Aflion Blush vs. Huano Elf

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves drawn to the unique characteristics of each option. The Aflion Blush, a standout linear switch, is celebrated for its impressive smoothness and snappy typing feel, thanks to its longer two-stage spring and long pole design, which also contributes to its distinct, low-pitched poppy sound signature described as creamy, silky, and buttery. In contrast, the Huano Elf offers its own blend of charm with a POK top housing that enhances acoustic performance, resulting in a deeper sound signature while delivering a medium-light feel for a satisfying typing experience. While both switches provide a linear typing experience, the Blush caters to those who seek a more pronounced tactile response, whereas the Elf appeals to users who appreciate a subtle yet rich auditory 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

Aflion Blush Linear

Huano Elf Linear

$6.00

$4.07 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Blush and the Huano Elf, a notable distinction arises in their choice for the top housing. The Blush utilizes polycarbonate, renowned for its ability to create a sharper and crisper sound profile. Its stiffer nature allows for a more resonant sound, making it especially effective in showcasing RGB lighting due to its translucent quality. In contrast, the Elf opts for POK (polyketone), which boasts excellent smoothness and durability due to its lower coefficient of friction and substantially higher resistance to wear and shock compared to other materials like Nylon and POM. While both materials are high-performance options, the Blush enhances sound clarity with its stiffer profile, whereas the Elf leverages its smooth texture for a different auditory experience.

On the other hand, both the Blush and Elf feature nylon as their bottom housing material. This choice is significant as it contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, which is characteristic of nylon’s softer plastic structure. By absorbing sound more effectively, the nylon housing results in a duller and rounder auditory experience that is appreciated by typists who enjoy that traditional switch feel. This similarity between the two switches’ bottom housings means that when pressed, users can expect a comparable tactile feedback and sound dampening effect, enhancing the overall typing experience regardless of the top housing material.

In essence, the combination of materials in each switch illustrates how differences can yield unique but complementary sound profiles. The Aflion Blush’s polycarbonate top produces an articulate, bright sound when released, while the Huano Elf’s POK top lends a more intricate tonal quality that balances with its smoother feel. However, with both switches grounded in nylon for their bases, users will still experience a shared depth and warmth in the sound, creating an enjoyable typing experience that merges the distinctive qualities of each material. Ultimately, whether one opts for the Blush or the Elf, the contribution of nylon as a common denominator in both designs ensures a level of continuity in sound dynamics.

Weight

When comparing the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Huano Elf linear switch, we find notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Aflion Blush has an unknown actuation force but features a medium bottom out force of 58 grams, indicating a firm push feel when fully pressed. Conversely, the Huano Elf has a lower actuation force of 42 grams, allowing for a lighter and easier keystroke, which can be beneficial for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force of the Elf is unknown, leaving some uncertainty in its overall performance when fully pressed. Overall, the Elf is the lighter option due to its lower actuation force, making it more suitable for those who prefer less resistance, while the Blush provides a heavier and more substantial feel with its known bottom out force.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Huano Elf linear switch, there is a notable difference between the two. The Blush has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Elf measures 3.6 mm. This makes the Blush the shorter option, appealing to those who favor a snappier response time, which can be beneficial for gaming. Conversely, the Elf, with its longer travel distance, may be more suitable for users who prefer a deeper feel when typing, providing a more tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preferences regarding responsiveness versus depth, with the Blush offering a quicker actuation and the Elf delivering a more traditional typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Aflion Blush switch generates a low-pitched pop that adds a bass-heavy and mellow tone to your typing experiences. This sound profile typically communicates confidence and is less jarring than higher-pitched alternatives, making it suitable for various environments, whether at home or in a shared office space. On the other hand, details regarding the sound characteristics of the Huano Elf switch remain unknown, so a direct comparison in terms of acoustic properties isn't possible. However, sound can also be influenced by factors like your keyboard construction and the choice of keycaps, meaning that both switches could yield varying auditory experiences based on those conditions.

In terms of feel, the Blush switch stands out for its exceptionally smooth typing experience, described as creamy, silky, and buttery. This means that users can enjoy a seamless transition from key to key, allowing for minimal resistance during keystrokes. It's designed to ensure that every press and release feels fluid and effortless. In contrast, there is no specific information available on the feel of the Elf switch, so we can't directly compare tactile sensations between the two. However, since both are linear switches, it is likely that they will offer a generally smooth keystroke, albeit with different nuances if the Elf has its own unique characteristics.

Overall, the Aflion Blush linear switch is celebrated for its low-pitched sound and a richly smooth typing feel, making it an enticing choice for those who appreciate a more subdued auditory experience and a high-quality tactile sensation. The Huano Elf linear switch remains an unknown entity in several aspects, particularly in sound and feel, but its POK top housing is aimed at enhancing acoustics, suggesting it will have its own appealing qualities. While the Blush switch is a well-defined option, those considering the Elf must explore further to uncover its distinctive attributes. Both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles, making it essential for newcomers to test them out to find which aligns best with their needs.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Huano Elf linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and the kind of experience you seek. If you value a smooth, buttery typing feel combined with a poppy sound signature, the Blush is an excellent choice. With its medium bottom-out force of 58 grams and exceptionally crafted two-stage spring, it delivers a creamy and silky experience that can significantly enhance your typing comfort, making it suitable for both prolonged typing sessions and fast-paced gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light feel with a deeper sound signature, the Elf switch may be more to your liking. Its unique POK top housing enhances acoustics, providing a satisfying typing experience that leans towards a less forceful keystroke, which can be ideal for those who enjoy lighter touches or a more laid-back typing style. In the end, both switches have distinct qualities that cater to different preferences, so consider how each aligns with your personal style and needs when making your final decision.

Mentioned in this article

Aflion Blush Linear

$6.00

$4.07 per 10

Learn more

Huano Elf Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more