Aflion Blush vs. Outemu Silver
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the Outemu Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Aflion Blush and the Outemu Silver mechanical keyboard switches, both being linear switches, they offer unique characteristics for users to consider. The Aflion Blush is praised for its smooth and snappy feel, thanks to its longer, two-stage spring, making typing a satisfying experience. Additionally, its long pole contributes to a distinctive poppy sound signature, adding an auditory element to the typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Silver switch does not have any specific standout features mentioned, leaving its performance open to interpretation. Generally, users may prefer the Aflion Blush for its smoothness and satisfying sound, while the Outemu Silver may appeal to those looking for a simpler, straightforward linear switch. 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
65g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.60 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
The housing materials of the Aflion Blush and the Outemu Silver have some similarities and differences. Both switches use polycarbonate for their top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Due to its stiffness, polycarbonate produces a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Blush uses nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to polycarbonate.
While both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, the Aflion Blush and the Outemu Silver differ in their bottom housing materials. The Blush features nylon for its bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound when typing. On the other hand, the Silver also uses nylon for its bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience with a deep and full sound profile. The combination of polycarbonate and nylon in these switches showcases the different qualities each material brings to the overall sound and feel of the switch.
In terms of typing experience, the bottom housing of a switch has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressed, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. With the Aflion Blush's nylon bottom housing and polycarbonate top housing, users can expect a combination of deep, full sound on keypress and a crisp, sharp sound on key release. Similarly, the Outemu Silver's use of nylon in both top and bottom housing brings a consistent, full sound profile across all keypresses. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in sound and feel.
Weight
The Aflion Blush linear switch has a light actuation force of None grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch. In contrast, the Outemu Silver linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, providing a bit more resistance during typing for those who prefer a firmer feel. Both switches have a medium bottom out force, with the Blush requiring 58 grams and the Silver requiring 65 grams. While the Blush offers a lighter overall typing experience, the Silver provides a more substantial push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences, with the Blush being lighter and the Silver being slightly heavier in terms of actuation force.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blush linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Outemu Silver linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance at 4 mm. In comparison, the Blush offers a shorter travel distance, making it ideal for those seeking faster response times, such as gamers who require quick key presses. On the other hand, the Silver switch provides a slightly deeper travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial key press feel. Both switches offer different travel distances, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences for key press depth and responsiveness.
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 Silver 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 tone, giving it a bass-heavy and mellow sound profile that is soothing to the ears. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver linear switch's sound characteristics are unknown. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Aflion Blush linear switch is praised for its creamy, silky, and buttery typing experience. Typing on this switch feels like effortlessly gliding your fingers across keys, with each keystroke feeling smooth and luxurious. In contrast, the feel of the Outemu Silver linear switch remains unspecified. It is worth noting that the typing experience is also influenced by personal preferences and typing technique.
In conclusion, the Aflion Blush linear switch stands out for its smooth and snappy feel, accompanied by a poppy sound signature that appeals to many users. With its creamy and silky typing experience, this switch offers a premium feel that enhances the overall typing comfort. While the Outemu Silver linear switch may offer similar qualities, the lack of specific information makes direct comparisons challenging. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, it is important to consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a smoother, snappier typing experience with a medium bottom out force, the Blush switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and are less concerned about sound and feel characteristics, the Silver switch could be the better option. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal typing preferences and priorities.
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