Aflion Blush vs. Cherry MX Purple RGB
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Aflion Blush and the Cherry MX Purple RGB often boils down to personal preference in typing experience and sound. The Aflion Blush, known for its smooth, snappy feel, features a longer, two-stage spring design that delivers a buttery typing experience. This linear switch stands out not only for its low-pitched, creamy sound profile but also for its satisfying pop during key presses, making it an appealing choice for gamers and typists who prefer a quiet yet responsive keystroke. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Purple RGB offers a tactile experience that is rich and defined, thanks to its short, medium-strength bump that provides clear feedback with each keystroke. Developed in collaboration with keyboard enthusiasts, this switch is ideal for those who thrive on auditory and tactile cues in their typing experience. While both switches cater to distinct needs—smoothness versus tactile feedback—they each bring unique elements to the table. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Aflion Blush and Cherry MX Purple RGB switches showcase distinct materials in their top housings that significantly influence their sound profiles. The Blush features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its sturdiness and propensity to create a sharper, higher-pitched sound. The characteristics of polycarbonate allow for a clearer resonance and amplify RGB lighting effectively due to its translucent nature. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB utilizes a nylon top housing, which is recognized for its softer composition that dampens sound. This results in a deeper and fuller sound, contributing to a more rounded auditory experience. The materials thus not only define the sound qualities of each switch but also enhance the aesthetics and function, especially regarding the visual impact of RGB lighting for the Blush.
When examining the bottom housing of both switches, it’s noteworthy that both the Aflion Blush and Cherry MX Purple RGB utilize nylon. As a classic material in switch design, nylon’s softer characteristics help absorb sound, resulting in a robust and muffled sound profile. This similarity means that while both switches may differ in their top housings, they share a common foundation in the bottom housing that promotes a deeper audio experience when a key is pressed. The synergy between the two different top housing materials and the shared nylon bottom leads to unique sound profiles that may appeal differently to users, depending on their preferences for auditory feedback while typing or gaming.
Overall, the combination of materials in these switches illustrates how sound profiles can be sculpted through design choices. The Aflion Blush, with its polycarbonate top and nylon bottom, is engineered for a crisper return sound and vibrant RGB effects, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB provides a more subdued auditory experience with its nylon top. If a user seeks to balance the attributes offered by both switches, particularly the nylon bottom housing that remains consistent between them, experimenting with different configuration options and keycap selections could yield desirable results. Ultimately, the distinct sound profiles and the interplay of housing materials guide users in selecting switches that suit their specific tactile and auditory preferences.
Weight
The Aflion Blush linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch exhibit differing characteristics in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, which can significantly affect the typing experience. The Aflion Blush switch has a bottom out force of 58 grams, indicating a medium resistance when fully pressed down. However, its actuation force is unknown, making it difficult to compare directly with the Cherry MX Purple RGB, which features a known actuation force of 45 grams—this makes it lighter and perhaps more suitable for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. The bottom out force of the Cherry MX Purple RGB is also unknown, leaving a gap in understanding its overall weight compared to the Aflion Blush. Consequently, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB may offer a more effortless actuation with its lighter feel, the heavier bottom out force of the Aflion Blush may appeal to users looking for a more substantial key press. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences for actuation and bottom out resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch, notable differences emerge. The Blush switch features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch has a travel distance of 4.0 mm. This means that the Blush switch offers a shorter travel distance, catering to users who favor a more responsive typing experience, which can be advantageous in gaming scenarios. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Purple switch, with its longer travel distance, provides a more pronounced feedback that some users may find more satisfying, particularly those who enjoy a hearty key press. As a result, if you're seeking swift response times, the Blush would be the ideal choice, whereas the Cherry MX Purple may appeal to those who appreciate greater depth in their keystrokes.
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 Cherry MX Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.
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 produces a low-pitched sound with a mellow tone that can be quite pleasant for those seeking a quieter typing experience. The low pitch typically offers a more bass-heavy resonance, which can help reduce any jarring auditory feedback that some users find unpleasant. The MX Purple RGB, however, does not provide a specific sound profile in the available information, making it challenging to draw a direct comparison. The overall sound experience can also be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps used, so individual experiences may vary.
In terms of feel, the Blush switch is noted for its impressively smooth and creamy typing experience, largely attributed to its longer, two-stage spring and optimized materials. Users can expect a silky sensation while typing, as if their fingers glide effortlessly over the keys. This tactile experience is enhanced by the buttery smoothness, leading to a seamless and enjoyable interaction with the keyboard. In contrast, the MX Purple RGB is recognized for its refined tactile experience, characterized by a short and medium-strength bump that offers a definitive tactile feedback. While it may not provide the same level of smoothness described with the Blush, it caters to those who appreciate a noticeable tactile response.
In conclusion, the Aflion Blush linear switch stands out for its low-pitched sound and creamy, buttery feel, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a smooth and enjoyable typing experience. Meanwhile, the Cherry MX Purple RGB offers a tactile bump that some users may prefer for its feedback. Ultimately, while each switch has its unique qualities, individual preferences will play a significant role in determining the best option for each user. If you favor a quieter typing experience and smooth feel, you'll likely appreciate the Blush, while the MX Purple RGB might be more suitable for those who like tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch, your choice should ultimately reflect your typing style and preferences. If you prioritize a smooth and creamy typing experience, the Blush is an excellent option, thanks to its medium bottom-out force of 58 grams and sophisticated design that includes a longer two-stage spring. This makes it ideal for those who enjoy fluid, low-pitched sounds and a buttery feel, making it perfect for extended typing sessions or gaming where rapid key presses are essential. On the other hand, if you favor a tactile feedback that enhances your typing accuracy, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch might be your best bet. Its unique short, medium-strength bump can help you feel when a key has been actuated, which is particularly beneficial for typists looking for that extra feedback. Overall, consider what you value more: the smooth elegance of the Blush or the tactile responsiveness of the MX Purple. Both switches have their distinct advantages and can cater to different preferences in the realm of mechanical keyboards.
Mentioned in this article
