Aflion Blush vs. Gazzew LT
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the Gazzew LT switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the Aflion Blush and the Gazzew LT. The Blush is known for its impressively smooth and snappy type feel, thanks to its longer, two-stage spring. Its long pole also provides a poppy sound signature that adds to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT switches offer an auditory symphony of deep, resonant thockiness, accompanied by an enticing lilac hue. The seamless glide of the LTs with every keystroke further elevates the typing experience. Both switches have their unique qualities that make them desirable, but 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
65g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Dual-stage stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Aflion Blush and the Gazzew LT switches offer distinct differences in terms of sound profile and aesthetics. The Blush utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is attributed to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enables clear and resonant acoustics. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting enthusiasts. In contrast, the LT features a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, also known as "boba plastic." This unique material delivers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness, offering a distinct auditory experience compared to the Blush.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Blush incorporates a nylon material that elicits a deeper and fuller sound while typing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing, similar to its top housing. This "boba plastic" material, renowned for its softness, also delivers a rich and deep sound profile. Therefore, in terms of sound characteristics, both switches achieve similar results with their respective housing materials.
Interestingly, the impact of the housing materials varies depending on whether it is the top or bottom housing of the switch. When pressing down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing dominate the bottom-out sound and feel. This means that the Blush's nylon bottom housing and the Gazzew LT's proprietary blend bottom housing contribute significantly to the tactile experience when typing. Conversely, the top housing has a more pronounced effect on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the use of polycarbonate in the Blush and the Gazzew blend in the LT's top housing will influence the auditory feedback upon key release.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Gazzew LT linear switch, it is important to consider weight as a factor. The Blush has an unavailable actuation force and a bottom out force of 58 grams, which can be considered medium in terms of heaviness. On the other hand, the LT has an unavailable actuation force and a slightly heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, which is classified as medium-heavy.
For those who prefer a lighter switch, the Blush may be the better option as its bottom out force is lighter. This lighter weight allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, making it suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. On the contrary, individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience may opt for the LT switch with its slightly heavier bottom out force.
Although the actuation forces of both switches are unavailable, it is possible to estimate that they will likely yield similar results since their bottom out forces are similar. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience – whether it be a lighter or heavier feel.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blush linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Gazzew LT linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. Both switches have a travel distance that is shorter than the traditional 4.0 mm, indicating a preference for quicker response times. Gamers, in particular, tend to favor shorter travel distances for faster actions. However, those who prefer a more substantial feel might find the shorter travel distance of the LT switch to be too abrupt. In contrast, the Blush switch provides a slightly longer travel distance, allowing for a deeper key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either a more responsive or a more encompassing typing experience.
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 Gazzew LT comes in at $6.50 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
The subjective qualities of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Gazzew LT linear switch differ in terms of sound and feel. The Blush switch is best known for its smooth, full, and snappy type feel, thanks to its longer, two-stage spring. It also has a poppy sound signature due to its long pole. On the other hand, the LT switch offers an auditory symphony of deep, resonant thockiness, providing a seamless glide with every keystroke, as described by its lilac hue.
In terms of sound, the Blush switch produces a low-pitched sound, which means it has a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the LT switch is described as bassy, offering a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses. Additionally, it is characterized by a thocky sound, producing a deep, rich, and satisfying sound experience reminiscent of a deep "thud" or a soft "knock." Both switches have a low-pitched sound profile, but the LT switch offers the added richness associated with bass tones.
Moving on to feel, the Blush switch is known for its creamy, silky, and buttery typing experience. This refers to a smooth and buttery sensation while typing, as if gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. The switch is designed to minimize resistance when pressing and releasing keys, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience. On the other hand, information about the feel of the LT switch is unknown.
Considering all the available information, the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Gazzew LT linear switch have distinct qualities. The Blush switch stands out with its smooth and snappy type feel, as well as its poppy sound signature. Meanwhile, the LT switch offers a deep, resonant thockiness in sound and a seamless glide with every keystroke. If the feel of the LT switch is similar to the Blush switch, one can expect a smooth and buttery typing experience. However, without specific descriptors provided, it is uncertain how the LT switch precisely compares to the Blush in terms of feel. Nonetheless, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, making them worthy choices for users seeking specific sound and feel profiles for their mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a smooth and snappy typing experience with a poppy sound signature, the Aflion Blush linear switch is a great choice for you. With its longer, two-stage spring and long pole, the Blush offers an impressively smooth and full typing feel. Additionally, its low-pitched sound profile adds a mellow and bass-heavy tone to your typing. On the other hand, if you value a deep, resonant thockiness and a seamless glide with every keystroke, the Gazzew LT linear switch is a perfect fit. The LTs provide an auditory symphony of thockiness with their lilac hue, and their bassy and low-pitched sound profile adds a rich and satisfying depth to your typing. When it comes to feel, the Blush offers a creamy, silky, and buttery typing experience with its smooth and effortless keystrokes. Overall, both switches have their unique strengths, so consider your preferences in feel and sound to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.