Aflion Blush vs. Outemu Gold
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the Outemu Gold switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Blush and the Outemu Gold offer distinct experiences for users. The Blush, a linear switch, is hailed for its smooth and snappy feel, thanks to its longer, two-stage spring. With a long pole that provides a poppy sound signature, this switch is ideal for those who prefer a 'Low-pitched', 'Creamy', 'Silky', 'Buttery' typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold, a clicky switch, is known for its tactile feedback and audible click sound. While it may not have a specific standout feature like the Blush, it appeals to users looking for a traditional mechanical keyboard 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
45g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 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
When comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Blush and the Outemu Gold, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This means that both switches will produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting, making it an ideal choice for both the Blush and Gold switches in terms of aesthetics and functionality.
On the other hand, the Blush and Gold switches differ in their choice of material for the bottom housing. The Blush utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the Gold switch also uses a nylon bottom housing, providing similar acoustic benefits in terms of sound depth and richness. These nylon bottom housings contribute significantly to the overall typing experience and sound profile of both switches.
Overall, while the top housing materials of the Aflion Blush and Outemu Gold switches are the same, their differentiation lies in the bottom housing material. The split qualities of the housing materials affect the overall sound profile and typing experience of each switch, with the bottom housing playing a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key. Despite these differences, both switches offer unique acoustic qualities and benefits based on their housing materials.
Weight
In comparing the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, it is clear that both fall under the medium weight category in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Blush has an actuation force of None grams, whereas the Gold requires 45 grams to actuate. On the other hand, the Blush requires a bottom out force of 58 grams, while the Gold needs 60 grams to fully bottom out. The Blush is slightly lighter in terms of actuation force, but the Gold is heavier when it comes to bottoming out. This means that the Blush may provide a slightly lighter typing experience, while the Gold offers a bit more resistance. Ultimately, both switches fall within the medium weight range, making them suitable for a variety of typing preferences.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blush linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Outemu Gold clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Outemu Gold clicky switch has a longer travel distance compared to the Aflion Blush linear switch. The shorter travel distance of the Aflion Blush switch may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Outemu Gold switch may provide a more satisfying tactile feel for those who prefer a deeper keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing 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 Gold 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 sound signature that is mellow and pleasant to the ears. In contrast, the Outemu Gold clicky switch's sound qualities are unknown. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard and keycaps you are using.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Blush linear switch is described as providing a creamy, silky, and buttery typing experience. This means that typing on this switch feels smooth, effortless, and almost luxurious due to its lubricated components and materials. On the other hand, the feel of the Outemu Gold clicky switch is unknown, so it's hard to directly compare the two in terms of tactile sensation.
Overall, if you prioritize a smooth, bass-heavy sound and a buttery typing experience, the Aflion Blush linear switch may be the better choice for you. However, if you are seeking a clicky switch with unknown feel qualities, the Outemu Gold switch could potentially provide a different typing experience. In summary, while the Blush and the Gold switches may offer distinct characteristics in sound and feel, it is essential to consider your personal preferences and requirements when selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch for your needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, you should choose the Blush if you are looking for a medium bottom out force switch with a smooth and snappy feel, accompanied by a poppy sound signature. This switch is best known for its creamy, silky, and buttery typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a clicky switch with a slightly higher bottom out force, the Gold might be the better option for you. Ultimately, your choice should come down to whether you prioritize smoothness and sound in typing (Blush) or prefer a clicky tactile feedback (Gold). Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so consider your typing style and preferences when making your decision.
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