Aflion Blush vs. TTC Neptune
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the TTC Neptune switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Aflion Blush and the TTC Neptune mechanical keyboard switches, it is clear that both offer unique and desirable features. The Blush is praised for its smooth and snappy feel, thanks to its longer, two-stage spring, and poppy sound signature. On the other hand, the Neptune stands out for its innovative internal structure that provides a smooth, frictionless glide coupled with a springy resistance reminiscent of chewy delicacies like mochi. The Neptune also boasts an ultralight design for swift typing and a muted sound signature for a refined typing experience. While the Blush is described as 'Low-pitched', 'Creamy', 'Silky', the Neptune is categorized as 'Buttery', 'Gummy', 'Frictionless', 'Low-pitched', 'Mild', 'Muted', 'Neutral', 'Polished', 'Subdued', 'Thocky'. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
41g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Dual-stage stainless steel spring
Spring
Lengthened 21.5mm spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Blush and TTC Neptune both have unique housing materials that affect the sound profile of the switches. The Blush features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. On the other hand, the Neptune's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. This distinction in sound profile can greatly influence the typing experience for users, with the Blush offering a clearer and sharper sound compared to the Neptune's deeper tone.
In terms of bottom housing, the Blush utilizes a nylon material, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound when typing. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound profile. In contrast, the Neptune's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, similar to its top housing. This difference in bottom housing materials can impact the overall typing experience, as the bottom-out sound and feel will vary between the two switches.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for switches plays a significant role in shaping the sound and feel of the typing experience. While the Aflion Blush and TTC Neptune both offer unique qualities based on their housing materials, they also share similarities in terms of the impact of polycarbonate on sound profile. Whether it's the sharpness of the polycarbonate top housing or the deeper tone of the POM top housing, each material brings its own characteristics to the switches, providing users with distinct options for their typing preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Blush linear switch and the TTC Neptune linear switch, it is evident that they have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Aflion Blush has an actuation force of None grams, meaning it is unknown, while its bottom out force is 58 grams, which is considered medium. In contrast, the TTC Neptune has an actuation force of 41 grams, giving it a lighter touch, and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it slightly lighter than the Blush. This means that the Neptune requires a lighter initial press to register a keystroke compared to the Blush. Users who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Blush with its heavier bottom out force, while those who value longer typing sessions or a lighter touch may prefer the Neptune. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blush linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the TTC Neptune linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the TTC Neptune has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Aflion Blush. The Blush's travel distance falls on the shorter end of the spectrum, which is often preferred by gamers for quicker response times. On the other hand, the Neptune offers a bit more depth, which may be favored by those who prefer a more substantial key press feel. Both options provide different experiences based on their travel distances, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences for 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 TTC Neptune has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Neptune for $5.09.
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, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone with a poppy quality. On the other hand, the TTC Neptune linear switch is known for its low-pitched and muted sound profile, creating a softer and quieter typing experience with a subtle and thocky undertone. Both switches offer a pleasant auditory ambiance, but the Blush leans towards a deeper and poppier sound, while the Neptune focuses on a more subdued and refined tone.
Moving on to the feel, the Aflion Blush linear switch is described as creamy, silky, and buttery, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience with a silky sensation that makes keystrokes effortless and melty. Conversely, the TTC Neptune linear switch provides a buttery and gummy feel, combining a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with a unique sensation reminiscent of bottoming-out on a trampoline. The Neptune also embraces a frictionless and polished typing experience, ensuring minimal resistance and a sleek key travel. Both switches provide a satisfying and comfortable typing feel, with the Blush emphasizing smoothness and the Neptune introducing a more textured pleasure.
In conclusion, while the Aflion Blush linear switch and the TTC Neptune linear switch offer distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel, both switches present a high-quality typing experience. The Blush excels in providing a full, snappy feel with a poppy sound, while the Neptune stands out for its harmonious balance, ultralightness, and matte typing sensation. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can achieve similar levels of typing satisfaction with either switch, with the Blush leaning towards a smoother and poppier experience and the Neptune offering a textured and frictionless glide. Ultimately, both switches cater to different typing preferences, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the TTC Neptune linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a medium bottom out force of 58 grams and enjoy a smooth, full, and snappy typing experience with a poppy sound signature, then the Blush may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams and value an ultralight, smooth, and almost frictionless typing experience with a unique "matte" feel, along with a muted sound signature, then the Neptune could be the switch for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for bottom out force, typing experience, and sound signature. Both switches offer innovative features that cater to different typing styles, so choose the one that aligns best with your preferences and typing needs.
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