Aflion Blush vs. Outemu Cream Blue
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the Outemu Cream Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch offer distinct qualities to cater to different preferences. The Aflion Blush is revered for its smooth and snappy feel, thanks to its longer, two-stage spring and poppy sound signature. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Blue is known for its clicky tactile feedback without any specific unique characteristics highlighted. If you prefer a low-pitched, creamy, silky, and buttery typing experience, the Blush might be the way to go. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Blush and the Outemu Cream Blue, both switches feature a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. The presence of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
On the other hand, the top housings of the Blush and Cream Blue differ in material, with the Blush utilizing a polycarbonate top housing while the Cream Blue features a nylon top housing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Cream Blue leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile, offering a more muffled and rounded typing experience compared to the polycarbonate top housing of the Blush.
Despite their differences in top housing material, the Aflion Blush and Outemu Cream Blue share similar qualities in their nylon bottom housings. Both switches exhibit the characteristic deeper and fuller sound profile associated with nylon, making them suitable choices for users seeking a quieter typing experience with a softer feel. While the top housing may influence the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, ensuring a balanced typing experience for users of both switches.
Weight
In comparing the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch, it is clear that the Cream Blue is the heavier of the two. The Blush has a lower actuation force of None grams, making it a lighter option that may be preferred for longer typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Cream Blue requires 50 grams of force for actuation and has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch that provides a more substantial typing experience. Both switches fall within the medium range when it comes to bottom out force, with the Blush requiring 58 grams and the Cream Blue requiring 65 grams. Overall, individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Blush, while those who prefer a heavier, more tactile feel may opt for the Cream Blue.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blush linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Cream Blue switch the longer option compared to the Blush switch. The 4.0mm travel distance of the Cream Blue is more traditional, providing a deeper keystroke feel. On the other hand, the 3.3mm travel distance of the Blush offers a shorter and potentially faster response time, which is favored by gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key travel distance - whether one prefers a shorter, more responsive keystroke or a longer, more traditional 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 Cream Blue 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
Overall, the Aflion Blush linear switch is favored for its smooth and snappy feel, accompanied by a poppy sound signature. The longer, two-stage spring contributes to a full typing experience that many users find satisfying. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch does not have as much information available in terms of sound and feel qualities. However, based on the information provided for the Blush switch, if you prefer a linear switch with a smooth and buttery feel, the Blush may be a good option for you. Keep in mind that personal preference plays a significant role in choosing the right switch for your mechanical keyboard setup. Consider factors such as typing style, noise level tolerance, and overall typing experience when making your decision.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch, consider your preferences for typing experience and sound. If you prefer a smooth, snappy, and poppy typing feel with a low-pitched sound, the Blush linear switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force and a clicky typing experience, the Cream Blue clicky switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision comes down to what typing experience and sound profile you prefer. Consider trying out both switches to see which one aligns best with your preferences.
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