Aflion Blush vs. Durock Koala
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the Durock Koala switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options for enthusiasts are the Aflion Blush, a linear switch, and the Durock Koala, a tactile switch. The Aflion Blush is known for its smooth and snappy feel, thanks to a longer two-stage spring and a poppy sound signature. On the other hand, the Durock Koala strikes a balance between providing a noticeable bump without being too overpowering, offering a polished and low-pitched typing experience. While the Blush excels in offering a buttery and creamy typing experience, the Koala provides a more accented and stepped tactile feedback. When choosing between the two switches, the Blush may be preferred for those who prioritize a smooth keystroke, while the Koala may be an ideal choice for those who appreciate a moderate amount of tactility. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Blush and the Durock Koala both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. This results in a more clear and resonant sound, making them ideal choices for switches that prioritize sound quality. Additionally, both housings allow for the use of RGB lighting, thanks to the translucency of polycarbonate. However, the Blush and Koala differ in their bottom housings, with the Blush featuring a nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Koala also utilizes a nylon bottom housing but for a duller and rounder sound.
While the top housings of the Aflion Blush and the Durock Koala share similar qualities due to their polycarbonate material, the differences lie in their bottom housings. This means that the sound and feel of these switches will vary depending on which part of the housing comes into play when typing. The Blush's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper sound profile, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the Koala's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound for a rounder sound experience. Therefore, users can choose between the switches based on their preference for a sharper or rounder sound profile.
In conclusion, both the Aflion Blush and the Durock Koala offer unique sound profiles based on their different housing materials. The use of polycarbonate in the top housings of both switches creates a sharp and resonant sound, ideal for users looking for a crisp typing experience. However, the Blush's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper sound profile, while the Koala's nylon bottom housing generates a duller sound. Ultimately, users can choose between these switches based on their preference for sound quality and feel when typing.
Weight
The Aflion Blush linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch have different actuation and bottom out forces, with the Blush being the lighter option. While the actuation force of both switches is unknown, the bottom out force of the Blush is 58 grams, which is medium, compared to the Koala's 67 grams, which is medium-heavy. The Blush may be preferred by those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time, while the Koala could be favored by those who desire a more substantial push feel. Both switches offer a unique typing experience based on their respective forces, with the Blush being on the lighter end and the Koala on the heavier side. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blush linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Durock Koala tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Blush offers a faster response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a favorite among gamers. On the other hand, the Koala provides a deeper keystroke experience with its longer travel distance, which some users may find more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference regarding the depth and speed of key presses. If you enjoy a quicker response time, the Aflion Blush is the way to go, while those who prefer a more substantial keystroke may lean towards the Durock Koala.
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 Koala has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Koala for $4.21.
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 and poppy sound signature, which is more bass-heavy and mellow. On the other hand, the Durock Koala tactile switch also provides a low-pitched sound but with a neutral profile, suitable for various typing preferences. Both switches offer a pleasant sound experience, depending on personal preference and the keyboard setup.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Blush linear switch is often described as creamy, silky, and buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. In comparison, the Durock Koala tactile switch is polished, accented, stepped, and stiff, offering a more refined and tactile typing feel with prominent bump feedback. While the Blush switch focuses on smoothness and seamless keystrokes, the Koala switch provides a balance between tactility and smooth key travel.
Overall, the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. Those looking for a linear switch with a smooth feel and poppy sound may prefer the Blush, while individuals seeking a tactile switch with a refined feel and pronounced bump feedback may lean towards the Koala. However, both switches are high-quality options that can enhance your typing experience, ensuring satisfying keystrokes depending on your personal preference.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a smoother, snappier keystroke with a poppy sound signature, the Blush might be the best choice for you due to its two-stage spring and impressive smoothness. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced bump without being overly loud, the Koala's stepped tactility provides a perfect middle ground. Additionally, if you enjoy a low-pitched sound profile, both switches offer this characteristic. However, if you prefer a creamy, silky feel, the Blush provides a buttery typing experience, while the Koala offers a polished, accented feel with a bit of stiffness. Ultimately, your choice should depend on whether you prioritize smoothness and snappy feel (Blush) or pronounced tactility and unique feel (Koala) in your mechanical keyboard switches.
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