Aflion Blush vs. Outemu Milk Blue
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the Outemu Milk 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 Milk Blue clicky switch are two popular options to consider. The Aflion Blush is praised for its smooth and snappy feel, thanks to its longer, two-stage spring design and long pole which provides a poppy sound signature. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Blue switch doesn't have a stand-out feature but offers a solid clicky typing experience. The Blush switch is best suited for those who prefer a low-pitched, creamy, silky, and buttery typing experience, while the Milk Blue is a good choice for those who enjoy the satisfying click sound with each keystroke. 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
N/A
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
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
Both the Aflion Blush and the Outemu Milk Blue utilize polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. This results in a more clear and resonant sound overall. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding an aesthetic element to the switches. This similarity in housing material ensures that both switches deliver a consistent sound experience with a focus on clarity and resonance.
On the other hand, the Blush features a nylon bottom housing while the Milk Blue also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate, thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. Despite using the same material for the bottom housing, the Blush and the Milk Blue are likely to have slightly different sound profiles due to other factors such as keycap material and switch design.
While the top and bottom housings of the Aflion Blush and the Outemu Milk Blue differ in material, the split between the qualities of polycarbonate and nylon allows for a varied typing experience. The impact of the bottom housing is felt more when pressing down on the switch, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. In contrast, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key, showcasing the importance of both materials in creating a well-rounded sound profile for mechanical switches. Overall, these differences in housing materials contribute to the unique sound characteristics of each switch.
Weight
The Aflion Blush linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch have different actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for different preferences. The Blush is lighter in terms of actuation force, as it requires None grams to trigger a keystroke, while the Milk Blue has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Blush has a medium 58-gram bottom out force, whereas the bottom out force for the Milk Blue is unavailable. The variation in forces allows users to choose between a lighter typing experience with the Blush or a more substantial feeling keystroke with the Milk Blue. Ultimately, the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in determining the typing feel and overall user experience with these switches.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blush linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Milk Blue switch has a longer travel distance compared to the Blush switch. The Blush switch may offer a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for faster actuation. On the other hand, the Milk Blue switch may be a better option for those who prefer a more substantial keypress feel with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of keypress depth and response time.
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 Milk 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
When it comes to sound, the Aflion Blush linear switch offers a low-pitched sound profile, which typically features a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, information on the sound profile of the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch is not available. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Aflion Blush linear switch is described as creamy, silky, and buttery. This means that typing on these switches will provide a smooth and buttery experience, like gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. The Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch does not have any specific descriptors available for its feel. It is possible that the clicky nature of this switch may provide a tactile feedback with audible clicks upon actuation.
In conclusion, the Aflion Blush linear switch offers a smooth, full, and snappy typing experience with a poppy sound signature, making it a great option for those who prefer a quiet yet satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch may provide a more tactile and audible typing experience, although specific information on its sound and feel is not available. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, you should consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you value a smooth and snappy feel with a poppy sound signature, along with a medium bottom out force, then the Aflion Blush linear switch might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a clicky switch with a different bottom out force and sound profile, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch could be more to your liking. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style.
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