Aflion Blush vs. Gateron Magnetic Jade
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between the smooth performance of the Aflion Blush and the distinctive auditory charm of the Gateron Magnetic Jade. The Blush, celebrated as Aflion's premier linear switch, features a unique two-stage spring that provides an impressively smooth, full, and snappy typing feel. This results in a low-pitched, creamy, and buttery sound signature that many typists appreciate for its whisper-quiet operation—a great choice for office environments or late-night gaming sessions. In contrast, the Gateron Magnetic Jade employs Hall Effect technology, offering a bright and clacky sound that not only enhances the auditory experience but also brings superior typing dynamics, making it the go-to option for those eager to elevate their Wooting Hall Effect keyboard. Ultimately, while both switches cater to different preferences—with the Blush emphasizing smoothness and silent operation and the Magnetic Jade focusing on acoustics and tactile feedback—let's dive a bit deeper beyond generalities to help you determine the best switch for your unique typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Blush and the Gateron Magnetic Jade, we can observe a notable similarity in their top housings, as both are constructed from polycarbonate. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, attributed to polycarbonate's rigidity. The translucency of the polycarbonate is particularly advantageous for users who incorporate RGB lighting, as it allows light to pass through and illuminate the switch effectively. This similarity in top housing material indicates that both switches will produce a sound profile that resonates with clarity and brightness, which is desirable for enthusiasts seeking a specific auditory feedback from their keyboards.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the Aflion Blush and Gateron Magnetic Jade both utilize nylon, leading to a distinct sound profile that complements the crispness of the polycarbonate tops. Nylon, being a softer material, absorbs sound more readily than stiffer plastics, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound when typing. The combination of the polycarbonate top housing's brightness and the nylon bottom housing's warmth creates a balanced auditory experience. This hybrid pairing means that while both switches may deliver a similar top-end clarity, they will also produce a roundness in tone from the nylon base that is particularly pleasing to many users.
Overall, both the Aflion Blush and Gateron Magnetic Jade switches harness the advantageous properties of their respective housing materials to create a well-rounded typing experience. The synergy between the crisp polycarbonate top and the deeper nylon bottom results in a sophisticated sound profile that caters to various user preferences. Since both switches share the same materials in their respective components, users can expect similar auditory results, albeit with nuanced differences that stem from the varying impact of each housing on the overall sound and feel during use. This makes either option a compelling choice for keyboard enthusiasts who value both sound quality and aesthetic considerations.
Weight
The Aflion Blush linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Blush has an unknown actuation force but features a bottom out force of 58 grams, categorizing it as medium. In contrast, the Magnetic Jade boasts an actuation force of 30 grams with a slightly lighter bottom out force of 55 grams, placing it in the medium-light range. This signifies that the Magnetic Jade requires less force to actuate, making it a preferable choice for users who favor a lighter feel for extended typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, the Aflion Blush, with its heavier bottom out force, might appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial and tactile typing experience. Thus, while the Blush is heavier overall, the Magnetic Jade offers a lighter touch, catering to different user preferences in keyboard feel and ergonomics.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch, the differences are notable. The Blush features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Magnetic Jade offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Blush the shorter option, ideal for gamers seeking faster response times, as shorter travel distances can enhance overall responsiveness. In contrast, the Magnetic Jade, with its 3.5 mm travel distance, might appeal more to users who prefer a bit more depth in their keystrokes, providing a more substantial feel when pressing down on the keys. Thus, the choice between these two switches largely depends on individual preferences for travel distance and the corresponding tactile 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 Gateron Magnetic Jade comes in at $8.00 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
In terms of sound, the Aflion Blush linear switch produces a low-pitched tone, characterized by a mellow and bass-heavy quality that contributes to a more subdued auditory experience. This sound signature can create a pleasant background noise while typing, suitable for users who prefer a quieter environment. On the other hand, the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch boasts a bright and clacky sound, which adds a lively and dynamic auditory element to the typing experience. This contrast in sound can cater to different preferences; while Blush offers a more relaxed tone, the Magnetic Jade appeals to those seeking a more pronounced auditory feedback.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Blush switch excels with its creamy, silky, and buttery characteristics, delivering an impressively smooth and fluid typing experience. Each keystroke feels effortless, allowing the user to glide their fingers across the keys with ease. This switch is particularly satisfying for those who appreciate a seamless and tactile experience in their typing. In contrast, the feel of the Gateron Magnetic Jade switch is not specified, making it difficult to draw a direct comparison in this regard. However, users can infer that Gateron’s reputation for quality may suggest a similarly satisfying typing feel.
In conclusion, both the Aflion Blush and Gateron Magnetic Jade switches offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences. The Blush provides a low-pitched, mellow sound with an exceptionally smooth and creamy feel, appealing to users who prioritize a more subdued typing environment. In contrast, the Magnetic Jade switch shines with its bright and clacky sound. While its feel remains unspecified, Gateron's quality suggests it likely provides a rewarding typing experience as well. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will hinge on personal preferences for sound and tactile feedback, but both switches promise to enhance the overall keyboard experience in their unique ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch should ultimately reflect your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a medium bottom-out force and seek an exceptional typing experience characterized by a creamy, silky, and buttery feel, the Aflion Blush is for you. It excels in offering a smooth and snappy response, combined with a low-pitched sound that enhances your overall typing ambiance. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly lighter bottom-out force and crave a bright, clacky sound signature, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switch stands out as the superior choice, especially for those looking to upgrade their Wooting Hall Effect keyboard. This switch not only delivers a delightful typing experience but also significantly improves acoustics. Therefore, assess what aspects you value most in your typing experience—smoothness and sound with the Blush or lightness and brightness with the Magnetic Jade—and make your decision accordingly.
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