Aflion Blush vs. Everglide Oreo
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the Everglide Oreo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Blush and the Everglide Oreo offer distinct experiences for avid typists. The Blush, a linear switch, stands out for its smooth and snappy type feel, thanks to its longer, two-stage spring. Additionally, the Blush delights the ears with its poppy sound signature. On the other hand, the Oreo, a tactile switch, tantalizes the fingertips with a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, followed by a cushioned sensation while bottoming out. This switch strikes a perfect balance between a satisfying keystroke and a comfortable typing experience. Moreover, the Oreo carries a subtle and mellow sound profile while typing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision on which switch suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Aflion Blush and the Everglide Oreo both use polycarbonate as their top housing material. This choice of material provides several benefits for both switches. Firstly, the use of polycarbonate creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful if you plan to use RGB lighting in your switch. This allows for a visually appealing and customizable lighting experience. Therefore, both the Aflion Blush and the Everglide Oreo will offer similar sound and aesthetic results with their polycarbonate top housing.
On the other hand, the housing materials differ when it comes to the bottom housing. The Aflion Blush features a bottom housing made of nylon, while the Everglide Oreo uses a polycarbonate bottom housing. The use of nylon in the Blush's bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Oreo contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. As with the top housing, the qualities of the bottom housing affect the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Therefore, users can expect different sound profiles between the Aflion Blush and the Everglide Oreo due to their contrasting bottom housing materials.
In summary, the Aflion Blush and the Everglide Oreo share similarities in their polycarbonate top housing, providing a sharper and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate also allows for an enhanced RGB lighting experience. However, they differ in their bottom housing materials. The nylon bottom housing of the Blush offers a deeper and fuller sound, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Oreo contributes to a sharper sound profile. With these variations, users can expect distinct sound characteristics when pressing down and releasing keys on the two switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch, there are some noticeable similarities and differences. Starting with the actuation force, the Blush's exact weight is unknown, while the Oreo requires 45 grams of force. Both switches can be considered relatively light in terms of actuation force. This lighter actuation force allows for quicker and easier keystrokes, which can be beneficial for those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Blush requires 58 grams, which can be considered medium in terms of resistance. On the other hand, the Oreo has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 55 grams, falling into the medium-light category. The bottom out force is related to the overall feel and feedback of the switch. Some individuals prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push, in which case they may prefer switches with heavier forces.
In terms of weight, the Blush is on the heavier side for both actuation and bottom out forces when compared to the Oreo. However, it is important to note that both switches fall into the medium range for bottom out force, indicating that they provide a similar level of resistance when fully pressed down.
Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch will depend on the individual's preferences and typing style. Those who value a lighter typing experience and quicker actuation may lean towards the Oreo, while those who prefer a bit more resistance and a stronger push may find the Blush more suitable.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch, it is evident that the Blush has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Oreo has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of traditional standards, the Oreo falls within the range of the most common travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the Blush offers a shorter and more responsive experience. Gamers, in particular, tend to lean towards shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. On the other hand, those who prefer a deeper and more substantial sensation when pressing down on a key may opt for the Oreo with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness or depth.
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 Everglide Oreo has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Oreo for $4.19.
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 profile. Low-pitched switches typically feature a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch has a subtle and mellow sound profile. Additionally, the Oreo switch has a unique chirpy acoustic signature, giving it a slight squeak that sets it apart from other switches. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Aflion Blush switch is described as creamy, silky, and buttery. These characteristics indicate that it offers a smooth and buttery typing experience. The switch's smoothness enhances the overall typing feel, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. It's like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys, providing a seamless and uniform typing sensation. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo switch is described as accented and stepped. Accented switches provide a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. The Oreo switch offers a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, followed by a delightfully cushioned sensation when bottoming out. Its stepped characteristic means that there is some pre-travel and/or post-travel, making the tactile feedback feel more mild compared to hypertactile switches.
Taking all the available information into account, if you prefer a switch with a low-pitched sound and a smooth, buttery typing experience, the Aflion Blush linear switch is a great choice. It offers an impressively smooth and snappy typing feel, with a poppy sound signature. On the other hand, if you prefer a subtle and mellow sound profile with a medium light tactility and a delightfully cushioned sensation, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch is a fantastic option. Both switches provide unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium bottom out force and a smooth, full typing experience, the Aflion Blush linear switch is a great choice. The Blush offers an impressively smooth and snappy feel, thanks to its longer, two-stage spring. It also provides a poppy sound signature, adding to the overall typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a slightly lighter bottom out force and a delightful cushioned sensation, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch would be a better fit for you. The Oreo switches offer a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, creating a satisfying keystroke. Additionally, these switches strike a balance between tactility and comfort, resulting in a pleasant typing experience. The Oreo switches also have a subtle and mellow sound profile.
So, when it comes to choosing between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch, consider your preference for linear or tactile switches and the desired bottom out force. If you prioritize a smooth and snappy typing feel with a medium bottom out force, go for the Blush. However, if you prefer a tactile bump, a slightly lighter bottom out force, and a comfortable typing experience, the Oreo is the way to go. Ultimately, it depends on your personal preference and typing style.
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