Aflion Blush vs. Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch are two excellent options to consider. The Blush switch from Aflion is known for its smooth, full, and snappy feel thanks to its longer, two-stage spring design. With a unique poppy sound signature, it falls under the categories of 'Low-pitched', 'Creamy', 'Silky', and 'Buttery'. On the other hand, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch from Akko offers a higher-pitched sound profile and a satisfying tactile bump, providing a delightful typing experience for keyboard enthusiasts. It is categorized as 'Accented', 'Bouncy', 'Snappy', and 'Polished'. Both switches have their own unique characteristics and advantages, so choosing between them ultimately depends on personal preference and specific typing needs. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
20mm
Housing materials
Both the Aflion Blush and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting applications. However, while both switches share this top housing material, the differences in their bottom housings play a significant role in the overall sound quality.
The Aflion Blush utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro also features a nylon bottom housing, offering a similar typing experience in terms of sound. The combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in both switches highlights the importance of housing materials in achieving specific sound profiles desired by keyboard enthusiasts.
Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Blush and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro comes down to personal preference in sound and typing experience. While both switches share the advantages of polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and resonant sound, the different bottom housings provide distinct qualities in sound production. Whether one prefers a sharper, crisper sound profile with the Blush or a deeper, fuller sound with the Lavender Purple Pro, both switches offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, it is evident that the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is the lighter of the two. The V3 has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is considered medium-light. On the other hand, the Aflion Blush switch has an unknown actuation force but has a bottom out force of 58 grams, making it slightly heavier. The actuation force determines the force required to trigger a keystroke, while bottom out force measures the pressure needed to fully press the key down. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro would be the better choice, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. However, those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Aflion Blush switch for a stronger push feel.Overall, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces between the two switches cater to varying preferences in typing feel and keypress feedback.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blush linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. The Blush may provide a slightly quicker key press due to its shorter travel distance, while the V3 Lavender Purple Pro may offer a bit more depth and tactile feedback with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of key press feel and responsiveness.
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 Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro has an MSRP of $3.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Lavender Purple Pro for $2.20.
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 Aflion Blush linear switch is known for its low-pitched sound with a poppy signature, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch offers a higher-pitched sound profile, contributing to a delightful typing experience. In terms of feel, the Blush switch is described as creamy, silky, and buttery, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience with a silky sensation. In contrast, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch is categorized as accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished, providing a medium level of tactility with a spring-like feedback sensation and a smooth and refined finish for sleek typing. Overall, while the Blush switch leans towards a smoother typing experience with a low-pitched sound, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch offers a more tactile feel with a higher-pitched sound, catering to different preferences and providing equally satisfying results in their respective categories.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, consider the factors that matter most to you in a keyboard switch. If you prioritize a smooth, full, and snappy typing experience with a poppy sound signature, the Blush linear switch might be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a higher-pitched sound profile with a satisfying tactile bump that contributes to a delightful typing experience, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.
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