Aflion Blush vs. Outemu Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the Outemu Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Blush, a linear switch, and the Outemu Milk Tea, a tactile switch, offer distinct experiences to the user. The Blush is praised for its smooth and snappy feel, thanks to its longer, two-stage spring and long pole that produces a poppy sound signature. On the other hand, the Milk Tea lacks a specific standout feature but is known for its tactile feedback. Those who prefer a more subtle typing experience might lean towards the Milk Tea, while those seeking a more pronounced tactile response may gravitate towards the Blush. 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
N/A
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
Ly
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 Milk Tea, it is clear that they both utilize polycarbonate for the top housing. This material choice results in a sharp, high-pitched sound profile for both switches, with the polycarbonate's stiffness enhancing clarity and resonance. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding an aesthetic appeal to the switches. While both switches share this top housing material, the differences may arise in the sound signature produced due to other variations in their design.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Blush and the Milk Tea opt for nylon as their material of choice. Nylon is well-known for creating a deep and full sound profile, as its softer nature absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. By using this classic switch housing material, both the Blush and the Milk Tea offer users a satisfying typing experience with a distinct sound signature. Despite the similarity in material choice for the bottom housing, the switches may still differ in feel and overall sound due to additional factors at play.
It is important to note that the differences between the top and bottom housing materials on these switches can impact the overall typing experience. The bottom housing material, whether it be nylon in the case of the Blush or the Milk Tea, will have a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when pressed. On the other hand, the top housing material, in this case, polycarbonate for both switches, will have a more significant impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. While both switches may share similar housing materials, the distinct qualities of each material and their placement within the switch design contribute to unique typing experiences for users.
Weight
The Aflion Blush linear switch and Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch offer different experiences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Blush boasts a moderate actuation force of None grams, meaning less resistance is needed to activate the keystroke, while its bottom out force of 58 grams provides a firm press feel. In contrast, the Milk Tea requires a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, offering a quicker response time, but its bottom out force is unknown. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Milk Tea for extended typing or gaming sessions, while users who enjoy a more robust typing experience may opt for the Blush with its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, the Blush has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Milk Tea has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Blush has a shorter travel distance compared to the Milk Tea. The shorter travel distance of the Blush may cater more to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Milk Tea may provide a more substantial feel for those who prefer a deeper key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired 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 Milk Tea 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
The Aflion Blush linear switch is known for its smooth and snappy feel, thanks to its longer, two-stage spring and long pole design. This switch offers a satisfying typing experience with a poppy sound signature. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch's subjective qualities are unknown in terms of feel.
When comparing the sound qualities, the Blush switch is described as having a low-pitched sound, which typically offers a bass-heavy and mellow tone. On the contrary, there is no information available for the sound of the Milk Tea switch.
In terms of feel, the Blush switch is described as creamy and silky, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The lack of information on the Milk Tea switch's feel makes it difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect.
Taking all the available information into consideration, it is evident that the Aflion Blush linear switch excels in providing a smooth and snappy typing experience with a poppy sound signature. While the subjective qualities of the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch remain unknown, based on the provided details, it is safe to say that the Blush switch offers a unique and enjoyable typing feel and sound profile.
Conclusion
In sum, when deciding between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you are looking for a medium bottom-out force with a smooth, full, and snappy typing feel accompanied by a poppy sound signature, the Blush linear switch might be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with an unknown bottom-out force and are looking for a unique typing experience, the Milk Tea tactile switch could be the one to go for. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience, sound, and overall feel. Happy typing!
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