Aflion Blush vs. KTT Matcha
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the KTT Matcha switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Aflion Blush, a linear switch, and the KTT Matcha, a tactile switch, offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Blush switch, regarded as Aflion's best linear offering, stands out for its impressive smoothness and snappy typing experience. Its longer, two-stage spring and long pole contribute to its full and poppy sound signature. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha exemplifies a fantastic tactile switch, renowned for its comfortable and snappy tactility. Typing on the Matcha switch provides a satisfying bottom-out sound, thanks to its long pole stem. While these general descriptions give you an idea of what to expect, it's important to delve deeper into the specifics to determine the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Dual-stage stainless steel spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Blush and the KTT Matcha have several similarities. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which is known to create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances the resonance and clarity of the sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the use of RGB lighting, making it aesthetically pleasing for those who enjoy customizable lighting effects.
However, the key difference lies in the material used for the bottom housing. The Blush utilizes a nylon bottom housing, while the Matcha uses a polycarbonate bottom housing. The nylon bottom housing of the Blush produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer and sound-absorbent nature. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on the switches. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Matcha contributes to the overall sharper and crisper sound profile, aligning with the characteristics of polycarbonate as mentioned earlier.
When it comes to the overall typing experience, the bottom housing plays a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the keys, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. This means that the Blush's nylon bottom housing would provide a different tactile and auditory experience compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Matcha.
In conclusion, while both switches share some similarities in their polycarbonate top housing, the differences in their bottom housing materials result in distinct sound profiles. The Blush with its nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and rounder sound, whereas the Matcha's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper and crisper sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on the preference for the specific sound and feel desired during typing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch, it is evident that there are significant differences between the two. The Blush's actuation force is unfortunately unavailable, making it difficult to compare directly. However, its bottom out force is 58 grams, which can be considered medium in terms of weight. On the other hand, the Matcha offers a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, ensuring a more sensitive keystroke response. Additionally, its bottom out force is 45 grams, making it slightly lighter than the Blush.
Considering the weight aspect, individuals who prefer a lighter feel might opt for the Matcha switch, as this allows for longer typing sessions and is ideal for work or extended gaming periods. However, for those seeking a more substantial and stronger push while typing, the Blush might be a better choice. It should be noted that these comparisons assume that the actuation forces of both switches are roughly similar, as the Blush's force is unspecified. Nevertheless, if the actuation forces happen to match, both switches would yield similar results in terms of typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would depend on personal preferences for a lighter or heavier feel during keystrokes.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Aflion Blush linear switch is 3.3 mm, while the travel distance of the KTT Matcha tactile switch is 4 mm. The Matcha switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Blush switch. The Blush switch falls into the category of shorter travel distances that have become prevalent recently. Gamers, in particular, prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. If you prioritize responsiveness, the Blush switch with its shorter travel distance would be the ideal choice. On the other hand, some individuals find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt. For those looking for a more substantial depth in their typing experience, the Matcha switch with its longer travel distance would be a better fit. Despite the difference in travel distance, both switches provide a reliable key press 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 KTT Matcha has an MSRP of $5.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Matcha for $4.88.
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
The Aflion Blush linear switch is best known for its smooth, full, and snappy type feel. This can be attributed to its longer, two-stage spring, which provides an impressively smooth and responsive typing experience. Additionally, the Blush switch offers a poppy sound signature, thanks to its long pole stem. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha tactile switch is known for its comfortable and snappy tactility. Typing on the Matcha switch provides a satisfying tactile feedback, and it produces a clean bottom-out sound due to its long pole stem.
When it comes to sound, the Blush switch has a low-pitched sound profile. Low-pitched switches typically have a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Matcha switch is described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. The sound is crisp, bright, and percussive. 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 Blush switch is often described as creamy, silky, and buttery. These descriptors indicate a smooth and fluid typing experience with minimal resistance. Typing on a creamy switch feels like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys, while a silky switch offers an exceptionally smooth typing feel with reduced resistance. The buttery switch provides a seamless and uniform typing sensation. On the other hand, the Matcha switch is described as stepped, snappy, accented, feathery, and subtle. Its stepped design offers a two-stage tactile feedback, with a mild bump that is not overpowering. The snappy attribute indicates a super responsive typing experience, while the accented characteristic implies a prominent amount of tactile feedback. The feathery feel of the Matcha switch suggests it requires minimal exertion and reduces finger fatigue, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. Lastly, the subtle attribute indicates a gentle resistance without being too light and a sound signature suitable for shared spaces.
In conclusion, the Aflion Blush linear switch and KTT Matcha tactile switch offer different subjective qualities. The Blush switch provides a smooth and snappy typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Matcha switch offers comfortable and snappy tactility with a clacky sound. Both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. If you are looking for a smooth and buttery typing experience with a low-pitched sound, the Blush switch would be a great choice. If you prefer a tactile switch with a clean bottom-out sound and a tactile feedback that is not overwhelming, the Matcha switch would be a suitable option.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a smooth and snappy typing experience with a poppy sound, the Aflion Blush linear switch might be the better choice for you. It offers a medium bottom out force of 58 grams, which provides a satisfying amount of resistance. Additionally, the Blush switch is described as creamy, silky, and buttery, meaning you can expect a smooth and effortless keystroke experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams and a distinct clean bottom-out sound, the KTT Matcha tactile switch would be a great option. The Matcha switch is known for its comfortable and snappy tactility, enhancing the overall typing feel. Moreover, it is described as stepped, snappy, accented, feathery, and subtle, giving you a variety of tactile sensations to enjoy. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
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