Aflion Blush vs. TTC Gold Red Pro
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the TTC Gold Red Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular choices are the Aflion Blush and the TTC Gold Red Pro, both of which are linear switches. The Aflion Blush is celebrated for its smoothness and snappy feel, thanks to its longer two-stage spring and long pole that produces a distinctive pop sound. With a categorization of low-pitched and creamy, this switch offers a unique typing experience that is both satisfying and tactile. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red Pro is known for its versatility and adaptability, providing users with a seamless typing experience that is suitable for various preferences and environments. Its neutral sound signature and ease of press make it a harmonious choice for any setting, whether it is gaming, office work, or casual typing sessions. Categorized as polished, thocky, low-pitched, and mild, the Gold Red Pro showcases its ability to cater to a wide range of users. However, let's delve 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
43g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 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
18.5mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Blush and the TTC Gold Red Pro are quite similar, with both switches featuring polycarbonate top housing which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in housings is ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting due to its translucency. However, the bottom housings differ, with the Blush using nylon which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Gold Red Pro also utilizes nylon but with a slightly different composition that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
Despite the similar top housing materials, the different bottom housing materials of the Aflion Blush and the TTC Gold Red Pro will result in variations in sound and feel. The Blush's nylon bottom housing will impact the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, contributing to its deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the Gold Red Pro's nylon bottom housing will also affect the switch's bottom-out sound and feel, but with a slightly different sound due to its composition that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder tone.
In conclusion, while both the Aflion Blush and the TTC Gold Red Pro share similar polycarbonate top housings which create a sharp and clear sound profile, their differing nylon bottom housings contribute to unique sound characteristics. The Blush's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound, while the Gold Red Pro's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder tone. Ultimately, these subtle differences in housing materials can greatly impact the overall sound and feel of the switches.
Weight
In comparing the Aflion Blush linear switch and the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch, it is evident that both switches have their unique characteristics when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces. The Blush has an actuation force of None grams, indicating a light touch is needed to trigger a keystroke, while its bottom out force is 58 grams, providing a moderate typing experience. In contrast, the Gold Red Pro requires an actuation force of 43 grams, offering a slightly heavier feel compared to the Blush. The bottom out force of the Gold Red Pro is unknown, making it difficult to determine how it compares in this aspect. Overall, those preferring a lighter touch may opt for the Blush, while individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Gold Red Pro. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and typing habits.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blush linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Gold Red Pro has a longer travel distance compared to the Blush. The Blush's shorter travel distance may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times, while the Gold Red Pro's longer travel distance may appeal to those seeking a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing 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 TTC Gold Red 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 Red 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
In terms of sound, the Aflion Blush linear switch offers a low-pitched sound signature, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is pleasing to the ear. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch is described as thocky, producing a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed. While the Blush has a unique low-pitched sound, the Gold Red Pro offers a versatile neutral sound profile that is suitable for a variety of environments. Both switches provide different auditory experiences, but users can expect enjoyable sound characteristics from either switch.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Blush linear switch offers a creamy and silky typing experience, allowing for smooth and effortless keystrokes. The TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch, on the other hand, is described as polished and silky, providing a refined typing feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches offer a pleasant typing experience with their own unique characteristics, ensuring that users can enjoy a smooth and comfortable feel when typing.
Overall, the Aflion Blush linear switch and the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch each have their own distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Blush offers a low-pitched sound and a creamy typing experience, the Gold Red Pro provides a thocky sound and a polished typing feel. Both switches are suitable for a wide range of users and typing environments, ensuring that newcomers to mechanical keyboard switches can expect high-quality performance from either option. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for sound and feel, but users can be confident that they will get satisfying results from either switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, in choosing between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and intended use. If you are looking for a switch with a medium bottom out force, a full and snappy feel, and a poppy sound signature, the Aflion Blush linear switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with ease of press, a neutral sound signature, and versatility across different settings, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch could be the better fit. Consider your typing style, sound preferences, and the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard to make an informed decision. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different needs, so choose the one that aligns best with your preferences and requirements.
Mentioned in this article
