Aflion Blush vs. Cherry MX Red
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the Cherry MX Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the Aflion Blush and the Cherry MX Red, both linear switches. The Aflion Blush is praised for its smooth and snappy feel, thanks to its longer, two-stage spring, and it also provides a poppy sound signature. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red is known for its heftier feel and deeper sound profile, offering a robust typing experience that combines responsiveness with a satisfying auditory depth. While the Blush is categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Creamy', 'Silky', 'Buttery' and the MX Red is categorized as 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', 'Textured', both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to specific 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
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 features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the Cherry MX Red's nylon top housing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound when typing on the keyboard. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the MX Red creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound. While both materials have their own unique qualities, the Blush's polycarbonate top housing is better suited for those who prefer a more vibrant and distinct typing experience, especially when combined with RGB lighting.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Aflion Blush and the Cherry MX Red feature nylon bottom housings, which offer a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon compared to harder plastics. The nylon bottom housing of both switches absorbs more sound, resulting in a smoother and more muted sound when pressing down on the keys. While the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the keys, the impact of the top housing is more prominent when releasing a key. Therefore, despite the differences in the top housing materials, the similarities in the nylon bottom housing allow for a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel for both the Blush and the MX Red.
In conclusion, the choice between the Aflion Blush and the Cherry MX Red ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing experience. The Blush's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound, ideal for those who enjoy a more vibrant typing experience with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the MX Red's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a more subdued typing experience. Both switches share nylon bottom housings, which contribute to a consistent and smooth typing sound and feel. Whether you prefer the clear and resonant sound of polycarbonate or the fuller sound of nylon, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, there are noticeable differences. The Aflion Blush has a bottom out force of 58 grams, providing a medium resistance level. In contrast, the Cherry MX Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes. While the actuation force of the Aflion Blush is not specified, the Cherry MX Red requires a lighter touch. This difference in force can result in a slightly different typing experience for users. Those who prefer a lighter touch for longer periods of typing or gaming may lean towards the Cherry MX Red, while others seeking a more substantial keystroke may find the Aflion Blush to be more fitting for their needs. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blush linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Cherry MX Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Aflion Blush has a shorter travel distance compared to the Cherry MX Red. With a difference of 0.7 mm, the Aflion Blush may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Cherry MX Red with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preferences in terms of key feel and responsiveness.
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 Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red 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 offers a low-pitched and poppy sound signature, which provides a unique auditory experience compared to the typical higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red linear switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched sound profile, offering a deep, rich tone that some users find satisfying. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is not only influenced by the switch itself but also by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Aflion Blush switch is often described as creamy, silky, and buttery, providing a smooth and effortless typing experience that feels like gliding fingers across the keys with ease. In contrast, the Cherry MX Red switch is characterized as textured, which may be preferred by users who enjoy a bit of friction when pressing the keys. While the Blush offers a more smooth and buttery feel, the MX Red provides a more tactile and textured typing sensation, catering to different preferences in typing experiences.
In conclusion, both the Aflion Blush and Cherry MX Red linear switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Blush provides a low-pitched, poppy sound and a creamy, silky typing experience, while the MX Red offers a thocky, low-pitched sound and a textured tactile feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound and typing sensation, users can choose between the smooth and buttery comfort of the Blush or the textured and slightly heavier feel of the MX Red for a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, both switches can deliver similar results in terms of linear switch performance, with the choice between them coming down to personal preference in sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch, it's important to consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a smoother, more buttery feel with a poppy sound profile, the Blush might be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier feel with a deeper thocky sound, the MX Red could be the ideal option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you find most satisfying. Consider the qualities of each switch and choose the one that aligns best with your desired typing experience.
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