Aflion Blush vs. Gateron Luciola
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the Gateron Luciola switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Aflion Blush and the Gateron Luciola are both linear switches that offer unique features and characteristics for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Blush switch is renowned for its impressively smooth and snappy typing feel, thanks to its longer, two-stage spring. Additionally, the switch produces a distinctive poppy sound signature, adding to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Luciola switch stands out with its eye-catching glow-in-the-dark feature, making it visually appealing. It offers a medium heft and delivers a smooth and bouncy typing feel. The hollow "can of spray paint being shaken" sound profile adds another layer of uniqueness. Both switches fall under the buttery category, offering a satisfying tactile experience. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you make an informed decision and choose the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 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 INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Dual-stage stainless steel spring
Spring
22mm double-staged long spring; black-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Blush and the Gateron Luciola differ significantly. The Blush features a polycarbonate top housing, while the Luciola utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend. The polycarbonate top housing of the Blush creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile, which is ideal for those who prefer a clear and resonant typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, the Luciola's INK blend top housing produces a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound, which is often described as clacky. Although both materials offer distinct sound profiles, the Blush leans towards a crisper sound, while the Luciola provides a pointed sound without being overly sharp.
In terms of the bottom housings, the Blush employs a nylon material, while the Luciola utilizes Gateron's INK blend. The nylon bottom housing of the Blush contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. Due to its softer nature, nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. However, the Luciola's INK blend bottom housing shares similar characteristics with its top housing, producing a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound. This combination creates a cohesive sound experience, maintaining the satisfying clackiness throughout the switch.
While the top and bottom housings have distinct qualities for each switch, their effects come together when interacting with the keys. Pressing down on the Blush switch allows you to feel the impact and qualities of the nylon bottom housing, which contributes to the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, releasing a key on the Blush will be influenced by the polycarbonate top housing, shaping the sound produced. Similarly, the Luciola switch incorporates its unique INK blend in both the top and bottom housings, resulting in a consistent and cohesive sound experience throughout the entire typing process, from pressing down to releasing a key. In this aspect, the Blush and Luciola deliver similar results by providing a comprehensive sound profile that covers both key press and key release.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, it is evident that both switches have medium bottom out forces. However, it should be noted that the actuation force for the Blush is unavailable in grams, whereas the Luciola has an actuation force of 55 grams.
For individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Luciola may be the favorable choice, as it has a slightly lighter actuation force. This lighter force allows for smoother and quicker keystrokes, making it ideal for those who type for extended periods or engage in prolonged gaming sessions.
On the other hand, the Blush switch offers a slightly heavier bottom out force of 58 grams compared to the Luciola's 60 grams. This may appeal to users who desire a more substantial push feel when typing, providing a tactile feedback that some find satisfying and more responsive.
Overall, while the actuation forces differ slightly between the two switches, their bottom out forces remain quite similar. Therefore, users can expect comparable results in terms of the overall typing experience. Whether the preference lies in a lighter or heavier actuation force, both the Aflion Blush and Gateron Luciola switches offer options that cater to different typing preferences.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blush linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Gateron Luciola linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Blush offers a slightly shorter distance compared to the Luciola. However, both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more prevalent in keyboards nowadays. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times. If you prioritize quick responsiveness, the Blush with its 3.3 mm travel distance would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a more deliberate and perhaps more satisfying keypress, the Luciola's longer 3.6 mm travel distance might be more appealing. Ultimately, the preference for travel distance depends on personal preference and typing style.
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 Gateron Luciola has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Luciola for $6.50.
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 switch offers a low-pitched tone, which provides a more bass-heavy and mellow sound compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola switch has a unique sound profile. It is described as clacky, offering a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. Additionally, it has a chirpy characteristic with a slight squeak, as well as a marbly quality that is resonant, high-pitched, and clean. If you prefer a sharper and crisper sound, the Luciola switch is a good choice. However, if you prefer a mellower tone, the Blush switch would be more suitable. 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.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Blush switch provides a creamy, silky, and buttery typing experience. This means that it offers a smooth and effortless keystroke, allowing your fingers to glide across the keys with ease. The Gateron Luciola switch, on the other hand, is described as snappy, indicating its super responsive nature. This responsiveness is achieved through the use of longer or dual-staged springs, providing a more lively typing experience. Additionally, the Luciola switch has a buttery characteristic, just like the Blush switch, which ensures a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Furthermore, the Luciola switch is referred to as polished, indicating a refined finish that results in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Blush switch provides a low-pitched sound and a creamy, silky, and buttery typing experience. On the other hand, the Luciola switch has a clacky, chirpy, and marbly sound profile, along with a snappy and polished feel. While these switches may differ in their characteristics, they both aim to provide a smooth and enjoyable typing experience. It is important to consider personal preferences when choosing between these switches, as the sound and feel can greatly impact the overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium bottom out force and prefer a smooth, full, and snappy typing feel, the Aflion Blush linear switch would be a great choice for you. It offers an impressive smoothness and has a longer, two-stage spring that enhances its typing experience. Additionally, its long pole provides a poppy sound signature. On the other hand, if you are drawn to eye-catching switches that glow in the dark and appreciate a medium heft with a smooth and bouncy typing feel, the Gateron Luciola linear switch would suit your preferences. It also offers a unique sound profile, described as clacky, chirpy, marbly, and high-pitched. In terms of feel, the Blush switch is described as creamy, silky, and buttery, providing a gliding sensation, while the Luciola switch is described as snappy, buttery, and polished, offering responsiveness and a sleek typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Blush and Luciola switches will depend on your desired bottom out force, typing feel, sound profile, and aesthetic preference.
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