Aflion Blush vs. Gateron Mini i
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the Gateron Mini i switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Blush and the Gateron Mini i offer contrasting experiences for users. The Blush, a linear switch, is praised for its smooth and snappy feel, thanks to its two-stage spring and long pole that produces a poppy sound signature. On the other hand, the Mini i, a tactile switch, provides gentle tactility and a fairly muted sound profile, perfect for office settings where quiet professionalism is key. While the Blush is categorized as ['Low-pitched', 'Creamy', 'Silky', 'Buttery'], the Mini i is characterized as ['Bouncy', 'Easy-to-press', 'Mild', 'Neutral', 'Snappy', 'Subtle', 'Stepped']. Each switch has its own strengths depending on individual preferences and needs. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
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
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Blush and the Gateron Mini i, we can see that they both use nylon for their bottom housings. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound, making typing on these switches a satisfying experience. While both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, the differences in the top housing materials will likely lead to distinct sound profiles when typing on them.
On the other hand, the Aflion Blush features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal choice for switches with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Gateron Mini i utilizes a nylon top housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a sound that is more rounded and muffled.
While the bottom housings of both switches share the use of nylon, the difference in their top housing materials will result in distinctive typing experiences. The Aflion Blush's polycarbonate top housing will provide a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the Gateron Mini i's nylon top housing will create a deeper and fuller sound. When pressing down on these switches, the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel will be more influenced by the bottom housing, while the sound when releasing a key will be more affected by the top housing. Overall, the choice between these switches will depend on the desired sound profile and typing experience.
Weight
The Aflion Blush linear switch has a bottom out force of 58 grams, which is considered a medium weight. In comparison, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. While the actuation force for the Blush is unknown, the Mini i has an actuation force of 40 grams, indicating that it requires less force to trigger a keystroke. This difference in actuation force may result in a more responsive typing experience with the Mini i switch. Overall, the Blush switch offers a slightly heavier typing experience, while the Mini i switch is lighter and may be preferred for longer typing sessions due to its lower actuation force. Both switches provide unique tactile experiences depending on the user's preference for typing force.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blush linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Gateron Mini i tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm standard. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Blush with its slightly shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may opt for the slightly longer travel distance of the Mini i. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar feel in terms of travel distance, providing users with a familiar typing 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 Mini i comes in at $6.00 per 10 switches.
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
In terms of sound, the Aflion Blush linear switch is known for its low-pitched sound signature, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, with a moderate actuation force requirement suitable for various typing environments. Ultimately, both switches provide different sound experiences that cater to different preferences and environments, with the Blush offering a deeper tone and the Mini i providing a more balanced sound.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Blush linear switch is praised for its creamy, silky, and buttery typing experience, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation with effortless key presses. In contrast, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch is characterized as bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, subtle, and stepped, providing a variety of tactile feedback options for users. While the Blush emphasizes a smooth and luxurious typing feel, the Mini i focuses on providing responsive and varied tactile feedback, catering to different typing preferences and needs.
Overall, the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities that appeal to different users. The Blush delivers a low-pitched sound and a creamy typing feel, ideal for those seeking a smooth and melodic typing experience. In contrast, the Mini i provides a neutral sound profile and versatile tactile feedback, making it suitable for a wide range of typing environments. Depending on personal preferences and needs, users can choose between the deep, smooth sound of the Blush or the balanced tactile feedback of the Mini i to enhance their typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Aflion Blush linear switch or the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and your typing environment. If you prioritize a smooth and snappy typing experience with a poppy sound signature, then the Blush switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a lightweight and gentle tactile feedback without sacrificing a muted sound profile, the Mini i switch could be more suitable, especially for office settings where quiet professionalism is key. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles, so it's important to consider your own preferences and needs when making a decision.
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