Aflion Blush vs. KTT Laurel
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the KTT Laurel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular contenders stand out: the Aflion Blush and the KTT Laurel. The Blush is widely regarded as Aflion's best linear offering, thanks to its longer, two-stage spring that delivers an impressively smooth, full, and snappy typing experience. Its long pole design also adds to its appeal, providing a poppy sound signature. On the other hand, the Laurel from KTT is a medium-light linear switch that strikes a perfect balance between responsiveness and comfort. Its full POM housing, short travel, and long pole design contribute to its smooth and enjoyable typing feel. Both switches share a low-pitched sound profile, but the Blush is further described as 'creamy', 'silky', and 'buttery', while the Laurel is noted for its subtle snappiness. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so that you can best decide on the most suitable switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Dual-stage stainless steel spring
Spring
22m spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Blush and the KTT Laurel differ in their choice of housing materials, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The Blush features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This material's stiffness contributes to a clear and resonant sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Laurel boasts a POM top housing, producing an incredibly pleasing and unique sound. While the sound profile is deeper and relatively more muted, it delivers a distinct auditory experience. Thus, the Blush and Laurel diverge in their sound characteristics due to their different top housing materials.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Blush utilizes a nylon material, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Laurel also incorporates POM for its bottom housing, contributing to its overall sound profile. With both switches utilizing POM for their bottoms, they share the common characteristic of creating a deeper and relatively more muted sound. However, the specific combination of POM with either polycarbonate or nylon in the top housing of each switch yields unique outcomes.
In summary, the Aflion Blush and KTT Laurel showcase differences in their housing materials, particularly in the top and bottom housings. While the Blush utilizes polycarbonate for a sharper and crisper sound, the Laurel employs POM for a deeper and more pleasing auditory experience. Likewise, their choice of bottom housing materials, such as nylon for the Blush and POM for the Laurel, further contributes to their distinctive sound profiles. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics, but the specific combinations of materials result in contrasting outcomes for each.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the KTT Laurel linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Blush's actuation force is unknown, while the Laurel has an actuation force of 43 grams. This suggests that the Laurel requires a slightly lighter touch to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Blush requires 58 grams of force, which is considered medium, whereas the Laurel only requires 50 grams, making it lighter.
Considering the impact of weight on typing experience, those who prefer a lighter switch may find the Laurel more suitable as it allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who desire a more substantial typing experience and prefer a stronger push feel might lean towards the Blush, even though its actuation force is unknown.
While the specific actuation force for the Blush is unavailable, it is reasonable to assume that since the bottom out force of the Laurel is lighter than the Blush, the actuation force of the latter would likely also be lighter or similar. Hence, those who find the lighter feel of the Laurel appealing can expect a similar experience with the Blush in terms of actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on an individual's personal preference for lighter or heavier forces and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blush linear switch and the KTT Laurel linear switch have different travel distances. The Blush has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Laurel has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. If you prefer a switch with a shorter travel distance for faster response times, then the Blush would be the better choice. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances for increased speed. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a bit more depth and a less abrupt feel, then the Laurel and its longer travel distance would be more suitable. It's important to note that both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, and while they differ slightly, the results and experience would be quite similar.
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 Laurel has an MSRP of $4.42 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Laurel for $3.95.
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, both the Aflion Blush and KTT Laurel switches offer a low-pitched sound profile. This means they have a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. 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 used. Therefore, while the Blush and Laurel switches may have similar low-pitched sound characteristics, the final sound produced may vary depending on the other components used.
In terms of feel, the Blush switch is described as creamy, silky, and buttery. Creamy switches offer a smooth and buttery typing experience, while silky switches enhance the overall smoothness and minimize resistance when pressing and releasing keys. A buttery switch provides a seamless and effortless typing sensation. On the other hand, the Laurel switch is described as snappy, indicating that it offers a super responsive typing experience. This responsiveness can be attributed to the longer or dual-staged springs used in the switch construction.
In summary, both the Aflion Blush and KTT Laurel switches have their own unique characteristics when it comes to sound and feel. While they both have a low-pitched sound profile, the final sound produced may vary based on other components. The Blush switch is known for its creamy, silky, and buttery feel, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. On the other hand, the Laurel switch is described as snappy, providing a highly responsive typing experience. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and the specific typing feel desired by the user.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the KTT Laurel linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style.
If you prefer a switch with a medium bottom out force and are looking for a smooth, full, and snappy typing experience, then the Blush is the switch for you. With its longer, two-stage spring and long pole design, it offers a satisfyingly poppy sound signature. Additionally, if you enjoy a low-pitched sound profile, both the Blush and the Laurel switches fit the bill.
On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a lighter bottom out force and prioritize a balance of responsiveness and comfort, then the Laurel is a great choice. Its full POM housing, short travel, and long pole design make it ideal for those seeking a medium-light linear switch. Furthermore, the Laurel offers a subtly low-pitched sound profile.
Ultimately, both the Blush and the Laurel switches have their own unique characteristics and strengths. Whether you prioritize a smooth and buttery feel or a snappy and responsive typing experience, there is a switch that will suit your needs. Consider what factors are important to you and make your decision based on those preferences. Happy typing!
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