Aflion Blush vs. Cherry MX Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Aflion Blush and the Cherry MX Silent Red mechanical keyboard switches, one can see that both switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Aflion Blush is renowned for its smooth and snappy feel, thanks to its longer, two-stage spring. It also produces a distinct poppy sound signature, making typing a more engaging experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red retains the classic characteristics of the MX Red switch but with the added benefit of operating silently. This makes it ideal for environments where noise is a concern. While the Blush switch is characterized as 'Low-pitched', 'Creamy', 'Silky', and 'Buttery', the MX Silent Red is categorized as 'Muted', 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', and 'Textured'. 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
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 creates a sharper and crisper sound profile compared to the Cherry MX Silent Red's nylon top housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound. The polycarbonate material is stiffer, leading to a more clear and resonant sound, while the nylon material is softer and absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder tone. Aesthetically, the polycarbonate material is translucent, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, whereas the nylon material is a classic choice for switch housing.
Both the Aflion Blush and the Cherry MX Silent Red feature a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile with its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. This similarity in bottom housing material ensures that both switches will have a consistent feel and sound when pressed down on. The bottom housing's impact on the bottom-out sound and feel will be key for the overall typing experience on these switches.
In terms of overall sound characteristics, the Aflion Blush's combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing creates a unique blend of sharpness and depth in sound, while the Cherry MX Silent Red's nylon top and bottom housing deliver a consistent, fuller sound profile throughout keypresses. Each switch's housing materials play a crucial role in determining the overall typing experience, with the Blush offering a sharper sound when letting go of a key and the Silent Red providing a deeper tone upon bottoming out.
Weight
The Aflion Blush linear switch has a medium bottom out force of 58 grams, while its actuation force is not specified. In comparison, the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, but its bottom out force is unknown. The lighter actuation force of the MX Silent Red may make it more appealing to those who prefer a softer touch when typing, while the heavier bottom out force of the Blush could provide a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a more substantial key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will 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 Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In this case, the Blush has a shorter travel distance compared to the MX Silent Red. A shorter travel distance is often preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying keystroke for some users. Both switches offer variations in travel distance that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users can find a switch that suits their individual needs. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on whether a shorter or longer travel distance is preferred by the user.
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 Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone with a satisfyingly snappy noise upon actuation. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch delivers a muted and thocky sound profile, significantly reducing the noise level typically associated with mechanical keyboards while still providing a deep and rich sound when pressed. Depending on your personal preference, the Blush offers a more distinctive and impactful sound experience compared to the quieter and more subdued sound of the MX Silent Red.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Blush linear switch is described as creamy, silky, and buttery, offering a smooth and effortless keystroke experience with a luxurious sensation of gliding across the keys. This switch provides a silky smooth typing feel that enhances the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch is noted for its textured feel, which introduces noticeable friction when pressed. This can provide a tactile sensation that some users may prefer for added feedback during typing. Depending on whether you prefer a smooth and buttery feel or a slightly textured feedback, the Blush and MX Silent Red switches cater to different preferences in tactile experience.
Overall, the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Blush excels in providing a low-pitched and poppy sound along with a creamy and silky smooth typing feel, ideal for those who value a more impactful and luxurious typing experience. On the other hand, the MX Silent Red stands out for its muted and thocky sound profile, complemented by a slightly textured feel that adds a tactile element to typing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize sound, feel, or a balance of both in your mechanical keyboard typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, you should consider your preference for sound and feel. If you are looking for a switch with a poppy sound signature and a smooth, full typing experience, the Blush might be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if a significantly quieter sound profile is essential to you, the MX Silent Red, with its silent operation and muted sound, could be the more suitable option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and the environment in which you will be using the keyboard.
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