Aflion Blush vs. KTT Hyacinth
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the KTT Hyacinth switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Aflion Blush and KTT Hyacinth are two linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique features and characteristics. The Blush is best known for its impressively smooth, full, and snappy type feel, thanks to its longer, two-stage spring. Additionally, its long pole provides a poppy sound signature. On the other hand, the Hyacinth stands out for its design choice of a 3.5mm travel distance, aiming to create an ideal balance between tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort. Unlike the Blush, the Hyacinth deviates from the mainstream trend of using dual-stage elongated springs, opting for a single-stage elongated spring for a more consistent force curve. While it's clear that both switches offer unique advantages, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these 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
56g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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 spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Blush and the KTT Hyacinth share similar housing materials in their polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is known to create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in switches. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. The use of polycarbonate is particularly beneficial if you plan to use RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for a more vibrant display. Therefore, both the Blush and the Hyacinth will offer similar sound profiles and aesthetic appeal due to their polycarbonate top housing.
On the other hand, the housing materials of the bottom housing differ between the Blush and the Hyacinth. The Blush utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switches. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Hyacinth also features a nylon bottom housing, providing the same benefits of a deeper and fuller sound profile. Therefore, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound when using either the Blush or the Hyacinth.
When it comes to the overall impact on the switch's sound and feel, the qualities of the top and bottom housings come into play. Pressing down on the switch activates the bottom housing, which has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Although the Blush and the Hyacinth may have differences in their housing materials, the combination of the top and bottom housings ensures that users will have a comprehensive and satisfying typing experience with either switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch, there are some notable differences. The actuation force of the Blush is unavailable, making it difficult to evaluate without specific information. However, the Hyacinth has an actuation force of 45 grams, indicating a relatively lighter touch required to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Blush has a force of 58 grams, which falls into the medium range. In contrast, the Hyacinth has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 56 grams, classified as medium-light.
Considering weight, some individuals prefer a lighter switch as it enables them to type for longer periods, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. With the Hyacinth having a lighter actuation force compared to the Blush, it might be more suitable for those seeking a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience and enjoy a stronger push feel might opt for switches with heavier forces. Unfortunately, without information on the actuation force of the Blush, it is challenging to make a direct comparison. However, if the actuation forces of both switches were the same, users could expect similar results in terms of the force required to trigger keystrokes. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch, we can see that the Blush has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Hyacinth has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shortened travel distances, which have gained popularity recently. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. If you prioritize responsiveness, the Blush would be the better option for you. However, for those who prefer a deeper key press, the Hyacinth's slightly longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends 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 KTT Hyacinth has an MSRP of $4.03 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hyacinth for $3.75.
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 best described as low-pitched. This means that it produces a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch has a neutral sound profile. It falls in the middle ground, offering a moderate sound profile that is suitable for most intents and purposes. It is not too loud or too quiet, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced users, as well as for use in various environments. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
In terms of feel, both the Aflion Blush and KTT Hyacinth linear switches offer a silky typing experience. A silky switch refers to switches that provide an exceptionally smooth typing experience, with minimized resistance when pressing and releasing keys. This enhances overall smoothness and fluidity when typing. The Blush switch is also described as creamy and buttery, which further emphasizes the smooth and effortless keystroke experience it offers. The Hyacinth switch, on the other hand, is described as subtle, meaning it has a gentle resistance that is not overly light but still maintains a light typing feel. This makes it suitable for shared spaces where a quieter typing experience is preferred.
Overall, both the Aflion Blush and KTT Hyacinth linear switches offer smooth and pleasant typing experiences. While the Blush switch is known for its impressive smoothness, fullness, and snappy feel due to its longer, two-stage spring, the Hyacinth switch stands out with its unique design choice of a 3.5mm travel distance. This design decision aims to avoid a hard bottoming-out experience often associated with switches with longer stems, achieving an ideal balance between tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort. Both switches have a silky feel, but the Blush switch offers a creamier and butterier sensation whereas the Hyacinth switch provides a more subtle typing experience. When it comes to sound, the Blush switch has a low-pitched tone while the Hyacinth switch has a neutral sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience. Regardless, both switches offer high-quality performance and can provide similar results in terms of smoothness and satisfaction.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch, there are a few factors to consider. If you prioritize a smooth and snappy typing experience with a poppy sound signature, then the Blush switch might be the ideal choice for you. Its longer, two-stage spring and long pole provide an impressively smooth and full feel. On the other hand, if you value a switch with a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, the Hyacinth switch may be more suitable. Its design choice of a 3.5mm travel distance aims to create a balance between tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort. Additionally, the Hyacinth deviates from the trend of using dual-stage elongated springs and instead opts for a single-stage elongated spring for a more consistent force curve. When it comes to sound, the Blush switch has a low-pitched profile, while the Hyacinth switch has a neutral sound. Lastly, both switches offer a silky typing experience, but the Blush is also described as creamy and buttery, while the Hyacinth is described as subtle. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on your specific preferences and typing needs.
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