Aflion Blush vs. Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, users often seek out options that best match their typing preferences and work environments. On one hand, the Aflion Blush stands out as a premium linear switch, celebrated for its longer, two-stage spring that delivers an impressively smooth and snappy typing experience. Its longer pole adds a unique poppy sound signature, creating a typing feel that's both low-pitched and creamy, perfect for those who enjoy a tactile feedback without excessive noise. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean, while less known, offers a unique advantage for users prioritizing a quieter experience. Its design minimizes noise without sacrificing the linear feel, making it an excellent choice for office environments or late-night gaming sessions where sound can be a distraction. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
When comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Blush and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean, it becomes evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which is one of the key similarities between them. This material's properties contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, enhancing the overall acoustic experience of the switches. The fact that polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic allows for clearer resonance, which is particularly advantageous when RGB lighting is employed, as the translucency of polycarbonate permits vibrant light to shine through. Users can expect similar auditory characteristics to emerge from both switches due to this commonality, making them an excellent choice for sound clarity and aesthetic appeal.
In contrast, the bottom housing material distinguishes the two switches, with the Aflion Blush featuring nylon while the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean also incorporates nylon for its lower half. This shared choice of material results in a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing, as nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound due to its comparatively softer nature. This absorption contributes to a duller and rounder sound, which contrasts with the sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate top. Although both switches offer a similar bottom housing material that influences the bottom-out feel and sound, the combination of these materials allows for a unique tonal balance that is consistent across both models.
Ultimately, both the Aflion Blush and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean deliver a complimentary acoustic experience owing to their shared housing material properties. While they mirror each other in their top housing composition, providing users with that crispness and clarity, the nylon bottom housing serves to round out the sound profile, producing fuller acoustic feedback during typing. Therefore, while there are distinct qualities afforded by each housing material, the overall design synergy allows both switches to attract users looking for an engaging typing experience with clear sound profiles and beautiful RGB illumination potential.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Blush linear switch to the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch, there is a notable difference in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Blush switch lacks a specified actuation force, which makes it difficult to assess its trigger feel accurately; however, it does have a bottom out force of 58 grams, categorizing it as medium. In contrast, the Dustproof Silent Ocean has a defined actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy range. This means that while the Blush’s bottom out is lighter than the Silent Ocean’s, the unknown actuation force might lead to a more variable typing experience. Overall, the Dustproof Silent Ocean is the heavier option given its actuation and bottom out forces, making it preferable for those who enjoy a firmer push feel in their typing experience. Conversely, the Blush, despite its unspecified actuation, could cater to users looking for a lighter typing experience, assuming its actuation force aligns on the lighter end. This variability highlights how the choice between these switches can cater to very different preferences, with the Blush potentially offering a more delicate touch, while the Dustproof provides a more substantial feel.
Travel distance
Both the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch have an identical travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that users can expect a similar key feel and responsiveness when pressing down on keys equipped with either switch, resulting in comparable typing experiences. Since both switches have the same travel distance, users seeking a consistent performance across their keyboard can confidently choose either switch without worrying about differences in travel distance affecting their overall experience.
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 Silent Ocean 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 comparing the sound characteristics of the Aflion Blush linear switch to the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch, the Blush stands out with its low-pitched, poppy sound signature. This characteristic is attributed to its longer, two-stage spring, contributing to a more bass-heavy and mellow tone that can enhance the overall typing experience. The Dustproof Silent Ocean, on the other hand, does not have any specific sound traits documented, leaving its acoustic qualities somewhat ambiguous. However, it’s worth noting that sound is also influenced by external factors like the choice of keyboard case and keycaps, which can affect both switches similarly depending on their setup.
In terms of feel, the Blush switch excels with a creamy, silky, and buttery typing experience. This combination offers a smooth and effortless sensation while typing, often thanks to factory-applied lubrication and the materials used in its construction. Users can expect a consistently pleasurable experience that allows fingers to glide seamlessly over the keys with minimal resistance. Unfortunately, the feel characteristics of the Dustproof Silent Ocean are not defined, leaving a gap in comparison. However, it's possible that if it also possesses a linear design, it may offer a smoother experience akin to that of the Blush, though specifics remain unknown.
In conclusion, the Aflion Blush linear switch provides a distinct sound profile and a luxurious typing feel, making it an enticing choice for those seeking a satisfying mechanical experience. While the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean's sound and feel remain unspecified, it may still offer comparable results within its design constraints. Ultimately, both switches can cater to different preferences; however, the Blush’s documented attributes make it a standout option for newcomers exploring mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you appreciate a smooth, creamy, and silky typing experience, coupled with a lighter bottom-out force of 58 grams, the Blush would be your ideal pick. Its unique two-stage spring design not only enhances the feel but also allows for a snappy response, making it great for both casual typing and gaming. Furthermore, the low-pitched sound signature provides a satisfying auditory feedback without being overly loud, making it suitable for quieter environments. On the other hand, if you prefer a heftier feel and require a more durable switch, you might gravitate towards the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean, which boasts a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 65 grams. While it lacks specific descriptions for its sound and feel characteristics, its design focuses on dustproof features, making it a practical option for those concerned about long-term switch performance and maintenance. Your decision should ultimately align with your typing style and environment; choose the Blush for an enjoyable, tactile experience, or select the Dustproof Silent Ocean for robustness and longevity.