Aflion Blush vs. Dareu Holly
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the Dareu Holly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Blush and the Dareu Holly offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Blush, a linear switch, stands out for its smooth and snappy feel, thanks to its longer two-stage spring and poppy sound signature. On the other hand, the Holly, a tactile switch, boasts a distinctive sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, providing a balanced typing experience with a medium 50g actuation force. Choosing between the two ultimately depends on personal preferences and typing style; 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
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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Aflion Blush and the Dareu Holly feature polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, the Blush and Holly differ in their bottom housing material, with the Blush utilizing nylon and the Holly also employing nylon. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound.
While both the Blush and the Holly share the same polycarbonate top housing material, their nylon bottom housing sets them apart. The split qualities between the top and bottom housing materials impact the overall sound and feel of the switches differently. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the key, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing the key. This distinction results in a varied typing experience for users of the Blush and Holly switches, with the nylon bottom housing adding depth and fullness to the sound profile.
In conclusion, the Aflion Blush and the Dareu Holly showcase the impact of housing materials on switch sound profiles. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housing for a sharp and crisp sound, their differences lie in the nylon bottom housing. The Blush and Holly offer unique typing experiences, with the nylon bottom housing enhancing the overall sound by creating a deeper and fuller profile. Whether you prefer a sharper sound with the Blush or a rounder sound with the Holly, the choice of housing material influences the typing feel and sound output of these switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Dareu Holly tactile switch, there are notable differences. The Blush has a bottom out force of 58 grams, while the Holly has an actuation force of 50 grams. This means that the Blush is heavier to press all the way down, while the Holly requires more force to trigger a keystroke. Both switches offer a different tactile experience due to these variances in force requirements. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Holly for its lower actuation force, allowing for easier typing over extended periods. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Blush with its heavier bottom out force. In terms of weight, the Holly is the lighter option, while the Blush is the heavier one, offering a contrasting typing experience for users to choose from based on their preferences.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blush linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Dareu Holly tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Blush has a shorter travel distance compared to the Holly. The shorter travel distance of the Blush may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Holly may provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for travel distance and the desired typing or gaming 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 Dareu Holly has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Holly for $3.76.
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, which provides a bass-heavy and mellow tone during typing. On the other hand, the Dareu Holly tactile switch presents a unique combination of chirpy and clacky elements, resulting in a distinctive and balanced sound signature that caters to users seeking a different typing experience. The choice between the two switches would depend on whether the user prefers a smoother, bass-heavy sound or a more dynamic and crisp sound profile.
Moving on to feel, the Aflion Blush linear switch is characterized by a creamy, silky, and buttery typing experience, offering a smooth and effortless sensation when typing. This smoothness is attributed to the lubricant applied in the switch at the factory, providing a seamless and uniform keystroke feel. As for the Dareu Holly tactile switch, specific descriptors for its feel are not available. However, considering its medium 50g actuation force, users can expect a moderate and tactile typing experience that is responsive and satisfying to the touch.
Overall, both the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Dareu Holly tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Blush switch provides a smooth, full, and snappy typing feel with a low-pitched sound signature, the Holly switch stands out with its chirpy and clacky sound elements and medium actuation force for a tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preferences for sound and feel, with both options promising a satisfying typing experience for newcomers to mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Dareu Holly tactile switch, consider your preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a smooth, snappy typing experience with a poppy sound signature, the Blush switch with its medium 58g bottom out force may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a unique sound combination of chirpy and clacky elements, along with a medium 50g actuation force, the Holly switch might be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so it's important to test them out and see which one aligns best with your typing style.
Mentioned in this article
