Aflion Blush vs. Gateron Melodic
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the Gateron Melodic switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch are two popular options worth exploring. The Blush is praised for its smooth and snappy feel, thanks to its long, two-stage spring design, and delivers a distinctive poppy sound signature. On the other hand, the Melodic stands out for reviving the clicky switch category with its smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems, offering a satisfying clicky sound and tactile feedback. While the Blush is described as low-pitched and creamy, the Melodic is characterized as buttery and invigorating. 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
60g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 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
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 the Gateron Melodic both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which results in a more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, while both switches share this top housing material, they may differ in their bottom housings. The Blush utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature and sound-absorbing properties. In contrast, the Melodic also incorporates a nylon bottom housing for a similar effect on sound.
Overall, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both the Aflion Blush and the Gateron Melodic ensures a consistent sharp and crisp sound profile, especially when combined with RGB lighting. However, the difference in bottom housing material between the two switches may impact the overall typing experience. The Blush's nylon bottom housing creates a duller and rounder sound profile compared to the Melodic, which shares the same bottom housing material. This distinction in bottom housing material may also affect the feel of bottom-out sound when typing on the switches.
In conclusion, while the Aflion Blush and the Gateron Melodic share polycarbonate top housings for a consistent sound profile, the difference in their bottom housing materials may result in variations in sound and typing experience. The Blush's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, whereas the Melodic's nylon bottom housing offers a similar effect. Ultimately, the combination of top and bottom housing materials in a switch plays a key role in determining the overall sound and feel when typing on the keyboard.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, it is evident that the Blush is the lighter option with a bottom out force of 58 grams, while the Melodic is slightly heavier with a bottom out force of 60 grams. Both switches have an unknown actuation force, but it can be assumed they are similar since they are within the same medium range for bottom out force. The weight of a switch is significant as it can impact typing comfort and endurance. Some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Blush for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may appreciate the heavier push of the Melodic for a more solid typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and performance.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blush linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Gateron Melodic clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Melodic switch the longer option compared to the Blush. The Blush's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Melodic's longer travel distance may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial key press. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distance, so choosing between the two ultimately depends on personal preference. Ultimately, the Blush's shorter travel distance provides a quicker feel, while the Melodic's longer travel distance offers a more pronounced key press.
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 Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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 offers a low-pitched sound profile, which typically provides a bass-heavy and mellow tone. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic offers a mix of resonant and crunchy sounds, with a higher-pitched clean and sharp profile as well as a crisp and crunchy texture reminiscent of autumn leaves. Both switches cater to different preferences in sound, with the Blush offering a deeper tone and the Melodic providing a more vibrant and crispy auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the Blush switch is described as creamy, silky, and buttery, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience with a silky smooth sensation that enhances overall typing smoothness. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic switch also offers a buttery feel, along with an invigorating touch that provides pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a reactive feel for an immersive typing sensation. Both switches excel in offering a smooth and fluid typing experience, with the Blush focusing on a silky and effortless feel, while the Melodic provides a more invigorating and reactive touch.
In conclusion, the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Blush provides a low-pitched sound signature and a creamy, silky, and buttery typing feel, emphasizing smoothness and ease of use. On the other hand, the Melodic offers a mix of resonant and crunchy sounds, along with a buttery and invigorating typing feel that enhances feedback and responsiveness. Depending on personal preferences for sound and typing experience, both switches offer excellent options, catering to different tastes while delivering high-quality performance. Ultimately, choosing between the Blush and the Melodic will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when considering whether to choose the Aflion Blush linear switch or the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference on sound and feel. If you prefer a smooth and snappy typing experience with a poppy sound signature, the Blush switch with its creamy and silky feel might be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a higher-pitched and crunchy sound with invigorating feedback, the Melodic switch with its buttery feel could be more to your liking. Consider your typing style and the overall typing experience you are looking for when deciding between these two switches. Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Blush and Gateron Melodic will depend on what you prioritize in your mechanical keyboard switch.
Mentioned in this article
