Aflion Blush vs. Gateron Glory Yellow
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the Gateron Glory Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves at a crossroads between various options. Two notable contenders in the linear switch category are the Aflion Blush and the Gateron Glory Yellow. The Aflion Blush is celebrated for its impressive smoothness and snappy typing feel, thanks to its longer, two-stage spring and long pole design, producing a low-pitched, creamy sound signature that many users find appealing. On the other hand, the Gateron Glory Yellow, while slightly heavier, offers a delightful and satisfying travel distance that enhances the overall typing experience. Both switches provide unique tactile qualities that cater to different preferences, making them ideal choices depending on whether one prioritizes a smooth and buttery feel or a more substantial keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
50g
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
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
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Blush and Gateron Glory Yellow switches exhibit distinct qualities in their top housing materials, providing different auditory experiences during typing. The Blush uses a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and translucency, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is amplified when RGB lighting is applied. This material's stiffness allows for a clear and resonant auditory output, enhancing the clarity with which each keystroke can be perceived. In contrast, the Glory Yellow opts for a nylon top housing, which is softer and absorbs sound instead of amplifying it. This leads to a deeper, fuller sound profile that is rounder and less pronounced than that of the Blush. Therefore, while the Blush excels in delivering a crisp auditory feedback ideal for those who appreciate high-pitched sounds, the Glory Yellow provides a more muted and robust experience for users seeking a mellow typing environment.
When examining the bottom housing of the two switches, both the Aflion Blush and the Gateron Glory Yellow utilize nylon material, which creates a consistent auditory quality in their overall sound profiles. Nylon's softer nature allows for sound absorption, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound when typing on both models. This shared characteristic means that while the two switches diverge in their top housing experiences, the sound produced at the bottom-out point – when a key is fully pressed down – will share similarities due to the nylon construction in this section. The impact of the material choice creates a cohesive auditory experience when bottoming out, regardless of the differences felt during the release.
Overall, the differences in top housing materials significantly influence the typing experience of the Aflion Blush and Gateron Glory Yellow switches, while the similarities in their nylon bottom housings help moderate the sound produced at the bottom of each key press. Switch enthusiasts looking for a sonic diversity will find ample distinction between the sharper notes of the Blush and the deeper tones of the Glory Yellow. Even though both switches utilize nylon in their bottom housings, which generates a commonality in the sound profile when keys are fully pressed, the contrasting top housing materials ensure that each switch has its own unique approach to auditory feedback. Therefore, the choice between these two switches will boil down to personal preference regarding sound profile, with the Aflion Blush catering to those who enjoy brighter, more resonant sound and the Gateron Glory Yellow appealing to those who prefer a softer, rounded auditory experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch, several key differences arise. The Aflion Blush has an actuation force that remains unspecified, while its bottom out force is measured at 58 grams, indicating a medium resistance when pressed down completely. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Yellow has a known actuation force of 50 grams, making it the lighter option of the two, but its bottom out force is unavailable. As a result, users who prefer a lighter feel for prolonged typing sessions might find the Glory Yellow more appealing, while the Blush's medium bottom out force may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who favor a stronger push feel. Overall, given the unknown aspects of the actuation and bottom out forces for both switches, it's challenging to draw definitive comparisons, but the information provided suggests that the Glory Yellow might be the more comfortable choice for extended use, whereas the Blush could be preferable for a firmer keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch, it becomes clear that these two options cater to different preferences among users. The Aflion Blush features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, which is shorter, making it ideal for those who favor a more responsive feel during keystrokes—this shorter distance can lead to quicker actuation, appealing particularly to gamers. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Yellow has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, aligning more with traditional switch designs and providing a more substantial keypress experience. This extra depth allows for a more deliberate typing feel, which some users might find less abrupt and more comfortable for prolonged use. Ultimately, if you're looking for enhanced responsiveness, the Aflion Blush would be the better choice, while the Gateron Glory Yellow would suit those who prefer a more traditional and deeper keypress experience.
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 Gateron Glory Yellow has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Yellow for $4.19.
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 stands out with its low-pitched, poppy sound signature. This quality provides a more bass-heavy and mellow tone that can be appealing to typists who appreciate a deeper auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the sound profile of the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch is unspecified; however, it is worth noting that the overall sound of any switch can be greatly influenced by external factors such as the keyboard case and keycap material. Therefore, while you can expect a deeper sound from the Blush, the Glory Yellow's auditory characteristics remain a mystery.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Blush linear switch excels with descriptors like creamy, silky, and buttery, which collectively paint a picture of an exceptionally smooth and enjoyable typing experience. The longer two-stage spring contributes to this overall perception, allowing for a gliding sensation as fingers traverse the keys. Unfortunately, the feel of the Gateron Glory Yellow is not detailed, leaving it open to interpretation. Despite this lack of information, you may find that the smooth keystroke and pleasant travel distance suggested in its description can potentially yield a satisfying tactile experience as well.
In conclusion, both the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Blush is characterized by its low-pitched sound and remarkably smooth feel, making it a well-rounded choice for those seeking auditory and tactile satisfaction. Meanwhile, while the sound quality of the Glory Yellow remains unspecified, its smooth keystroke is designed to provide an enjoyable typing experience. If you're aiming for a similar performance, you might find that both switches lend themselves well to an overall enjoyable typing sensation, albeit with differing auditory feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and the experience you're seeking. If you enjoy a smooth and snappy typing experience with a bit of acoustic feedback, the Aflion Blush is a fantastic option. Its medium bottom-out force of 58 grams, creamy and silky feel, and low-pitched sound signature provide a pleasing blend of tactile and auditory satisfaction, making it ideal for both typing and gaming. Conversely, if you prefer a heavier switch that offers smooth keystrokes over a pleasing travel distance, the Gateron Glory Yellow might be more to your liking. While details about its sound profile are unavailable, this switch stands out for comfort and enjoyment in prolonged typing sessions. In summary, if you're looking for a dynamic and engaging experience, lean towards the Aflion Blush, but if you want something with a more substantial keystroke and smoothness, the Gateron Glory Yellow is the right choice for you.
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