Aflion Blush vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Blush and Everglide Lightning Silver V3 both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Blush is praised for its smooth, full, and snappy feel, thanks to its longer two-stage spring and long pole which creates a poppy sound signature. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 stands out for its clacky and high-pitched sound, providing a silky typing experience with the added bonus of a light diffuser for enhanced RGB illumination. While the Blush offers a low-pitched and buttery feel, the Lightning Silver V3 delivers a high-pitched and clacky sensation. Both switches have their strengths and appeal to different users, 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
48g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Dual-stage stainless steel spring
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Both the Aflion Blush and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 feature a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate results in a more clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal material for the top housing of switches, especially if RGB lighting is involved. Despite this similarity, where they differ is in their bottom housing material. The Blush uses a nylon bottom housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature. In contrast, the Lightning Silver V3 utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, maintaining that sharp and crisp sound profile associated with polycarbonate.
The choice of housing materials in the Aflion Blush and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 greatly impacts the sound and feel of typing on these switches. The different bottom housing materials, nylon for the Blush and polycarbonate for the Lightning Silver V3, result in distinct typing experiences. Nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound profile, contributing to a deeper feel when typing on the Blush. Meanwhile, the stiffer polycarbonate bottom housing of the Lightning Silver V3 ensures a clearer and more resonant sound, adding to the sharp and crisp feel of typing on this switch.
In general, the choice of housing materials in a switch can greatly impact the overall typing experience. While both the Aflion Blush and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 feature a polycarbonate top housing, their differing bottom housing materials provide unique characteristics to each switch. This split in housing materials allows for a blend of qualities in the sound and feel of typing on these switches, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Ultimately, the combination of housing materials in these switches results in distinct typing experiences for users to enjoy.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, the actuation and bottom out forces stand out as key differences. The Aflion Blush has an actuation force of None grams, making it lighter in terms of triggering a keystroke, while its bottom out force is 58 grams, providing a medium level of resistance when fully pressed. In contrast, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 has an actuation force of 48 grams, slightly heavier than the Blush, and a bottom out force of 60 grams, also falling within the medium range. Those who prefer a lighter touch when typing or gaming may lean towards the Aflion Blush, while individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for the slightly heavier Everglide Lightning Silver V3. Ultimately, both switches offer a medium level of resistance when bottoming out, ensuring a similar typing experience in that aspect.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blush linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch have very similar travel distances, with the Blush at 3.3 mm and the Lightning Silver V3 at 3.4 mm. Both switches fall on the shorter end of the spectrum when it comes to travel distance, making them ideal for those who prioritize quick response times. Gamers, in particular, may appreciate the shorter travel distances of these switches for faster reaction speeds during gameplay. However, for those who prefer a more substantial key press that provides a sense of depth, a switch with a longer travel distance may be more suitable. Overall, while the Blush is slightly shorter than the Lightning Silver V3, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of 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 Everglide Lightning Silver V3 has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lightning Silver V3 for $4.10.
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, poppy sound signature, while the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound when pressed. In terms of feel, the Blush switch is described as creamy, silky, and buttery, providing a smooth and effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 switch is also noted for its silky feel, enhancing the overall smoothness of typing. Overall, the Blush switch offers a more bass-heavy and mellow sound compared to the sharp and percussive sound of the Lightning Silver V3. Both switches provide a seamless typing experience, with the Blush feeling creamy and the Lightning Silver V3 feeling silky. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. Ultimately, selecting between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and aesthetic features like RGB illumination.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prioritize a smoother and snappier typing experience with a poppy sound signature, the Blush may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a clacky and high-pitched sound with a seamless typing experience and enhanced RGB illumination, the Lightning Silver V3 could be the switch for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing style. Both switches offer unique features and qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your preferences and typing needs.
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