Aflion Blush vs. Durock Mamba
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the Durock Mamba switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Blush and the Durock Mamba both offer exceptional linear options. The Aflion Blush is hailed as one of Aflion's finest linear offerings, and it's easy to see why. With its longer, two-stage spring, this switch provides an impressively smooth, full, and snappy typing experience. The Blush switch is also known for its distinctive poppy sound signature, adding an extra touch of satisfaction to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba pays tribute to Kobe Bryant while delivering a fantastic linear switch for typing. Users have noted a gliding sensation while typing on the Mamba, accompanied by a rich and creamy auditory experience. The Mamba switch is categorized as neutral, mild, thocky, and polished. These general pointers certainly make it challenging to choose between the two, but let's delve deeper into the specifics so you can make the best decision for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Dual-stage stainless steel spring
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Blush and the Durock Mamba differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Blush features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic that produces a more clear and resonant sound. The Mamba, on the other hand, utilizes a polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing. This unique blend offers a sound profile that is pleasant, not particularly sharp, but slightly brighter.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Blush incorporates a nylon bottom housing, a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Mamba employs a POM bottom housing, which creates an incredibly pleasing and unique sound that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted.
While the housing materials of the Blush and Mamba differ, the impact they have on the overall sound profile is similar. Both switches demonstrate an understanding of how different plastics affect sound, aiming to achieve a desirable auditory experience. The Blush's polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing create a clear and resonant sound with a deeper and fuller tone, respectively. Similarly, the Mamba's polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing and POM bottom housing produce a pleasant, slightly brighter sound and a deeper, more muted sound, respectively. In both cases, the combination of different materials in the top and bottom housings allows for a nuanced and balanced sound experience when typing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, it is worth noting that the actuation force for both switches is unavailable. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Blush requires 58 grams, which is considered medium, while the Mamba requires 60 grams, also classified as medium. In terms of weight, some individuals prefer lighter switches for extended typing or gaming sessions, as it allows for less fatigue over time. In this aspect, both switches would provide similar results since the actuation force is unknown. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience might lean towards switches with a heavier force. In this case, the Mamba switch would be the slightly heavier option. Overall, the similarities in bottom out force suggest that the typing experience between the Aflion Blush and Durock Mamba switches would be quite comparable.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blush linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Durock Mamba linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Mamba is slightly longer than the Blush. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are currently popular among gamers for faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive feel, opting for the Blush with its slightly shorter travel distance would be a suitable option. However, if you prefer a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, the Mamba with its slightly longer travel distance might be more to your liking.
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 Durock Mamba has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mamba for $5.17.
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 is best described as having a low-pitched sound profile. Low-pitched switches typically produce a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba linear switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, which means it has a moderate sound with no extreme characteristics. Additionally, the Mamba is also described as thocky, which means it produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed and released. However, 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.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Blush linear switch is known for providing a creamy, silky, and buttery typing experience. These switches offer a smooth and buttery sensation when typing, with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The Mamba, on the other hand, is described as having a mild and polished feel. The mild characteristic implies a more gentle typing experience, while the polished finish ensures a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Overall, the Aflion Blush linear switch is praised for its smooth, full, and snappy type feel, thanks to its longer, two-stage spring and long pole. It also provides a poppy sound signature. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba linear switch offers a gliding typing sensation and a rich and creamy auditory experience. While both switches have their unique qualities, they both offer smooth typing experiences with different sound profiles. If a user is looking for a low-pitched sound and a creamy, silky feel, the Blush switch would be a great choice. Alternatively, if they prefer a more neutral sound profile with a thocky sensation and a mild, polished feel, the Mamba switch would be a suitable option. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would depend on the user's personal preferences and desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a linear switch with a medium bottom out force, the Aflion Blush and Durock Mamba are both excellent options. The Blush is known for its impressively smooth and snappy typing feel, thanks to its longer, two-stage spring. Additionally, its long pole provides a poppy sound signature. On the other hand, the Mamba offers a gliding typing sensation and a rich and creamy auditory experience, making it a great choice for those who appreciate a smooth typing experience.
In terms of sound, the Blush has a low-pitched tone, which gives it a bass-heavy and mellow sound profile. In contrast, the Mamba is described as neutral, with a moderate sound profile suitable for various purposes. It also has a thocky sound, producing a deep and satisfying sound when pressed and released.
When it comes to feel, the Blush is creamy, silky, and buttery, offering a smooth and effortless typing experience. The Mamba, on the other hand, is mild and polished, providing a gentle and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Blush and Durock Mamba will depend on your personal preferences. If you value a poppy sound and a snappy typing feel, the Blush might be the better option for you. However, if you prefer a more gliding sensation and a rich auditory experience, the Mamba could be the perfect fit. Consider your sound and feel preferences to make an informed decision. In the end, both switches offer a high-quality linear typing experience, and you can't go wrong with either choice.
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