Aflion Blush vs. Haimu Orange Sea
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the Haimu Orange Sea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, personal preference plays a significant role in determining the ideal choice for your typing experience. The Aflion Blush and Haimu Orange Sea are both linear switches that cater to different tastes and styles. The Blush is celebrated for its impressive smoothness, characterized by a longer, two-stage spring that delivers not only a buttery typing feel but also a satisfying poppy sound, making it an enticing option for those who enjoy tactile feedback while typing. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea is renowned for its impeccably smooth typing experience and a neutral sound signature, appealing to users who prefer a quieter, yet equally responsive switch. Both switches offer unique advantages depending on your typing style and environment; 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
37g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Blush and the Haimu Orange Sea, it is essential to note the similarities in their top housing compositions. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which significantly contributes to their sound profiles. The polycarbonate's innate characteristics, being a stiffer plastic, allow for a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, enhancing the overall auditory experience. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate provides an ideal medium for RGB lighting, ensuring that the illumination effectively amplifies the aesthetic appeal of both switches. Thus, users can expect a similar auditory clarity and visual enhancement from both the Blush and Orange Sea due to this common material employed in their top housings.
In contrast, the bottom housing of both the Aflion Blush and the Haimu Orange Sea is made from nylon, which inherently alters the sound profile produced by each switch. Nylon’s softer plastic nature allows it to absorb sound more efficiently than harder materials. This results in a deeper, fuller sound profile that provides a more rounded auditory experience. Therefore, while both switches can produce high-quality sound due to their respective materials, the nature of the bottom housing distinctly influences the overall acoustic effect. In this case, the combination of a polycarbonate top and a nylon bottom allows for a beautifully balanced sound spectrum, with the clearer notes of the polycarbonate blending seamlessly with the richer tones from the nylon.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in both the Aflion Blush and the Haimu Orange Sea leads to a cohesive auditory experience that highlights the strengths of each material. While the top housings produce a clear and resonant sound profile thanks to the polycarbonate, the nylon bottom further enriches the experience by providing a fuller, deeper sound. Users can enjoy a unified sound signature with nuanced differences that stem from the material properties of the housings. Thus, both switches, while distinct in their specific attributes, converge upon an overall experience that is aesthetically appealing and aurally satisfying.
Weight
The Aflion Blush linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, providing distinct typing experiences. The Blush has an unspecified actuation force but features a bottom out force of 58 grams, classifying it as medium in weight. In contrast, the Orange Sea has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer less resistance during typing or gaming. This difference signifies that the Orange Sea is the lighter switch, allowing for easier and potentially longer typing sessions, while the Blush's heavier characteristics might appeal to those who desire a more substantial key feel. Since the actuation force of the Blush is unknown, it is difficult to draw direct comparisons in that regard; however, should it be similar to the Orange Sea's, users could expect a comparable typing experience. Overall, users should choose the Orange Sea for a lighter touch and the Blush for a firmer keystroke.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blush linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Blush switch is the shorter option, offering a more responsive feel that can be advantageous for gamers looking for quicker response times. In contrast, the Orange Sea's longer travel distance may provide a more substantial and satisfying keystroke for those who prefer a deeper typing experience. Thus, if you're inclined towards responsiveness, the Aflion Blush would be the better choice; however, if you value a more pronounced depth in your keystrokes, the Haimu Orange Sea would be the recommended option.
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 Haimu Orange Sea comes in at $2.79 per 10 switches.
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 presents a low-pitched tone that contains elements of a poppy sound signature, which adds a distinctive bass-heavy quality that many find pleasant and engaging during typing sessions. This sound characteristic allows for an enjoyable auditory feedback that can make the overall typing experience more immersive. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch is noted for its neutral sound signature, which doesn't lean towards either a high or low pitch, potentially making it a quieter option for those who prefer a more subdued auditory backdrop. However, both switches' sound performance can be influenced by factors like the board and keycap choice, meaning they might yield similar results in different setups.
When evaluating the feel of these switches, the Aflion Blush stands out with its creamy, silky, and buttery typing experience. This results from its longer two-stage spring and long pole, contributing to a smooth keystroke that feels effortless and fluid. Users can expect a level of comfort that encourages longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch has not been ascribed specific descriptors regarding its feel, leaving its tactile experience less defined. However, if the switch shares qualities inherent to linear designs, it could provide a smooth typing experience that appeals to users seeking minimal resistance.
In conclusion, the Aflion Blush and Haimu Orange Sea linear switches cater to different preferences, especially in their sound profiles, with the Blush offering a more pronounced auditory feedback while the Orange Sea opts for neutrality. The Blush also impresses with a rich and buttery feel, making it a standout option for tactile enthusiasts. While the Orange Sea does not have specified feel qualities, it may still deliver a satisfying typing experience. For users seeking a smooth, engaging typing journey, both switches might lead to fulfilling results, albeit through different sensory experiences.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch depends largely on your typing preferences and the type of experience you're seeking. If you enjoy a typing feel that is both smooth and robust, with a satisfying resistance that allows for deliberate presses, the Blush would be a great fit. With its medium bottom out force of 58 grams and a creamy, silky texture, it is designed for those who appreciate a full and snappy feel along with a low-pitched sound signature that provides a more bass-heavy auditory experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with an effortlessly smooth feel and a neutral sound, the Orange Sea might be your ideal choice. With its lighter actuation force of 45 grams, it is perfect for extended typing sessions or gaming, where quick key presses are essential. Therefore, your selection ultimately hinges on whether you prioritize a snappy, tactile experience or a fluid, lighter touch.
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