Aflion Blush vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch offer distinct features for different preferences. The Aflion Blush is praised for its smooth and snappy feel, thanks to its longer, two-stage spring and poppy sound signature. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin stands out for its silent tactile bump, making it a great choice for quiet office environments. While the Blush is categorized as low-pitched, creamy, silky, buttery, the Penguin is categorized as polished, muted, mild, neutral, feathery, subtle. If you prioritize a smooth linear feel, the Blush may be the way to go, while those looking for a quiet tactile experience may prefer the Penguin. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
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
Both the Aflion Blush and the Akko Penguin utilize nylon in their bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. However, the Blush features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound compared to the Penguin's nylon top housing, which produces a duller and rounder sound. This contrast in top housing materials contributes to a different auditory experience for users of each switch.
In terms of aesthetics, the Blush's polycarbonate top housing allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the switch. In comparison, the Penguin's nylon top housing does not offer the same translucent properties, resulting in a more traditional appearance. While both switches have nylon bottom housings for a consistent typing experience, the Blush's combination of polycarbonate and nylon creates a unique blend of sound characteristics that may appeal to individuals seeking a sharper sound profile.
Overall, the choice between the Aflion Blush and the Akko Penguin ultimately comes down to personal preference for sound and aesthetics. The Blush offers a combination of polycarbonate and nylon that provides a sharper and higher-pitched sound with the added visual flair of RGB lighting, while the Penguin's full nylon construction results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Regardless of the housing materials used, both switches aim to deliver a satisfying typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Blush has a unique feature with an actuation force of None grams, meaning it requires minimal force to trigger a keystroke, while the bottom out force of 58 grams provides a medium level of resistance when fully pressed. On the other hand, the Penguin has a slightly higher actuation force of 43 grams, offering a tactile feedback upon keystroke, and a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is also medium. The Blush is lighter in terms of actuation force compared to the Penguin, making it ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged typing sessions. In contrast, the Penguin provides a more substantial typing experience with a slightly heavier actuation force. Both switches offer a medium bottom out force, providing a satisfying typing experience regardless of the slight difference in actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for typing feel and force required.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blush linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch both have a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing their travel distance, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with a similar distance traveled from the top to the bottom. This means that users can expect consistent feedback and performance from both switches, as they provide the same tactile feel when activated. Overall, the travel distance of the Blush and Penguin switches allows for a comfortable typing experience, making them suitable choices for gamers, typists, and anyone looking for a reliable mechanical keyboard switch.
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 Akko Penguin has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Penguin for $3.10.
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 and mellow tone, with a poppy sound signature due to its long pole design. In contrast, the Akko Penguin tactile switch provides a muted, quiet sound profile, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments like offices. Additionally, the Penguin switch also has a more neutral sound profile suitable for various situations, whether you're a beginner or advanced user. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard build and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Aflion Blush linear switch has been described as creamy, silky, and buttery, providing a smooth and effortless typing experience. This is achieved through the use of lubricants and specific materials, resulting in a tactile sensation akin to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin tactile switch offers a polished, mild, feathery, and subtle typing experience, characterized by smooth and refined key travel with reduced friction. The light actuation force of the Penguin switch also reduces finger strain, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, with the Blush emphasizing smoothness and the Penguin focusing on gentle keypresses.
In conclusion, while the Aflion Blush linear switch excels in providing a smooth, full, and snappy typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, the Akko Penguin tactile switch stands out for its quiet, satisfying feedback and balanced medium weight ideal for extended typing sessions. Each switch caters to different preferences and environments, with the Blush emphasizing smoothness and the Penguin focusing on a quiet yet tactile typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and intended usage.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize smoothness, a poppy sound signature, and a medium bottom out force, the Blush linear switch might be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a rounded tactile bump, a quiet profile for office environments, and a balance between responsiveness and ease of use, the Penguin tactile switch could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and the specific requirements of your typing environment. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences and usage scenarios, so choose the one that aligns best with your needs.
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