Aflion Blush vs. PH Studio Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the PH Studio Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Aflion Blush and PH Studio Milk Tea linear switches both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Blush switch by Aflion is praised for its smooth and snappy feel, thanks to its longer two-stage spring and poppy sound signature. It is described as having a low-pitched, creamy, silky, and buttery typing experience. On the other hand, the Milk Tea switch from PH Studio boasts a high-pitched yet muted auditory blend, ideal for prolonged typing sessions with its light 43.5g bottom-out force. With its stem material enhancing each keystroke, it is categorized as clacky, high-pitched, marbly, polished, silky, and resonant. Both switches have their own strengths and qualities that cater to different typing preferences; 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
37.5g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
43.5g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
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
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Blush and PH Studio Milk Tea both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Blush's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound, thanks to its stiffness and resonant qualities. In contrast, the Milk Tea's POM top housing offers a deeper and more muted sound profile, creating a different typing experience. While both materials are aesthetically pleasing with their translucent properties, they produce different auditory results, catering to varying preferences for sound.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Blush features a nylon material that produces a deeper and fuller sound when typing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. Similarly, the Milk Tea's POM bottom housing also contributes to a deep and muted sound, aligning with its top housing properties. Both switches offer a unique typing experience with their bottom housing material, emphasizing a more subdued sound compared to the top housing's impact on the overall sound profile.
While the Blush and Milk Tea differ in their choice of top and bottom housing materials, they both aim to provide a unique and pleasing sound experience for users. Whether it's the sharper and crisper sound of the Blush's polycarbonate top housing or the deeper and more muted sound of the Milk Tea's POM housing, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to individual preferences. By understanding how each housing material contributes to the overall sound profile, enthusiasts can choose a switch that aligns with their typing style and sound preferences.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch reveals significant differences in weight. The Blush has a bottom out force of 58 grams, which is medium, while the Milk Tea has a bottom out force of 43.5 grams, making it lighter. Both switches have no specified actuation force, meaning they may have a more consistent feel throughout the keystroke. Those looking for a switch with a lighter touch may prefer the Milk Tea for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the Blush may appeal to those seeking a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force. Overall, the weight variance between the two switches offers users the option to choose based on their personal preferences for typing feel and endurance.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blush linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the shorter range compared to the traditional 4.0 mm travel distance. Gamers may prefer the Aflion Blush for its slightly shorter travel distance, allowing for faster response times during gameplay. On the other hand, those looking for a more substantial key press may lean towards the PH Studio Milk Tea with its slightly longer travel distance. Overall, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of travel distance, providing users with options based on their preference for key press depth.
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 PH Studio Milk Tea has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milk Tea for $4.00.
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 linear switch is known for its low-pitched sound profile, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. On the other hand, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch presents a unique combination of high-pitched and muted tones, creating a gentle balance between presence and subtlety. The Milk Tea switch also introduces a clacky element to its sound, producing a sharp and snappy auditory experience. Both switches provide distinct sound signatures that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users can choose based on their desired typing acoustics.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Aflion Blush switch is praised for its creamy, silky, and buttery typing experience, offering a smooth and effortless keystroke sensation. On the other hand, the PH Studio Milk Tea switch is described as polished and silky, providing a refined finish and smooth key travel. With an accessible bottom-out force of 43.5g and the use of Ly for the stem material, the Milk Tea switch aims to enhance typing ease during prolonged sessions. Both switches prioritize comfort and smoothness in typing, ensuring that users can enjoy a pleasant tactile experience with every keystroke.
In conclusion, the Aflion Blush linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Blush switch provides a low-pitched sound and a creamy typing feel, the Milk Tea switch introduces a blend of high-pitched and muted tones with a polished typing experience. Users can choose between these switches based on their preference for sound profile and typing sensation, ultimately experiencing satisfying results with either option.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, you should consider your preferences in terms of bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a switch with a medium bottom out force of 58g, a low-pitched sound profile, and a creamy, silky typing feel, then the Aflion Blush switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 43.5g, a clacky, high-pitched sound profile, and a polished, silky typing feel, then the PH Studio Milk Tea switch would be more suitable for your typing needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so make sure to consider these factors when making your decision.