Aflion Blush vs. Gateron Mars
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the Gateron Mars switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Blush and the Gateron Mars both stand out as exceptional linear options, each offering distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Aflion Blush is celebrated for its impressively smooth feel and snappy response, thanks to its longer two-stage spring, which contributes to a creamy and buttery typing experience. Additionally, the Blush’s long pole design provides a distinctive low-pitched pop sound, making it a delight for those who appreciate auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the Gateron Mars features an innovative design that combines a POK stem with a housing crafted from a blend of Nylon and POM, enhancing durability and performance. While the Mars lacks specific sound categorization, it is known for its smooth actuation and stability, appealing to gamers and typists alike who prioritize a refined keystroke. Both switches have their unique advantages: the Blush excels in tactile pleasure and auditory satisfaction, while the Mars emphasizes innovation and robust feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.20 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
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
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
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Blush and Gateron Mars, distinct differences become apparent that influence their overall sound profiles and user experience. The Aflion Blush utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, high-pitched sound that is characterized by its stiffness. This results in a clear and resonant audio experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a more vibrant auditory feedback while typing. Furthermore, the polycarbonate’s translucency is a significant aesthetic advantage, especially when paired with RGB lighting, enhancing the visual appeal of the switch. In contrast, the Gateron Mars features a nylon top housing that creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Unlike polycarbonate, nylon absorbs more sound due to its softer properties, resulting in a duller and rounder typing experience that caters to users who enjoy a more subdued auditory output.
Exploring the bottom housings further illustrates the sound characteristics of both switches. The Aflion Blush has a nylon bottom housing, leveraging the same acoustic benefits that its top housing provides; therefore, users can expect the familiar deeper and fuller sound that nylon offers with each keystroke. Meanwhile, the Gateron Mars employs a POM (Polyoxymethylene) bottom housing, known for its unique and pleasing sound profile. This material creates a more muted sound, contributing to a softer typing experience contrasted with the sharp highs of the Blush's polycarbonate top. Despite the differences in materials, both switch designs are thoughtfully crafted, showcasing how sound quality can vary significantly even when using similar types of housing.
Ultimately, the differences in material composition between the Aflion Blush and Gateron Mars not only define their individual sound profiles but also influence the typing feel. The combination of a polycarbonate top and nylon bottom for the Blush delivers a bright and clear sound upon release, while the Mars's nylon top and POM bottom yield a more rounded, muted response overall. If both switches were to use nylon for the top or bottom, one would likely achieve a more uniform sound experience across the board, but the specific combination of these materials stresses the distinct auditory experiences they each offer. This comparison highlights the importance of material choice in mechanical keyboards and how each type can create a unique typing experience, appealing to different preferences among users.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, there are notable differences in actuation force and bottom out force that cater to varying user preferences. The Aflion Blush has a bottom out force of 58 grams, indicating a medium weight for users who enjoy a substantial typing experience. However, the actuation force for the Blush is unknown, which leaves a gap in understanding its overall tactile response. In contrast, the Gateron Mars features a known actuation force of 45 grams, making it the lighter option among the two, thus potentially providing a more effortless typing experience during extended use. The bottom out force for the Mars is also unknown, making direct comparisons in that regard challenging. Ultimately, if an individual prefers a lighter switch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, the Gateron Mars would be the preferable choice, while those who favor a heavier and more tactile feel might gravitate toward the Aflion Blush.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, it is evident that the Blush has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Mars features a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference means that those favoring quicker response times and a more responsive feel may lean towards the Blush, as its shorter distance allows for faster actuation. In contrast, the Mars, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial keystroke, offering a hearty depth that some find more satisfying. Ultimately, while both switches cater to different user preferences, the Blush’s design is better suited for gamers seeking speed, whereas the Mars provides a more traditional, 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 Mars has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mars for $5.50.
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 features a low-pitched tone that produces a bass-heavy and mellow auditory experience, contributing to a satisfying acoustic presence that many typists appreciate. The snappy, poppy sound signature is enhanced by the longer two-stage spring, resulting in a distinct auditory feedback with each keystroke. In contrast, the sound characteristics of the Gateron Mars switch remain unspecified, making it difficult to provide a direct comparison. It’s important to remember that the sound quality can also be influenced by external factors like the keyboard's build and the type of keycap used.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Blush shines with its creamy, silky, and buttery typing experience. The factory lubrication and intentional material choices create an exceptionally smooth sensation that makes typing effortless and enjoyable. Users can expect their fingers to glide seamlessly across the keys, making for remarkably fluid keystrokes. On the other hand, the feel of the Gateron Mars switch has not been detailed, leaving a gap in understanding how it compares to the luxurious feel of the Blush.
In summary, the Aflion Blush linear switch is recognized for its low-pitched, poppy sound and an exceptional typing experience characterized by a smooth and buttery tactile feedback. The Gateron Mars switch, while innovative, lacks available information on sound and feel, making them harder to directly compare in those dimensions. If you value a rich auditory feedback along with a creamy and silky smooth typing experience, the Blush would be the recommended choice. However, the Mars might still offer its unique advantages that remain to be explored.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and what you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard experience. If you lean towards a smooth, creamy typing feel with a bit of a poppy sound signature, the Blush is likely your best bet. Its medium bottom-out force of 58 grams ensures a balanced actuation, making it suitable for both typing and gaming. The low-pitched, bass-heavy sound adds an additional layer of satisfaction, perfect for users who appreciate a more melodic keystroke. On the other hand, while the details on the Mars are scarce—the unique POK stem and a blend of Nylon and POM suggest a focus on innovation and potentially a different tactile feeling. You might be drawn to the Gateron Mars if you’re looking for a switch with a distinctive design that could offer a new experience, despite the uncertainty about its force profile or sound characteristics. In essence, if smoothness, sound quality, and tactile feedback are at the forefront of your keyboard usage, the Aflion Blush will likely serve you better, whereas the Gateron Mars may intrigue you if you’re in the mood to explore something innovative and different.
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