Aflion Blush vs. Huano Grape Orange
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the Huano Grape Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Blush and Huano Grape Orange both showcase the best of linear design but cater to different typing preferences. The Aflion Blush is celebrated for its impressively smooth and snappy feel, enhanced by a longer, two-stage spring that contributes to its poppy sound signature and a unique typing experience that many find creamy and buttery. This makes it an excellent choice for gamers and typists who enjoy tactile feedback without the click. On the other hand, the Huano Grape Orange stands out for its exceptionally light 40g actuation force, offering an effortless typing experience that is ideal for those who spend long hours at the keyboard and prefer a softer touch. While both switches excel in their own ways, they cater to different user needs and preferences in terms of typing feel and sound. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Blush and the Huano Grape Orange switches both utilize a polycarbonate material for their top housings, which consequently lends them a distinctly sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. As polycarbonate is characterized by its stiffness, it contributes to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the visual appeal of the switches is enhanced due to this plastic's translucent properties, making them particularly suitable for RGB lighting setups. This shared trait in housing material means that users can expect similar acoustic characteristics when typing, resulting in a transparent and vibrant auditory experience that highlights the beauty of RGB lighting.
In contrast, the bottom housings of both switches are made from nylon, providing a stark contrast to the clarity of polycarbonate. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when using the switches. Since both the Blush and the Grape Orange feature this nylon bottom housing, they share the ability to deliver a rounder, more subdued bottom-out sound, enhancing the typing experience with a comforting tactile sensation. This consistency in material choice means that, while the top housings contribute to the sharper notes, the bottom housings help round out the overall sound, creating a balanced auditory profile.
When you factor in the combined effects of both materials, the Aflion Blush and Huano Grape Orange switches demonstrate how different housing materials can harmonize to produce a unique typing experience. While the top polycarbonate housing emphasizes brightness and clarity, the nylon bottom housing tempers that with warmth and depth. By understanding how each material affects the sound outside the switch, users can appreciate how the marriage of these materials influences the overall experience. Ultimately, both switches manage to produce an appealing sound signature, showcasing the benefits of using both polycarbonate and nylon in a thoughtful manner.
Weight
The Aflion Blush linear switch and the Huano Grape Orange linear switch present distinct characteristics when comparing their actuation and bottom out forces. The Blush switch has a known bottom out force of 58 grams, which is considered medium, but its actuation force is unspecified. In contrast, the Grape Orange switch features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, classified as light. As such, the Blush switch would likely provide a heavier feel when pressed, while the Grape Orange would facilitate easier keystrokes for those who prefer a lighter touch. Consequently, if users opt for the Grape Orange, they may experience less strain during prolonged typing or gaming sessions, whereas those who choose the Blush may enjoy a more substantial typing sensation but with potentially more fatigue over time. Overall, the Grape Orange is the lighter option compared to the Blush, which is heavier due to its unknown actuation force and higher bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blush linear switch features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Huano Grape Orange linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Blush switch is the shorter of the two, making it potentially more appealing for gamers seeking quicker response times, as a shorter travel distance can enhance the speed of key presses. On the other hand, the Grape Orange switch, with its longer 3.6 mm travel, may provide a more substantial feel, which some users prefer for a more tactile experience. Therefore, users looking for a responsive and agile option should opt for the Blush switch, while those who favor a deeper, more deliberate actuation might lean toward the Grape Orange. Overall, if you're looking for speed, the shorter travel distance of the Aflion Blush would be advantageous, whereas the Huano Grape Orange may cater to those who appreciate a more pronounced key press.
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 Huano Grape Orange has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Grape Orange for $2.79.
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 is characterized by a low-pitched tone, which offers a bass-heavy and mellow auditory experience. This makes it particularly pleasing to those who prefer a subtler sound profile during typing. On the other hand, there is no specific sound characterization available for the Huano Grape Orange switch. It's important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by other factors, such as the type of keyboard used and the keycap material, so users may still achieve an enjoyable sound profile with either option depending on their setup.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Blush switch stands out for its uniquely creamy, silky, and buttery typing experience, which enables smooth and effortless keystrokes. The combination of a longer, two-stage spring and a long pole contributes to its overall smoothness, making it a delight for typists seeking a fluid action. In contrast, there is currently no specific description of the feel for the Grape Orange switch. Without more information, it's difficult to make a direct comparison, but users may find that the experience with Grape Orange is different, especially given its ultra-low actuation force of 40g, which suggests a lighter feel.
Considering all the available information, the Aflion Blush linear switch seems to deliver a complete and satisfying typing experience with its low-pitched sound and buttery feel, which appeals to those who prioritize a smooth key press. While the sound profile of the Huano Grape Orange switch remains unspecified, its light actuation force is likely to result in an effortless typing experience that many users might enjoy for longer sessions. Ultimately, both switches may provide enjoyable outcomes, but the Blush offers a more defined auditory and tactile character, while the Grape Orange caters to those who prefer a lighter touch without the detailed descriptions available to compare it further.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Huano Grape Orange linear switch, your preferences and typing habits will ultimately guide your choice. If you appreciate a medium actuation force and seek a typing experience that combines smoothness with a responsive pop, the Blush would likely be your best option. Its creamy and silky feel, coupled with a low-pitched sound signature, makes it an excellent choice for a range of activities, including both typing and gaming. On the other hand, if you value effortless typing and comfort for long sessions, the Grape Orange serves as a fantastic alternative. Its lighter touch, characterized by an ultra-low actuation force, allows for quick and easy keystrokes, making it ideal for those who type extensively or prefer a more laid-back typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should align with whether you prioritize a snappy response with a bit more resistance or a feather-light touch that minimizes effort during prolonged typing.
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