Aflion Blush vs. Durock Medium Tactile

Overview

The Aflion Blush and the Durock Medium Tactile are two popular mechanical keyboard switches, each offering unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Blush, a linear switch, stands out for its impressively smooth and snappy typing experience, thanks to its longer, two-stage spring. Additionally, its long pole produces a poppy sound signature. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile, a tactile switch, is loved for its pronounced yet balanced tactility, providing a satisfying typing sensation. It also boasts a jelly-like sound signature. The Blush is known for its low-pitched, creamy, silky, and buttery characteristics, while the Medium Tactile is categorized as accented, stepped, mild, and polished. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your personal typing experience.

By the numbers

Aflion Blush Linear

Durock Medium Tactile Tactile

$6.00

$4.07 per 10

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Aflion Blush and the Durock Medium Tactile are quite similar. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which allows for a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially beneficial for those planning to use RGB lighting. Therefore, both the Blush and the Medium Tactile will provide similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics.

Where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing material. The Blush utilizes a nylon bottom housing, while the Medium Tactile also features nylon as its bottom housing material. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, the Blush and the Medium Tactile will provide distinct tactile and auditory experiences when pressed down, as the qualities of the bottom housing are more prominent in determining the bottom-out sound and feel.

It is important to note that both the top and bottom housings play different roles in the overall performance of a switch. While the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when a key is released. Individually, the different housing materials provide unique sound profiles and tactile experiences. However, when combined in the Aflion Blush and the Durock Medium Tactile, users can expect a balanced and versatile switch that offers a combination of the crispness and clarity from the polycarbonate top housing, along with the deeper sound and fuller feel provided by the nylon bottom housing.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, it is important to note that the specific weights for their actuation forces are unavailable. However, it is evident that both switches fall within the medium force range.

Starting with the Aflion Blush, we know that its bottom out force is 58 grams, providing a medium typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile switch has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy.

Considering weight, some users prefer a lighter actuation force, allowing for extended typing sessions, making it suitable for work or long gaming sessions. For those seeking a more pronounced and substantial typing feel, a switch with a heavier actuation force may be preferred.

Due to the lack of information regarding the actuation forces of both switches, it is difficult to accurately compare them in this aspect. However, it can be concluded that the Aflion Blush is lighter in terms of bottom out force compared to the Durock Medium Tactile, given its 58-gram measurement in contrast to the latter's 65 grams. Therefore, if the actuation forces of the switches are similar, one can expect to achieve similar results in terms of typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Blush offers a travel distance of 3.3 mm, which is shorter than the more traditional 4 mm travel distance of the Medium Tactile. Gamers, in particular, may opt for the Blush switch due to its shorter travel distance, as it can result in faster response times. However, it's important to note that for some individuals, the shorter travel distance might feel too abrupt. In such cases, the Medium Tactile switch would be a better choice as it offers a longer travel distance. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches should be based on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness or depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Aflion Blush linear switch is best known for its impressively smooth, full, and snappy type feel. It features a longer, two-stage spring and a long pole, providing a poppy sound signature. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch is loved for its pronounced yet balanced tactility and a jelly-like sound signature. In terms of sound, the Blush switch has a low-pitched sound profile with a bass-heavy and mellow tone. However, the sound profile of the Medium Tactile switch is unknown. It is essential to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps. When it comes to feel, the Blush switch is described as creamy, silky, and buttery, offering a smooth and seamless typing experience. In comparison, the Medium Tactile switch is characterized as accented, stepped, mild, and polished, providing a tactile experience without being overwhelming. Overall, the Aflion Blush and Durock Medium Tactile switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Blush is smooth and poppy with a low-pitched sound, the Medium Tactile is characterized by a balanced tactility and an unknown sound profile. These switches would provide different experiences to users, so it ultimately depends on personal preference.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you're looking for a linear switch with a medium bottom out force, the Aflion Blush is a fantastic option. It is renowned for its impressive smoothness and snappy typing experience, thanks to its longer, two-stage spring. The Blush switch also offers a unique poppy sound signature, adding to the overall typing satisfaction. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a slightly heavier bottom out force, the Durock Medium Tactile is an excellent choice. This switch provides a pronounced yet balanced tactility, creating a satisfying typing experience. It also features a jelly-like sound signature, offering a distinctive auditory feedback. Ultimately, your preference will depend on the specific feel and sound you prefer. Whether you prioritize a smooth and buttery typing experience like the Blush or a more accentuated tactile sensation like the Medium Tactile, both switches have their unique advantages.

Mentioned in this article

Aflion Blush Linear

$6.00

$4.07 per 10

Learn more

Durock Medium Tactile Tactile

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

Learn more