Aflion Blush vs. Durock Ice King Linear
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the Durock Ice King Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering the Aflion Blush and the Durock Ice King Linear mechanical keyboard switches, both belonging to the linear switch category, it is important to note their distinctive features. The Blush switch by Aflion is praised for its longer, two-stage spring which provides a smooth, full, and snappy feel, as well as a poppy sound signature. Categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Creamy', 'Silky', and 'Buttery', the Blush switch is a popular choice for those who prioritize a tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear switch from Durock stands out for its silky smooth typing experience facilitated by the full nylon construction and generous factory lube. With a categorization of 'Silky', 'Frictionless', 'Subdued', 'Creamy', and 'Polished', the Ice King Linear switch offers a seamless and polished typing feel. Each switch has its own unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
52g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
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
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Blush and Durock Ice King Linear both have unique housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profile. The Blush's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched sound compared to the Ice King Linear's nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound. While polycarbonate is stiffer and more resonant, nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller sound. The choice between these two materials depends on the desired sound profile, with polycarbonate offering a clearer sound and nylon offering a rounder sound.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Blush and Ice King Linear use nylon, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This means that despite having different top housing materials, the bottom housing of both switches contributes to a similar sound experience. Nylon's ability to absorb sound and create a rounder sound profile is consistent between the two switches. When considering the overall sound experience of these switches, the nylon bottom housing plays a significant role in shaping the typing sound and feel, regardless of the differences in their top housing materials.
Overall, the choice between the Aflion Blush and Durock Ice King Linear comes down to personal preference for sound profile. The Blush's combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials creates a unique sound experience that is sharper and crisper, while the Ice King Linear's use of nylon for both top and bottom housing results in a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches showcase the impact of housing materials on sound quality, with polycarbonate offering clarity and nylon offering depth. Ultimately, whether you prefer a sharper or deeper sound will determine which switch is the better fit for you.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch, it's clear that the Ice King Linear is the lighter option. The Ice King Linear has an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, both falling in the medium range. On the other hand, the Aflion Blush has a bottom out force of 58 grams, with an unknown actuation force. The lighter actuation force of the Ice King Linear may appeal to those who prefer a gentler typing experience, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Aflion Blush offers a slightly heavier bottom out force, which may provide a more substantial typing feel for those seeking a bit more resistance. Ultimately, both switches provide a medium level of force, offering similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out, although with slight variations in weight.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blush linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Ice King Linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Blush. Both switches fall within the category of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for their quicker response times. However, the difference of 0.2 mm between the two switches may not be significant for most users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the specific feel that each individual prefers when typing.
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 Durock Ice King Linear has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice King Linear for $4.20.
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, bass-heavy, and mellow tone, providing a satisfying auditory experience during typing sessions. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Linear switch produces a more subdued, dampened sound, creating a subtle and less pronounced sound signature while typing. Both switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound, with the Blush having a more noticeable poppy sound compared to the Ice King Linear.
In the realm of feel, both the Aflion Blush and Durock Ice King Linear switches share similarities in providing a silky smooth typing experience. The Blush switch is described as creamy, silky, and buttery, offering a seamless and effortless keystroke sensation due to lubrication and specific material choices. Similarly, the Ice King Linear switch boasts a silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished feel, emphasizing smooth key travel and reduced friction for a refined typing experience. With both switches offering such qualities, users can expect a consistent and enjoyable typing feel regardless of their choice.
In conclusion, the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch each bring distinct attributes to the table in terms of sound and feel. While the Blush excels in providing a low-pitched and poppy sound along with a creamy and buttery typing feel, the Ice King Linear offers a more subdued sound profile and a silky, frictionless typing experience. Ultimately, both switches cater to individuals seeking a smooth and enjoyable typing experience, ensuring that users will achieve similar satisfying results with either option.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you are looking for a switch with a slightly lower bottom out force, a poppy sound signature, and a creamy, silky, or buttery typing experience, then the Aflion Blush linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a slightly higher bottom out force, a subdued sound signature, and a silky, frictionless, creamy, or polished typing feel, then the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch would be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference in terms of force, sound, and feel when choosing between these two exceptional linear switches.
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