low resistance and effortless key presses. While the Blush offers a luxurious and gliding sensation, the Dream focuses on comfortable and responsive typing, making it suitable for extended typing sessions.
Overall, the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Dareu Dream linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Blush excels in providing a smooth and snappy feel with a poppy sound signature, ideal for those seeking a premium typing experience. In contrast, the Dream stands out for its lightness and affordability, making it a popular choice for enthusiasts looking for a budget-friendly yet quality linear switch. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches offer excellent options that will deliver satisfying results for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Dareu Dream linear switch, consider the characteristics of each switch carefully to match your preferences and needs. If you prioritize a medium bottom out force, smooth and snappy feel with a poppy sound signature, and enjoy a creamy, silky, and buttery typing experience, then the Aflion Blush linear switch might be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light linear switch with an attractive price point, a clacky sound profile, and an easy-to-press, mild typing feel, then the Dareu Dream linear switch could be the ideal option. Ultimately, choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and preferences to enhance your overall keyboarding experience.
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