Aflion Blush vs. Keygeek Keylin
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the Keygeek Keylin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly influence your typing experience, and two linear options stand out: the Aflion Blush and the Keygeek Keylin. The Blush, renowned for its longer, two-stage spring, promises a uniquely smooth and snappy typing feel, complemented by a poppy sound signature that adds character to every keystroke. Its low-pitched, creamy, silky, and buttery characteristics make it ideal for those who enjoy a tactile yet subdued response while typing. On the other hand, the Keygeek Keylin boasts a premium typing experience, utilizing new molds to deliver exceptional smoothness and rich acoustics. While both switches cater to users seeking a linear feel, the Blush emphasizes a more pronounced auditory feedback, whereas the Keylin focuses on delivering a refined and quieter performance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
UPE
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
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Blush and the Keygeek Keylin, it's important to note the distinct differences in their top housings, which play a crucial role in sound profile and overall performance. The Aflion Blush features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and transparency. This material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it an excellent choice for incorporating RGB lighting effects. In contrast, the Keylin utilizes a nylon top housing that offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition. As a result, while both switches can produce unique acoustic characteristics, the Aflion Blush is likely favored by users who prefer a brighter sound and enhanced visual effects, whereas the Keylin appeals to those seeking a warmer sound ambiance.
Despite the contrast in their top housings, both switches employ nylon for the bottom housing, which unifies their sound profile to some extent. The nylon material in both the Blush and the Keylin contributes to a deeper, more subdued sound experience, as nylon absorbs more sound and vibration than harder plastics. This shared bottom housing material means that when pressing either switch, users will encounter a similar auditory quality as they reach the bottom-out point. The deeper sound produced by both switches harmonizes the overall sound profile, lessening the contrasts introduced by varying top housing materials.
Ultimately, the differing top housing materials of the Aflion Blush and the Keykeek Keylin underscore how housing materials can influence the sound experience of a mechanical switch. While the Blush's polycarbonate top gives it a sleek, bright character, the Keylin's nylon top promotes a rounder and fuller sound. However, the consistent use of nylon for the bottom housing ensures that both switches share a common sonic foundation, leading to a similar typing experience in terms of depth and richness. In essence, users can appreciate both switches for their distinctive characteristics, while still enjoying overlapping sound qualities due to their analogous bottom constructions.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch, there is a clear distinction in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Aflion Blush features an unknown actuation force but has a bottom out force of 58 grams, categorizing it as medium. In contrast, the Keylin has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it a preferable choice for those who favor a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Since we lack the actuation force for the Blush, we cannot directly compare this aspect. Nonetheless, with the Keylin being lighter, those who enjoy a softer response will likely find it more comfortable, whereas typists or gamers who prefer a more substantial feel might lean towards the Blush despite its unspecified actuation specifications. The Blush's heavier bottom out force (58 grams) compared to the Keylin's (48 grams) enhances the tactile feedback for a more pronounced bottoming experience.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blush linear switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch exhibit a noticeable difference in travel distance, with the Blush measuring 3.3 mm and the Keylin at 3.6 mm. Consequently, the Blush offers a shorter travel distance, which can appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times and enhanced performance. Meanwhile, the Keylin's longer travel distance may cater to users who prefer a more substantial depth when typing, providing a more satisfying tactile experience. If both switches had the same travel distance, users would achieve similar results in terms of responsiveness and feel. However, in this case, the Blush's shorter distance is likely to evoke a different sensation compared to the Keylin's longer travel distance.
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 Keygeek Keylin has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keylin for $3.29.
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
The sound produced by the Aflion Blush linear switch is characterized by a low-pitched, bass-heavy tone that delivers a mellow auditory experience. This poppy sound signature enhances the overall typing experience, providing a satisfying acoustic feedback that many typists find appealing. In contrast, the sound profile of the Keygeek Keylin linear switch is less defined in the available information. Thus, while the Blush guarantees a low-pitched sound, the acoustic qualities of the Keylin remain somewhat of a mystery, although both switches will ultimately vary in sound depending on their mounting boards and keycap choices.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Blush switch shines with its creamy, silky, and buttery typing experience, made possible by a longer, two-stage spring and a well-designed switch architecture. This smoothness allows for an effortless glide across the keys, creating an enjoyable and luxurious typing sensation that minimizes resistance during keystrokes. Unfortunately, the Keylin switch provides no specific details about its tactile experience, leaving a gap in our understanding of how it might compare to the exceptional smoothness found in the Blush.
In conclusion, while the Aflion Blush linear switch presents a clear advantage in both sound and feel with its rich, low-pitched tones and silky typing experience, the Keygeek Keylin linear switch remains an enigma in terms of its acoustic and tactile qualities. Therefore, if you're seeking a switch that guarantees a specific sound profile and a plush typing experience, the Blush would be the preferred choice. However, with the Keylin switch, the overall experience may still be favorable, depending on its undisclosed qualities that could potentially align with your preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, your choice between the Aflion Blush and the Keygeek Keylin linear switches should primarily depend on your typing style and preferences. If you enjoy a medium actuation force and a unique, satisfying typing experience characterized by a smooth, creamy feel and a low-pitched, poppy sound signature, then the Blush switch would likely be the better fit for you. It's an excellent option for those who appreciate a balance of feedback and softness in their keystrokes, making it suitable for both gaming and extensive typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force that allows for quick finger movements, the Keylin switch might be more to your liking. With its premium acoustic quality and exceptional smoothness, it's ideal for fast-paced tasks and can provide a delightful tactile experience without being overly taxing on your fingers. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing needs, so consider how you want your keyboard experience to feel and sound when making your selection.
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