Aflion Blush vs. TTC Gold Brown Pro
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the TTC Gold Brown Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Aflion Blush linear switch to the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch, it's clear that each offers a unique typing experience. The Blush is praised for its smooth and snappy feel, thanks to its longer, two-stage spring that provides a satisfying poppy sound signature. On the other hand, the Gold Brown Pro is known for its subtle tactility and subdued sound profile, ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. While the Blush offers a creamy and buttery feel, the Gold Brown Pro provides a polished and thocky typing experience. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences. 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
45g
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
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
NPI
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Dual-stage stainless steel spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Blush and TTC Gold Brown Pro both feature polycarbonate top housings, which result in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. This material is ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting, as polycarbonate's translucency allows for a visually appealing glow. The nylon bottom housings of both switches offer a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. While both switches share similarities in their housing materials, the split between top and bottom housings allows for a varied tactile experience when typing.
Despite sharing the same housing materials for their top and bottom pieces, the Aflion Blush and TTC Gold Brown Pro offer distinct tactile experiences due to the different qualities of polycarbonate and nylon. The polycarbonate top housing of both switches contributes to the overall sound profile, creating a clear and resonant sound when typing. In contrast, the nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile that is noticeable when bottoming out keys. This combination of materials in each switch allows for a balanced sound experience that caters to different preferences in typing feel.
The housing materials of the Aflion Blush and TTC Gold Brown Pro showcase the importance of top and bottom housings in determining the overall sound and feel of a switch. While both switches use polycarbonate for their top housings, which offer a sharper sound profile, the nylon bottom housings create a deeper and fuller sound that is distinct to each switch. The split between top and bottom housings allows for a unique typing experience, emphasizing the impact of each material on the overall tactile feedback. Whether you prefer a crisper sound from polycarbonate or a fuller sound from nylon, each switch offers a different typing experience based on its housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Blush linear switch to the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Blush has a bottom out force of 58 grams, making it a medium-weight option, while its actuation force is unknown. Conversely, the Gold Brown Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams, which is lighter compared to the Blush, and a bottom out force that is unavailable. In terms of weight preference, the Blush may be better suited for those looking for a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force, whereas the Gold Brown Pro would be preferred by individuals who prefer a lighter actuation force for extended typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on whether the user values a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blush linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it slightly shorter than the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. While both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with 4.0 mm being the standard and 3.0 mm being more shallow, the Blush offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance. Gamers may appreciate the faster actuation of the Blush for gaming purposes. On the other hand, the Gold Brown Pro provides a more substantial keystroke depth, which some users may prefer for a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for travel distance and responsiveness.
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 TTC Gold Brown Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown Pro for $2.90.
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 signature that provides a bass-heavy and mellow tone with a poppy sound due to its long pole design. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch produces a thocky and low-pitched sound that is deep, rich, and satisfying. Both switches have a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various environments and preferences. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Blush linear switch provides a creamy, silky, and buttery typing experience that is smooth, seamless, and effortless. The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch, on the other hand, offers a polished, silky, mild, subtle, and stepped typing sensation that is gentle, approachable, and suitable for shared spaces. Both switches prioritize smoothness and reduce resistance when pressing and releasing keys, enhancing the overall typing experience for users.
Overall, the Aflion Blush linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Blush switch focuses on providing a full and snappy feel with a low-pitched sound, the Gold Brown Pro switch prioritizes subtle tactility and a thocky sound profile. Depending on your preference for typing experience and sound, both switches can deliver satisfying results, allowing you to enjoy a tailored mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a snappy, smooth linear switch with a poppy sound signature, the Blush may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a subtle, nuanced tactile feedback with a quiet and refined typing experience, the Gold Brown Pro could be more suited to your preferences. Consider your typing habits, noise sensitivity, and desired typing experience when choosing between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your overall typing experience based on your individual preferences.