Aflion Blush vs. Outemu Dustproof Purple
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the Outemu Dustproof Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the Aflion Blush, a linear switch, and the Outemu Dustproof Purple, a clicky switch. The Aflion Blush is highly regarded for its smooth and snappy feel, thanks to its longer, two-stage spring design. With a distinctive poppy sound signature, it is favored for its low-pitched, creamy, silky, and buttery keypress experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Purple switch does not have a specific standout feature but falls under the clicky switch category. While the Blush offers a unique tactile feel and sound, the Dustproof Purple may appeal to those who prefer a different typing experience. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Dual-stage stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Aflion Blush and the Outemu Dustproof Purple both use polycarbonate for their top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature. This material is especially useful for switches that feature RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for a more vibrant display of colors. In terms of sound profile, both switches will offer similar results when it comes to the top housing, but differences may arise in the bottom housing material.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Blush utilizes nylon, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound, offering a different typing experience compared to switches with polycarbonate bottom housings. Similarly, the Dustproof Purple also features a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience with a focus on creating a deeper sound profile. While both switches share this housing material, differences in sound and feel may still be present due to variations in design and implementation.
When it comes to determining the overall sound and feel of a switch, the qualities of the top and bottom housings play a significant role. The impact of the top housing will be more noticeable when releasing a key, while the bottom housing will have a greater effect on the sound and feel of bottoming out a key. By understanding how each housing material contributes to the typing experience, users can choose the switch that best suits their preferences in terms of sound profile and feel.
Weight
The Aflion Blush linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Blush has an actuation force of None grams, while the Dustproof Purple has an actuation force of 55 grams. Both switches have a bottom out force of 58 grams and 65 grams, respectively. The Blush is lighter in terms of actuation force, making it easier to trigger keystrokes, while the Dustproof Purple is heavier, providing a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether the user prefers a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or a heavier push for a more tactile feel. Regardless of the differences in force, both switches offer similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blush linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it shorter than the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Blush offers a more shallow travel distance, which may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Dustproof Purple provides a deeper key press, which some users may find more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference regarding key press depth and responsiveness. Both switches offer different travel distances, allowing users to choose the one that best suits their typing or gaming style.
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 Dustproof Purple 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 stands out for its smooth and snappy feel, accompanied by a poppy sound signature thanks to its long pole design. The switch offers a creamy, silky, and buttery typing experience that is unmatched by many other linear switches on the market. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch does not have as much information available regarding its sound and feel qualities. However, based on the known qualities of the Blush switch, it can be assumed that the Dustproof Purple clicky switch may provide a unique clicky sound and tactile feel. In conclusion, for those looking for a linear switch with a smooth and satisfying typing experience, the Aflion Blush switch would be an excellent choice, while the Dustproof Purple switch may appeal to those seeking a clicky switch option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch, it is important to consider your preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and a smooth, full, and snappy typing feel with a poppy sound signature, the Blush linear switch might be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a medium-heavy bottom out force and a clicky typing experience, the Dustproof Purple clicky switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision should be based on what type of typing experience you are seeking and what feels most comfortable to you.
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