Aflion Blush vs. Akko Fairy
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the Akko Fairy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for a mechanical keyboard switch, the Aflion Blush and the Akko Fairy are both strong contenders to consider. The Blush switch from Aflion is praised for its smooth and snappy typing experience, thanks to its longer, two-stage spring and poppy sound signature. It is categorized as low-pitched, creamy, silky, and buttery. On the other hand, the Fairy switch from Akko is known for its refined lubrication and medium weight, making it perfect for office settings and comfortable for extended use. It is categorized as polished, muted, mild, neutral, and subtle. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences and needs. However, let's delve deeper into the specifics so you can make the best decision on which switch is right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
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
17mm stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Blush and the Akko Fairy both feature unique housing materials that influence the sound profile of the switches. The Blush utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound due to its stiffness. In contrast, the Fairy's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound by absorbing more sound with its softer plastic composition. While the Blush prioritizes clarity and resonance in its sound profile, the Fairy aims for a rounder and duller sound experience with its nylon material.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Blush and Fairy use nylon material to elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. This similarity in bottom housing material between the two switches suggests that they may have a similar typing experience when it comes to bottom-out sound and feel. However, the differences in their top housing materials will still contribute to variations in sound when pressing and releasing keys.
Overall, the choice of housing material for both the top and bottom of a switch plays a crucial role in shaping the sound profile and typing experience. The stiffer polycarbonate top housing of the Blush provides a clear and resonant sound, while the softer nylon top housing of the Fairy produces a deeper and fuller sound. In contrast, the nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a duller and rounder sound. Understanding how these different materials impact the sound and feel of the switches can help enthusiasts make an informed choice based on their preferred sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Akko Fairy linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Aflion Blush has an actuation force of None grams, making it lighter in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke compared to the Akko Fairy, which has an actuation force of 50 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Aflion Blush requires 58 grams to bottom out, while the Akko Fairy requires 60 grams. Both switches fall under the medium force category for bottom out. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience with minimal actuation force, the Aflion Blush would be the better choice. However, for those who prefer a slightly heavier actuation force, the Akko Fairy would be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference in terms of typing feel and required force for key presses.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blush linear switch and the Akko Fairy linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.3mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will get a similar tactile experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. Both switches provide a consistent and smooth keystroke feel due to their identical travel distances. This allows for a comfortable typing experience whether you are using the Blush or the Fairy. In conclusion, the travel distance of these two switches is identical, resulting in a comparable typing experience regardless of which switch you choose.
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 Akko Fairy has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Fairy for $3.10.
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 terms of sound, the Aflion Blush linear switch offers a low-pitched tone, which typically gives a more bass-heavy and mellow sound compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Akko Fairy linear switch provides a muted and neutral sound profile, ensuring a softer and quieter typing experience that is suitable for various settings, including office environments. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be affected by other factors like the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Aflion Blush switch is described as creamy, silky, and buttery, providing a smooth and luxurious typing experience characterized by effortless keystrokes and seamless key travel. In contrast, the Akko Fairy switch offers a polished, mild, and subtle feel that is gentle and approachable to most users, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable typing experience, but the Blush leans towards a more indulgent and silky feel, while the Fairy offers a refined and gentle touch.
Overall, the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Akko Fairy linear switch each bring unique qualities to the table. While the Blush excels in providing a smooth, full, and snappy feel with a poppy sound signature, the Fairy stands out for its factory-applied lubrication, medium weight, and comfortable typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, either switch can offer a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience, ensuring that newcomers to the world of mechanical keyboards can find a switch that suits their needs and preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer quality performance in their respective categories, and users can expect similar levels of satisfaction from either option.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Akko Fairy linear switch, consider your preferences and needs. Choose the Blush if you prioritize a smooth, full, and snappy typing experience with a poppy sound signature. This switch offers a creamy, silky, and buttery feel that enhances your typing sessions. On the other hand, opt for the Fairy if you value a refined, factory-lubricated switch that provides a comfortable typing experience ideal for office settings. The Fairy offers a muted and neutral sound profile, along with a polished, mild, and subtle feel. Both switches have a medium bottom out force, so it ultimately comes down to the specific characteristics that align with your typing style and environment. Happy typing!
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