Aflion Blush vs. Gateron Ink Yellow

Overview

If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, you may find yourself torn between the Aflion Blush and the Gateron Ink Yellow. The Blush, a linear switch, is highly regarded for its smooth and snappy typing experience, thanks to its longer, two-stage spring. Its long pole also adds a poppy sound signature to your keystrokes. On the other hand, the Ink Yellow, also a linear switch, offers a different experience with its shorter travel. This switch is ideal for those seeking a typing experience that falls between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. It boasts a pleasant smoothness and clackiness. While these generalities may help guide your decision, let's dive in a bit deeper to explore the nuances of each switch, so you can ultimately choose the perfect one for your needs.

By the numbers

Aflion Blush Linear

Gateron Ink Yellow Linear

$6.00

$4.07 per 10

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Aflion Blush and the Gateron Ink Yellow differ in terms of the materials used for their top and bottom housings. The Blush features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Ink Yellow has a proprietary INK blend top housing, known for its pointed and high-pitched sound profile, while still maintaining a satisfying clackiness. Both materials provide unique acoustic characteristics, offering options for users who prioritize different sound qualities.

In terms of the bottom housing, the Blush is equipped with a nylon material, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Ink Yellow utilizes the same proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing, meaning that it shares similar sound properties with its top housing. Both switches offer a relatively high-pitched sound profile, albeit with slight variations in tone and sharpness.

When it comes to the overall typing experience, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, for switches with different top and bottom housings like the Blush, users can expect a combination of the qualities brought by each housing material. Conversely, the Ink Yellow benefits from a consistent sound profile throughout the entire keystroke due to its use of the same material for both housings. Ultimately, whether one prefers the crisper and stiffer sound of polycarbonate or the clackier and pointed sound of Gateron's proprietary INK blend will depend on individual preference and typing style.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Blush switch has an actuation force of an unknown number of grams, while the Ink Yellow requires 60 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. This means that the Ink Yellow has a slightly higher actuation force. In terms of bottom out force, the Blush requires 58 grams, while the Ink Yellow requires 67 grams, making the Ink Yellow heavier in this aspect as well.

The weight of a switch is an important consideration for different preferences and use cases. For those who prefer a lighter feel, the Blush switch may be more suitable as it allows for longer typing periods, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Ink Yellow switch with its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces.

While the specifics of the actuation force for the Blush switch are unavailable, it is important to note that it falls within the medium range, just like the Ink Yellow. Thus, despite the lack of information, it can be inferred that both switches offer similar actuation forces, ensuring comparable results in keystroke activation.

In summary, the Aflion Blush linear switch is lighter in terms of both actuation and bottom out forces compared to the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch. The Ink Yellow requires slightly more force for both actuation and bottoming out, making it a better choice for those seeking a stronger and more substantial typing experience. However, if a lighter switch is preferred for longer typing or gaming sessions, the Blush switch may be more suitable.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch, we can see that the Blush has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Ink Yellow has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm norm, which is commonly seen in keyboards. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances as it allows faster response times, so the Blush switch would be a suitable choice for those seeking increased responsiveness. On the other hand, some individuals may find short travel distances to be too abrupt, preferring a deeper feel. In this case, the Ink Yellow switch with a longer travel distance would be the better option. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of key depth and responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Aflion Blush linear switch is best known for its impressively smooth, full, and snappy type feel, thanks to its longer, two-stage spring. It offers a poppy sound signature due to its long pole. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch is characterized by a shorter travel and is recommended for those who want a typing experience between that on a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. It showcases a pleasant smoothness and clackiness.

In terms of sound, the Blush switch has a low-pitched profile. Low-pitched switches are known for their bass-heavy and mellow tone. On the other hand, the Ink Yellow switch has a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement. Additionally, it has a clacky sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive when pressed.

When it comes to feel, the Blush switch offers a creamy, silky, and buttery typing experience. It has lubricant applied in the switch at the factory, which enhances its smoothness. Typing on a Blush switch feels like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys with a seamless and uniform sensation. The Ink Yellow switch, on the other hand, provides a mild and polished typing experience. It offers a gentle feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel.

In conclusion, the Aflion Blush and Gateron Ink Yellow linear switches offer distinct subjective qualities. The Blush switch excels in providing smoothness, snappiness, and a poppy sound with its longer two-stage spring and long pole. On the other hand, the Ink Yellow switch offers a typing experience between a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard, with a clacky sound and a mild, polished feel. Both switches have their own unique characteristics, ensuring that users can find the switch that best suits their preferences. If you prefer a smooth and buttery feel like the Blush switch, you can also achieve similar results by choosing lube or using specific materials in combination with the Ink Yellow switch.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you're looking for a linear switch with a medium bottom out force, the Aflion Blush would be a great choice. Its longer, two-stage spring provides a smooth and snappy typing feel, making it a popular option among enthusiasts. Additionally, the Blush's long pole design contributes to its distinctive poppy sound signature. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force, the Gateron Ink Yellow is worth considering. This switch offers a typing experience that falls between that of a laptop keyboard and a standard mechanical keyboard. It is praised for its pleasant smoothness and clackiness. In terms of sound, the Blush has a low-pitched tone, which is characterized by a bass-heavy and mellow sound. Conversely, the Ink Yellow has a neutral sound profile, suitable for most purposes, and is described as clacky, producing a sharp and percussive sound when pressed. When it comes to feel, the Blush is known for its creamy, silky, and buttery typing experience, making it feel like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. On the other hand, the Ink Yellow offers a milder typing experience, with a safe and approachable feel. It is also characterized as polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience. Ultimately, both switches have their unique qualities and it depends on your personal preferences and typing style.

Mentioned in this article

Aflion Blush Linear

$6.00

$4.07 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Ink Yellow Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn more