Aflion Blush vs. Gateron Glory Red

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, both the Aflion Blush and Gateron Glory Red present compelling options for enthusiasts seeking linear switches, yet they cater to different typing preferences and experiences. The Aflion Blush is celebrated for its remarkably smooth and snappy feel, attributed to its longer, two-stage spring design and a unique poppy sound signature that adds character to each keystroke. Described as low-pitched, creamy, silky, and buttery, it appeals to those who prioritize a rich tactile experience. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Red excels with its lighter actuation force, providing a smooth keystroke paired with a pleasing travel distance, making it an excellent choice for users who favor quick and effortless typing. While both switches have their strengths—one leaning towards a pronounced auditory feedback and textured feel, and the other focusing on ease of use and smoothness—each fulfills distinct user needs. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Aflion Blush Linear

Gateron Glory Red Linear

$6.00

$4.07 per 10

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Blush and the Gateron Glory Red, we immediately see contrasting choices in their top housings, with the Blush utilizing polycarbonate and the Glory Red opting for nylon. The polycarbonate in the Blush's top housing contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is largely due to polycarbonate's stiffer characteristics, which enable a more clear and resonant sonic output. In contrast, the Glory Red's nylon top housing results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that tends to absorb sound rather than enhance it. This essential difference in material directly influences the auditory experience and responsiveness felt when typing on the respective switches.

Despite their differences in top housing materials, both switches share nylon construction in their bottom housings. The nylon in the Blush and Glory Red serves to soften their bottom-out sound, yielding a duller and rounder auditory experience while typing. Since both switches utilize nylon on the bottom, they generate similarly enriched vibrations and a smooth tactile feedback upon key activation. In this sense, the performance in terms of sound dampening and feel remains comparable between the two switches, creating a cohesive typing experience driven by the bottom housing material.

Ultimately, the contrasting qualities of polycarbonate and nylon used in the top housing of the Aflion Blush and Gateron Glory Red dictate distinct sound profiles, while sharing nylon in the bottom housing balances the user experience in terms of auditory depth. Pressing the switches highlights the strength of the bottom housing, ensuring that both types maintain a pleasing and dynamic feel, regardless of the upper material divergence. Thus, while users may notice differences in top-end sound, the blended characteristics through the nylon bottom ensure that both switches provide satisfying performance in their own right, preserving a degree of consistency in the overall user experience.

Weight

When comparing the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Gateron Glory Red linear switch, there is a notable difference in actuation force. The Blush has an actuation force that is unknown, while the Glory Red requires 45 grams to actuate a keystroke, making it the lighter option in this comparison. In terms of bottom out force, the Blush has a medium bottom out force of 58 grams, but the bottom out force for the Glory Red is unknown. This means that while both switches may provide a different typing experience due to their varying known metrics, the currently available information suggests that the Glory Red is easier to actuate and may be preferable for users looking for lighter switches for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Blush offers a medium bottom out experience, which could appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing the keys all the way down.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Gateron Glory Red linear switch, it's evident that the Blush has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Glory Red features a longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference in travel distance can significantly impact the user experience; the Blush offers a quicker response time that is often preferred by gamers seeking speed and precision, whereas the Glory Red's deeper travel distance may appeal to those who appreciate a more substantial keypress and tactile feedback. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will hinge on whether you prioritize rapid responsiveness with the Blush or a more pronounced keystroke experience with the Glory Red.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Aflion Blush linear switch features a low-pitched profile, meaning it offers a more bass-heavy and mellow tone that contributes to a satisfying auditory experience while typing. This characteristic makes it potentially more enjoyable for users who prefer a deeper sound that resonates without being overwhelming. On the other hand, the Gateron Glory Red's sound profile is unspecified in the provided information. However, it is important to note that the sound each switch produces can be influenced by other factors, such as the keyboard they are mounted on and the type of keycaps used. Therefore, while the Blush is recognized for its unique low-pitched sound signature, details about the Glory Red's sound remain undetermined.

In terms of feel, the Aflion Blush switch excels with a typing experience that encompasses creamy, silky, and buttery sensations. The longer, two-stage spring enhances its smoothness, allowing fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys. This creates a truly enjoyable tactile feedback that many enthusiasts seek in their typing experience. Unfortunately, the feel of the Gateron Glory Red is not detailed, leaving us without a direct comparison. Yet, users can anticipate that both switches, focusing on linear characteristics, should deliver a pleasing keystroke experience, albeit with nuances that may differ.

In conclusion, while the Aflion Blush linear switch stands out for its low-pitched sound and exceptionally smooth typing experience, the Gateron Glory Red's auditory and tactile qualities remain unknown. If sound is a priority for your typing environment, the Blush offers a distinctive tone, whereas the Glory Red will need further exploration. Regardless, both switches cater to linear switch enthusiasts and promise a satisfying typing experience that can vary slightly between them, giving you options based on your preferred qualities in a mechanical keyboard.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Gateron Glory Red linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you seek a switch that combines medium resistance with a creamy, silky feel, the Blush is an excellent choice. Its 58-gram bottom-out force allows for a balanced experience, making it ideal for both typing and gaming. The longer two-stage spring not only enhances the smoothness but also delivers a satisfying poppy sound that can make your typing feel more engaging. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter keystroke with a smooth travel distance, the Gateron Glory Red might be more suited to your needs, especially if you're someone who values effortless keystrokes and a more muted sound profile. While the Glory Red's bottom-out force is unknown, it is designed to provide a pleasant and enjoyable typing experience. Ultimately, your choice should align with how you prioritize sound, feel, and resistance in your keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

Aflion Blush Linear

$6.00

$4.07 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Glory Red Linear

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

Learn more