Aflion Blush vs. Neo Lavender HE
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the Neo Lavender HE switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often comes down to personal preference in terms of feel, sound, and responsiveness. The Aflion Blush, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth typing experience and satisfying tactile feedback, thanks to its longer, two-stage spring and long pole design, which culminate in a buttery and silky sound signature. This makes it an excellent choice for typists who appreciate a responsive and poppy typing feel. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE is a hall effect switch that provides a distinctively crisp and low sound, known for its compatibility with Wooting keyboards and a clean auditory profile that sets it apart from traditional magnetic switches. If you're after a switch that offers seamless linear action, the Blush may be your best bet. However, if you prefer a unique sound and the benefits of hall effect technology, the Lavender HE could be more appealing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
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
16mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Blush and Neo Lavender HE switches present contrasting characteristics in their top housing materials that significantly influence their acoustic properties. The Aflion Blush utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, recognized for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This unique characteristic arises from polycarbonate's relatively stiff nature, which contributes to resonance and clarity in sound. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE sports a top housing made of nylon, a classic switch material that provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition. The nylon absorbs sound more effectively than polycarbonate, resulting in a sound that is rounder and more muted. This fundamental difference between the two materials creates distinct auditory experiences when typing or gaming with each switch.
When we look at the bottom housing of both switches, it becomes clear that there is a strong element of similarity in their use of nylon. Both the Aflion Blush and Neo Lavender HE employ nylon as their bottom housing material, which again elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile when keys are pressed. The softness of the nylon allows for greater sound absorption, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel to produce a duller resonance compared to what polycarbonate offers. Since both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, users can expect similar acoustic outcomes when engaging with the switches, giving them a rounded and muted typing experience when bottoming out.
With the distinct blend of materials in the top and bottom housings, the overall sound profile of the two switches can be seen as a harmonious mix of the opposing qualities of polycarbonate and nylon. For the Aflion Blush, the sharpness of the polycarbonate in the top housing can provide a bright, resonant quality that stands out as keys are released. Meanwhile, the nylon bottom housing links the experience to the deeper and fuller sound as you press down. In the case of the Neo Lavender HE, the uniform use of nylon in both the top and bottom creates a consistently muted sound profile. Consequently, while users will notice differences in the auditory experiences dependent on the specific materials used in the top housings, the bottom housings ensure a familiar sensation in terms of typing feedback and sound absorption, leading to a satisfying, rounded conclusion across both switch types.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Blush switch has an unknown actuation force, but it features a bottom out force of 58 grams, categorized as medium. In contrast, the Lavender HE has a defined actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it the lighter of the two switches. The lighter actuation force of the Lavender HE allows for easier keystrokes, which is ideal for extended typing sessions or lengthy gaming marathons. Meanwhile, the heavier bottom out force of the Blush switch contributes to a more substantial typing experience, appealing to users who prefer a stronger tactile response. Thus, while the Blush switch provides a firmer feel upon bottoming out, the Lavender HE offers a more gentle actuation, catering to different user preferences in typing dynamics.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blush linear switch features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it the shorter option compared to the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch, which has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that users of the Blush switch will experience quicker actuation, making it particularly appealing for gamers who seek faster response times. On the other hand, the Lavender HE, with its longer travel distance, may offer a more cushioned and robust feel, which some users might prefer for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, this highlights a fundamental choice between rapid actuation and a deeper tactile response, catering to different preferences in key feel and performance.
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 Neo Lavender HE comes in at $4.50 per 10 switches.
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, poppy sound signature. This characteristic gives it a bass-heavy, mellow tone that enhances the overall acoustic experience, particularly for those who enjoy a more substantial audio feedback with each keystroke. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch delivers a clean, low sound that stands out due to its unique design, which operates effectively with Wooting keyboards. While both switches aim for a quieter typing experience—ideal in shared or professional environments—the key difference lies in the Blush's more pronounced tonal quality compared to the Lavender HE’s smoother sound profile.
The feel of the Aflion Blush is particularly noteworthy, as it boasts a creamy, silky, and buttery typing experience. Thanks to its longer, two-stage spring and lubrication, it provides a sensation that is both smooth and effortless, allowing your fingers to glide gracefully over the keys with minimal resistance. This makes it appealing for those who prioritize an ultra-smooth tactile response. On the other hand, the feel of the Neo Lavender HE is not precisely defined in the provided data, leaving an unknown aspect regarding its tactile experience. However, given the construction and operational principles of hall effect switches, it is likely that it also offers a distinct typing sensation, albeit different from the Blush's buttery smoothness.
In summary, the Aflion Blush and Neo Lavender HE switches present unique audio and tactile experiences for keyboard enthusiasts. The Blush switch stands out with its low-pitched, poppy sound and an exceptionally smooth feel characterized by creamy, silky, and buttery sensations. The Lavender HE, while providing a clean, low sound, lacks specific tactile descriptions. If you seek a full and snappy auditory response alongside a luxurious typing experience, the Blush is likely the better option. However, if you prefer a cleaner sound profile and are curious about the potential feel of hall effect switches, the Lavender HE could offer an intriguing alternative. Ultimately, your choice may depend on which subjective qualities resonate more with your individual preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch depends greatly on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a more textured and responsive feel, the Blush switch with its medium bottom out force of 58 grams might be your ideal pick. Its creamy and buttery sensations make it perfect for long typing sessions and can offer satisfying feedback with a more pronounced, low-pitched sound that some find pleasing. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and an exceptionally smooth experience, the Lavender HE, with its 50 grams bottom-out force, could be a better fit for you. This switch is particularly well-suited for those who enjoy a quick and effortless keystroke, making it an excellent choice for gaming or rapid typing tasks. Moreover, the Lavender HE's clean, low sound complements a quieter environment, which may be an important factor if you're in a shared space. Ultimately, consider your typing style, preferences for sound and feel, and the types of tasks you'll be using your keyboard for, as both switches offer unique benefits tailored to different needs.
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