Aflion Blush vs. TTC Honey
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the TTC Honey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Aflion Blush and TTC Honey are both linear mechanical keyboard switches known for their smooth and creamy type feel. The Blush, Aflion's best linear offering, stands out for its impressively smooth, full, and snappy typing experience, thanks to its longer, two-stage spring. Additionally, its long pole provides a poppy sound signature. On the other hand, the TTC Honey switches also deliver a smooth and creamy type feel, accompanied by a deep and pleasant sound profile. These switches feature a polished and subtle sound signature that creates a subdued and frictionless typing experience. Both switches offer a buttery and creamy typing sensation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Dual-stage stainless steel spring
Spring
25.5 mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Blush and TTC Honey both utilize polycarbonate in their top housings, which results in a similar sound profile characterized by sharpness, higher pitches, and crispness. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiff plastic that produces a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it especially beneficial if RGB lighting is being used. Thus, the Blush and Honey will provide comparable sound experiences when it comes to the top housing.
However, the materials used in the bottom housings of these switches differ. The Blush incorporates nylon, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. As nylon is a softer plastic, it absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, leading to a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Honey employs polycarbonate in its bottom housing, resulting in a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. Since polycarbonate is stiffer, it creates a more clear and resonant sound. Therefore, while both switches deliver unique sound experiences due to their bottom housings, the Blush aims for a deeper and fuller sound, while the Honey focuses on sharpness and higher-pitched sounds.
When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the bottom housing will be most noticeable. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, contributing to the overall typing experience. Conversely, the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound emitted when releasing a key. Therefore, the Blush and Honey will have distinct typing and auditory experiences due to the influence of their respective top and bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the TTC Honey linear switch, it is clear that there are some notable differences. The actuation force of the Blush is currently unavailable, while the Honey has an actuation force of 42 grams, which is relatively light. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Blush measuring at 58 grams and the Honey at 50 grams.
In terms of weight, the lighter actuation force of the Honey switch may be preferred by those who desire a more effortless typing experience, especially during extended use such as at work or during long gaming sessions. The lighter actuation force allows for easier keystrokes and may prevent fatigue over time.
On the other hand, the Blush switch, with its currently unknown actuation force, may cater to those seeking a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience. Some users might prefer a heavier actuation force to provide a sense of control and precision while typing.
Despite the differences in actuation force, the similar bottom out forces of both switches mean that users can achieve comparable results in terms of bottoming out or pressing the keys fully. This similarity in bottom out force ensures that the typing experience, in terms of the depth of each keystroke, remains relatively consistent between the two switches.
To summarize, the Aflion Blush switch and the TTC Honey switch have different actuation forces, with the Honey being lighter in this aspect. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force. The choice between them ultimately depends on personal preferences and the typing experience one desires, whether that be a lighter and easier typing feel or a more substantial and precise one.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the TTC Honey linear switch, it is evident that they differ in terms of distance. The Blush has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Honey has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Honey switch has a deeper key press feel compared to the Blush switch. Generally, a traditional travel distance is around 4.0 mm, but both the Blush and Honey switches fall below this range.
For those who prefer a more responsive typing experience, the shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm offered by the Blush switch would be a suitable choice. This can be particularly beneficial for gamers who value quicker response times. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a deeper and more substantial key press may find the longer travel distance of 3.8 mm provided by the Honey switch more satisfying.
It is important to note that both switches still offer a relatively shorter travel distance compared to the traditional 4.0 mm. Therefore, regardless of the choice between the two, users can expect to experience a slightly shallower key press. Ultimately, the decision between the Aflion Blush and TTC Honey switches will depend on personal preference and the desired 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 Honey has an MSRP of $9.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Honey for $6.78.
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 tone, which gives it a more bass-heavy and mellow sound. On the other hand, the TTC Honey linear switch has a subdued sound profile. This means that it produces a dampened sound when pressed, resulting in a more subtle and gentle sound compared to typical switches. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard layout and keycaps used. Therefore, while the Blush is low-pitched and the Honey is subdued, the results may vary depending on the other components of the keyboard setup.
Moving on to feel, both the Aflion Blush and TTC Honey switches are described as creamy and buttery. This indicates that they offer a smooth and luxurious typing experience. The creamy sensation is often achieved through lubrication applied at the factory or specific materials used in the switch. It gives a silky and gliding sensation as your fingers effortlessly glide across the keys with each keystroke. Additionally, both switches are also described as silky, indicating an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimized resistance.
To summarize, the Aflion Blush linear switch provides a smooth, full, and snappy typing experience with a poppy sound signature, while the TTC Honey linear switch offers a smooth and creamy feel with a deep and pleasant sound profile. Both switches are known for their creamy and buttery typing sensations, ensuring a seamless and effortless keystroke experience. However, the Blush has a low-pitched sound, while the Honey has a more subdued sound. It's important to note that the subjective qualities of these switches can also be influenced by other factors, such as the keyboard and keycaps used. Overall, whether you choose the Blush or the Honey switch, you can expect similar results in terms of a smooth and luxurious typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the TTC Honey linear switch, it's important to consider your personal preferences and priorities. If you value a medium bottom out force, along with a smooth, full, and snappy typing feel, the Blush switch might just be the perfect fit for you. Its longer, two-stage spring and long pole contribute to its impressive smoothness and provide a poppy sound signature. On the other hand, if a lighter bottom out force is more appealing to you, along with a smooth and creamy typing experience, the Honey switch might be the better choice. The Honey switch offers a deep and pleasant sound profile, along with a smooth and creamy typing sensation. Additionally, it is worth noting that the Blush switch has a low-pitched sound, while the Honey switch has a more subdued sound. In terms of feel, both switches offer a buttery and creamy typing experience. However, the Honey switch also provides a frictionless typing experience, while the Blush switch offers a silky feel. Ultimately, the decision between the Aflion Blush and TTC Honey switches depends on your specific preferences for bottom out force, typing feel, and sound profile. Consider what is most important to you and choose accordingly.
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