Aflion Blush vs. Outemu Brown
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the Outemu Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Aflion Blush linear switch to the Outemu Brown tactile switch, it's important to note the key differences between the two. The Aflion Blush is renowned for its smooth and snappy feel, thanks to its longer two-stage spring and distinctive poppy sound signature. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown is a tactile switch that offers a different typing experience. While the Blush exudes a low-pitched, creamy, silky, and buttery feel, the Brown switch doesn't have any specific standout features. When deciding between these switches, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you prefer. 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
53g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.20 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Dual-stage stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Aflion Blush and Outemu Brown both feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's relatively stiff nature, allowing for a clear and resonant sound. The aesthetic advantage of polycarbonate is its translucency, making it ideal for switches designed to showcase RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Blush and Brown have different bottom housing materials, with the Blush utilizing nylon and the Brown also featuring a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound and produces a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics.
Although both switches have polycarbonate top housings, the differences lie in their bottom housing material. While the Blush and Brown share the characteristic nylon bottom housing, the impact on the sound and feel of the switch differs between the two. The bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, influencing the overall typing experience. Conversely, the top housing material has more influence on the sound produced when a key is released, highlighting the importance of both top and bottom housing materials in achieving desired sound profiles and tactile feedback.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches such as the Aflion Blush and Outemu Brown significantly impacts the typing experience. The combination of polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and resonant sound, along with nylon bottom housings for a deeper and fuller sound, creates a unique typing experience for each switch. By understanding how each housing material contributes to sound and feel, users can choose the switch that best suits their preferences in terms of sound profile, tactile feedback, and overall typing experience. Whether opting for the Blush or the Brown, the selection of housing materials will ultimately determine the sound and feel of the switch during daily use.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch reveals some key differences. The Aflion Blush has an actuation force of None grams, making it unknown, and a bottom out force of 58 grams, which is considered medium. In contrast, the Outemu Brown has an actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it medium-heavy. This means that the Outemu Brown switch requires a slightly lighter touch to trigger a keystroke, but provides a heavier feel when bottoming out compared to the Aflion Blush. Individuals who prefer a lighter actuation force may lean towards the Outemu Brown, which enables them to type for longer periods without fatigue. On the other hand, those looking for a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Aflion Blush, as it offers a heavier bottom out force for a more pronounced tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blush linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Outemu Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Outemu Brown switch has a longer travel distance compared to the Aflion Blush switch. The Blush switch would provide a slightly shorter keystroke, which can be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Brown switch would offer a deeper keystroke, which may be more appealing to users who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing experience. If both are equal, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance and typing feel.
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 Outemu Brown comes in at $3.10 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
When it comes to sound, the Aflion Blush linear switch offers a low-pitched, bass-heavy, and mellow tone due to its design. On the other hand, there is no specific information available about the sound of the Outemu Brown tactile switch. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Aflion Blush linear switch is known for its creamy, silky, and buttery typing experience. This is achieved through the smooth and effortless keystrokes provided by the switch. Conversely, there is no detailed description available for the Outemu Brown tactile switch in terms of feel characteristics.
In conclusion, the Aflion Blush linear switch offers a unique combination of smoothness, fullness, and a poppy sound signature, making it a desirable option for those seeking a tactile typing experience. While the specific qualities of the Outemu Brown tactile switch are unknown, it is important to test out both switches personally to determine which one better suits your preferences in terms of sound and feel. Ultimately, both switches may provide similar results in terms of overall satisfaction depending on individual preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, you should consider the following factors. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and are looking for a smooth, snappy typing experience with a poppy sound signature, then the Blush linear switch might be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and are seeking a tactile feedback with a different sound signature, then the Brown tactile switch could be the ideal choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing feel and sound profile.
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