Aflion Blush vs. Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Aflion Blush and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry are two popular mechanical keyboard switches with distinct characteristics. The Blush is a linear switch that is best known for its impressively smooth and snappy typing feel. Its longer, two-stage spring provides a full and satisfying experience while the long pole creates a unique poppy sound signature. On the other hand, the Blueberry is a tactile switch that stands out for its sharp tactile bump, perfect for those who enjoy a noticeable feedback while typing. Although it has a lower-than-average sound frequency, it is still deeper than average without being overly "thocky." Both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences, but let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
80g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
No
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
POM
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 Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Blush features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is relatively stiff, leading to a clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Blueberry switches incorporate a POM top housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound profile. While both materials offer unique characteristics, the polycarbonate top housing is especially effective in showcasing RGB lighting due to its translucency.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Blush utilizes a nylon material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. As a softer plastic, nylon absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. Conversely, the Blueberry switches employ a POM bottom housing, which also contributes to a pleasing and unique sound. The sound profile of POM is on the deeper side and relatively more muted, providing a distinct auditory experience.
When it comes to the overall performance of these switches, the differing top and bottom housing materials contribute to unique characteristics. Pressing down on the switch, you will feel the impact and qualities of the bottom housing, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. In contrast, the sound produced when you release a key is influenced by the top housing. Although the specific qualities of the housings differ, both switches offer distinct and pleasing sound profiles that enhance the typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch, there are notable differences. The Blush switch has an unavailable grams actuation force, while the Blueberry switch requires 55 grams to trigger a keystroke. This indicates that the Blueberry switch has a slightly lighter actuation force. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Blush switch requires 58 grams, which is considered medium, whereas the Blueberry switch requires a heavier 80 grams.
Considering weight as a factor, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Blush switch due to its lower actuation force. This makes it suitable for extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions where fatigue may become an issue. On the contrary, the Blueberry switch provides a more substantial and pronounced typing experience with its heavier actuation force, which some individuals prefer for a tactile feedback.
Overall, while the actuation forces differ between the two switches, they both share a medium bottom out force. This means that when it comes to the overall typing experience in terms of bottoming out, users can expect similar results from both switches. However, in terms of actuation force, the Blush switch provides a lighter sensation, whereas the Blueberry switch offers a more substantial push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blush linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. Comparing the two, it is evident that the Blueberry has a longer travel distance than the Blush. In general, a travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered more traditional, while 3.0 mm is considered shallower. However, with the increasing popularity of gaming, shorter travel distances have become prevalent due to faster response times. Therefore, if you prefer a more responsive feel, the Blush with its shorter travel distance would be the better option. On the other hand, for those who prefer a deeper and more substantial keystroke, the Blueberry with its longer travel distance may be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and desired typing or gaming experience.
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 Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the NovelKeys Blueberry for $6.25.
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
The Aflion Blush and the NovelKeys Blueberry switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel.
Starting with sound, both switches have a low-pitched sound profile, which means they feature a bass-heavy and mellow tone. However, the Blush is described as having a poppy sound signature due to its long pole, while the Blueberry is described as resonant, offering a clean and sharp sound. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Therefore, you can expect similar results in terms of sound between these two switches, with the Blush possibly having a slightly poppier sound.
Moving on to feel, the Blush is described as offering a smooth and buttery typing experience. This is attributed to factors like lubricant applied in the switch or specific materials. It provides a silky sensation, allowing your fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys. On the other hand, the Blueberry is described as snappy, indicating a highly responsive typing experience. It has a tactile bump that is sharp, creating a lively and engaging feel. Both switches can be considered buttery, providing a seamless and uniform typing sensation. However, the Blush leans towards a smoother experience, while the Blueberry offers a more invigorating and reactive feel. The Blush is not specifically described as textured, while the Blueberry is mentioned to have noticeable friction for those who prefer a textured typing experience. Additionally, the Blueberry is described as stiff, requiring more force to actuate and bottom-out compared to other switches.
In conclusion, the Aflion Blush and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Blush provides a smoother and creamier typing experience with a poppy sound, while the Blueberry offers a more invigorating and tactile typing experience with a resonant sound. Although they have some similarities, such as both having a low-pitched sound profile and being described as buttery switches, their overall characteristics differ. Choosing between the two would depend on personal preference for factors like smoothness versus tactile feedback and the desired sound profile.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are in search of a medium bottom out force and prefer the smooth and snappy linear switches, then the Aflion Blush would be an excellent choice for you. With its two-stage spring and long pole, the Blush provides a satisfying typing experience with a poppy sound signature. On the other hand, if you are looking for a heavier bottom out force and enjoy a sharp tactile bump, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry would be a great option. These switches offer a lower-than-average sound frequency with a clean and sharp sound profile. Additionally, the Blueberry switches are described as snappy, creating a lively and responsive typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the Blush and the Blueberry comes down to your preference for bottom out force, typing feel, and sound profile.
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