Aflion Blush vs. KTT Mallo
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the KTT Mallo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Blush, a linear switch, and the KTT Mallo, a tactile switch, offer distinct characteristics to consider. The Blush is renowned for its smooth and snappy feel, thanks to its longer two-stage spring and unique sound signature. On the other hand, the Mallo stands out for its subtle tactility and balanced typing experience, with a neutral sound profile that adapts well to different environments. Both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles, offering a range of qualities to suit individual 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
No
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
The Aflion Blush and KTT Mallo both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the material's stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, while both switches share this top housing material, their nylon bottom housings differ. The nylon bottom housing of both switches elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is softer and absorbs more sound than harder plastics.
Despite the similarities in their top housing materials, the Aflion Blush and KTT Mallo differ when it comes to their bottom housings. The Blush's nylon bottom housing is known for providing a rounder and duller sound profile, emphasizing the softness and sound absorption qualities of nylon. Similarly, the Mallo's nylon bottom housing offers a similar experience, showcasing the classic switch housing material's ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. It is in the combination of these top and bottom housing materials that each switch's unique sound characteristics are achieved.
In summary, while both the Aflion Blush and KTT Mallo employ polycarbonate top housings for a sharper sound profile and nylon bottom housings for a fuller sound, they each offer a slightly different sound experience due to the specific qualities of their individual housing materials. The split between the top and bottom housing materials allows for a unique typing experience, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound upon key release. Overall, these differences in housing materials contribute to the overall sound profile and typing feel of each switch.
Weight
The Aflion Blush linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch offer different experiences in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Blush requires None grams of actuation force and has a bottom out force of 58 grams, making it a medium-weight switch. On the other hand, the Mallo also has a None grams actuation force but a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams, falling into the medium-light category. The Blush provides a slightly heavier typing experience compared to the Mallo, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. However, the Mallo offers a lighter touch, allowing for longer typing sessions without as much fatigue. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and weight preference.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blush linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the KTT Mallo tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Blush has a shorter travel distance compared to the Mallo. The Blush's 3.3 mm travel distance would provide a quicker response time, making it a preferred choice for gamers who prioritize speed. On the other hand, the Mallo's 4 mm travel distance offers a slightly deeper press, which may feel more substantial to those who prefer a bit more resistance. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference regarding the travel distance that best suits individual typing or gaming styles.
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 KTT Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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 linear switch offers a low-pitched sound profile, characterized by a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. In contrast, the KTT Mallo tactile switch provides a neutral and subdued sound, offering a moderate sound profile that is not overpowering but still provides a subtle feedback. Both switches aim to provide a versatile sound signature that can cater to different typing environments and preferences, ensuring that neither switch dominates nor fades into the background on your keyboard setup.
Moving on to the feel, the Aflion Blush linear switch is described as creamy, silky, and buttery, providing a smooth and effortless typing experience characterized by a seamless keystroke sensation. On the other hand, the KTT Mallo tactile switch offers a feathery, mild, stepped, and subtle typing feel, emphasizing a light actuation force that reduces finger fatigue and provides a gentle typing experience suitable for various typing tasks. Both switches aim to strike a balance between comfort and performance, offering different tactile feedback and keypress sensations to cater to a wide range of typists' preferences.
In conclusion, the Aflion Blush linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of both sound and feel. While the Blush delivers a low-pitched sound with a creamy and silky typing feel, the Mallo presents a neutral and subdued sound with a feathery and mild tactile sensation. Both switches aim to provide a balanced and versatile typing experience, catering to different preferences and typing styles. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch, you should consider the qualities that best suit your typing preferences. If you are looking for a smooth, full, and snappy typing experience with a poppy sound signature, then the Blush may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a gentle tactility that provides just enough feedback without being overpowering, combined with a medium-light typing feel and a neutral sound signature, then the Mallo could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize smoothness and poppy sound (Blush) or gentle tactility and balanced typing feel (Mallo).
Mentioned in this article
