Aflion Blush vs. Outemu Phoenix
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the Outemu Phoenix switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Aflion Blush and the Outemu Phoenix are two distinct mechanical keyboard switches that offer different experiences for users. The Blush switch from Aflion is a linear switch, known for its smooth and full typing feel. It uses a longer, two-stage spring which provides a snappy sensation while typing. Additionally, the Blush switch has a long pole that produces a poppy sound signature, making it a great choice for those who appreciate a distinctive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Phoenix is a clicky switch that stands out due to its under-skirt click mechanism. This unique feature gives the Phoenix switch a crystalline and sparkling type feel while typing, accompanied by a satisfying click sound. With its crunchy and polished characteristics, the Phoenix switch offers a different tactile and auditory experience compared to 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Dual-stage stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Aflion Blush and the Outemu Phoenix both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in similar sound profiles for both switches. The use of polycarbonate provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound experience, enhancing the overall typing or gaming experience. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency allows for the integration of RGB lighting, making it an ideal choice for those looking to add a vibrant aesthetic to their setups.
However, where the two switches differ is in their choice of bottom housing materials. The Blush opts for a nylon bottom housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Phoenix's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a slightly duller and rounder sound when typing on the Blush switches. This can be appealing to users who prefer a more muffled and subdued typing experience.
When it comes to the overall typing or gaming feel, the bottom housing plays a significant role. The Blush's nylon bottom housing will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, providing a softer and more cushioned experience. Conversely, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Phoenix may offer a slightly firmer and more responsive bottom-out feel. On the other hand, the sound when releasing a key, known as the upstroke sound, will be influenced more by the top housing material – in this case, polycarbonate – for both switches.
In summary, while both the Aflion Blush and the Outemu Phoenix share the benefits of polycarbonate top housing, they differ in their choice of bottom housing materials. The Blush's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, resulting in a muffled and rounded typing experience. On the other hand, the Phoenix's polycarbonate bottom housing offers a stiffer and more responsive bottom-out feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches depends on personal preferences for sound, feel, and aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch, it is important to consider their actuation force and bottom out force. Although the specific actuation forces are not available for either switch, both switches are considered to have a medium actuation force. This means that the force required to trigger a keystroke is similar for both switches, resulting in a comparable typing experience in terms of sensitivity.
However, when looking at the bottom out force, there is a slight difference between the two switches. The Aflion Blush linear switch has a bottom out force of 58 grams, while the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 62 grams. This means that the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch requires a slightly stronger push for a more substantial typing experience compared to the Aflion Blush linear switch.
When considering weight as a factor, individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Aflion Blush linear switch more suitable. The lighter weight allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, making it ideal for those who use their keyboards extensively for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a stronger push and a more substantial tactile response may lean towards the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch due to its heavier bottom out force.
Overall, the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch offer slightly different experiences when it comes to bottom out force. While the actuation forces are similar, the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch provides a slightly heavier and more substantial typing experience, while the Aflion Blush linear switch offers a lighter and potentially more comfortable typing experience for longer durations.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blush linear switch and the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch have the same travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches provide a tactile sensation when pressed and offer a consistent travel distance, ensuring a satisfying typing experience. Whether you choose the Blush or the Phoenix, you can expect similar results in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom.
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 Phoenix comes in at $4.15 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 typing feel, thanks to its longer, two-stage spring. This switch offers a full and satisfying typing experience, and it also produces a poppy sound signature due to its long pole. On the other hand, the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch is unique in its design with an under-skirt click mechanism. This gives it a crystalline and sparkling feel and sound profile. The Blush is described as having a low-pitched sound, which provides a bass-heavy and mellow tone. In contrast, the Phoenix has a crunchy sound, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. It's important to note that the sound of the switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel, the Blush switch is often described as creamy, silky, and buttery. These descriptors indicate that typing on this switch offers a smooth and buttery experience. The keys effortlessly glide under your fingers, providing a seamless and uniform typing sensation. The Phoenix switch, on the other hand, is described as polished. This means that it has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. The switch's polished nature reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch offer different sound and feel experiences. The Blush switch provides a low-pitched sound and a creamy, silky, and buttery typing feel. On the other hand, the Phoenix switch delivers a crunchy sound and a polished typing feel. Both switches have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences. However, if you are looking for a smooth and refined typing experience, the Blush switch and the Phoenix switch can both provide similar results in terms of smoothness, albeit through different means. Ultimately, the choice between them would come down to personal preference and the desired sound and feel profile.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a smooth and snappy typing experience with a poppy sound signature, the Aflion Blush linear switch would be a great choice for you. With its two-stage spring and long pole, this switch offers impressively smooth and full keystrokes. Additionally, the Blush has a low-pitched sound profile, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. It is also described as creamy, silky, and buttery, offering a smooth and effortless typing sensation. On the other hand, if you prefer a unique and sparkling clicky switch, the Outemu Phoenix would be the way to go. With its under-skirt click mechanism, it provides a crystalline and crunchy sound and feel. The Phoenix is described as a polished switch, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch depends on your preference for typing feel and sound, but both switches offer their own unique characteristics to enhance your typing experience.
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