Aflion Blush vs. Cherry MX Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the Cherry MX Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Aflion Blush and the Cherry MX Speed Silver mechanical keyboard switches, both linear in design, we find that they each offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Blush switch from Aflion is celebrated for its smooth and snappy feel, thanks to its longer, two-stage spring and long pole which produces a poppy sound signature. Categorized as ['Low-pitched', 'Creamy', 'Silky', 'Buttery'], the Blush switch is ideal for those who seek a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the MX Speed Silver by Cherry is renowned for its rapid response, with a linear action and low spring resistance that allows for instant triggering - a crucial feature for competitive gamers. Categorized as ['Textured', 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched'], the Speed Silver switch excels in providing maximum speed for those looking to gain an edge in fast-paced gaming scenarios. 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
1.20 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Blush and the Cherry MX Speed Silver differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Blush's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, while the MX Speed Silver's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound by absorbing more sound with its softer plastic. Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which contributes to a similar deep and full sound profile. However, the distribution of the housing materials between the top and bottom housings can affect the overall sound experience of the switches.
In terms of aesthetics, the Blush's polycarbonate top housing is translucent and allows for RGB lighting effects, making it a visually appealing option for those looking to customize their keyboard setup. In contrast, the MX Speed Silver's nylon top housing may lack the translucency of polycarbonate but offers a more classic look and feel. The differences in material composition also impact the overall typing experience, with the Blush's sharper and higher-pitched sound profile contrasting with the MX Speed Silver's deeper and fuller sound.
Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Blush and the Cherry MX Speed Silver housing materials will come down to personal preference and desired sound profile. While the Blush's polycarbonate top housing may provide a crisper sound and the MX Speed Silver's nylon top housing offers a fuller sound, both switches share a nylon bottom housing that contributes to a deep and rich typing experience. Whether you prioritize aesthetics, sound profile, or typing feel, each switch has unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in the world of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The Aflion Blush linear switch has a bottom out force of 58 grams, whereas the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch has an actuation force of 30 grams. This means that the Cherry MX Speed Silver is lighter to actuate compared to the Aflion Blush. The actuation force for the Blush is not specified, while the bottom out force for the MX Speed Silver is unknown. The difference in weight between the two switches may appeal to different preferences; those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Cherry MX Speed Silver, while those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Aflion Blush. Both switches have their own advantages depending on the user's typing habits and preferences.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blush linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances, which are preferred by gamers for faster response times. The slight difference in travel distance between the two switches is minimal and would likely result in similar typing experiences. However, if you prefer a slightly deeper key press, the MX Speed Silver may be the better option due to its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing 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 Speed Silver 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 Speed Silver 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
In terms of sound, the Aflion Blush linear switch offers a low-pitched sound signature, which tends to be more bass-heavy and mellow compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch provides a thocky and low-pitched sound, featuring a deep, rich, and satisfying tone when pressed. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that can enhance the overall typing experience, although personal preference and other factors such as keyboard construction and keycaps can influence the final sound output.
Moving on to the feel, the Aflion Blush linear switch is described as creamy, silky, and buttery, providing a smooth and effortless typing experience thanks to its two-stage spring design. In contrast, the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch is noted to have a textured feel, potentially offering a tactile feedback that some users prefer. The differences in feel between these switches can impact the typing sensation and comfort level for users, with the Blush emphasizing smoothness and ease of typing while the Speed Silver offering a more tactile experience.
Considering all the available information, it is clear that the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch each bring unique qualities to the table in terms of sound and feel. While the Blush excels in providing a smooth and snappy typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, the Speed Silver prioritizes rapid response and tactile feedback with a thocky sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and sound characteristics, as well as the specific use case scenarios, such as gaming or professional typing tasks. Ultimately, selecting either of these switches will result in a high-quality linear switch experience with distinct qualities that cater to different user preferences.
Conclusion
Therefore, in closing, when considering whether to choose the Aflion Blush linear switch or the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and intended use. If you value a medium bottom out force, a smooth and snappy typing experience with a poppy sound signature, and a creamy, silky, and buttery feel, then the Aflion Blush switch may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize maximum speed, instant triggering for gaming, a thocky and low-pitched sound, and a textured feel, then the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch could be the ideal option. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different needs, so it's important to consider what factors are most important to you when making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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