Aflion Blush vs. Durock Piano

Overview

The Aflion Blush and the Durock Piano are two popular mechanical keyboard switches that both fall under the linear category. The Blush is best known for its impressively smooth and snappy typing experience, attributed to its longer, two-stage spring. Additionally, the Blush produces a distinctive poppy sound due to its long pole design. On the other hand, the Piano stands out for its proprietary material blend, which contributes to a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature. Both switches offer a silky and smooth typing experience, but the Blush is characterized by a low-pitched and buttery feel, while the Piano has a bassy and frictionless nature. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your specific preferences.

By the numbers

Aflion Blush Linear

Durock Piano Linear

$6.00

$4.07 per 10

$6.70

$5.57 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Aflion Blush and the Durock Piano have contrasting materials for their top housing. The Blush utilizes polycarbonate, which creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. This stiff plastic allows for a more clear and resonant sound, making it perfect for those who appreciate a crisp typing experience. Additionally, the polycarbonate is translucent, making it ideal for RGB lighting enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Piano employs a proprietary POM blend for its top housing, resulting in a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. While we don't have specific details about the blend, users can expect a sound that is rich and full-bodied. Both materials offer distinct auditory experiences, catering to different preferences.

In terms of bottom housing materials, the Blush features a nylon construction, known for eliciting a deep and full sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Those who enjoy a richer acoustic experience would appreciate this characteristic. Similarly, the Piano incorporates a proprietary POM blend for its bottom housing, providing a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile, though specific details about the blend aren't available. This ensures that users will enjoy an immersive and resonant typing experience.

When comparing the impact of the top and bottom housing materials, it becomes apparent that they play different roles in the overall sound and feel of the switch. The bottom housing primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. Depending on the materials used, this aspect can vary between the Blush and the Piano. Conversely, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. Whether it is the polycarbonate of the Blush or the POM blend of the Piano, each switch offers its own distinct auditory response upon key release.

In summary, the Aflion Blush and the Durock Piano present contrasting materials for their top and bottom housing, resulting in different sound profiles. The Blush utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, providing a crisp and resonant sound, while the Piano employs a proprietary POM blend, resulting in a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. In terms of bottom housing, the Blush uses nylon for a deeper and fuller sound, while the Piano incorporates its proprietary POM blend for a similarly immersive and resonant experience. The impact of the top and bottom housing materials can be felt during key presses and releases, respectively.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, there are a few notable differences to consider. Starting with the actuation force, unfortunately, the exact grams required to trigger a keystroke are unavailable for both switches. However, it is worth mentioning that both switches fall under the category of medium actuation force. Moving on to the bottom out force, the Aflion Blush requires 58 grams, which can be considered medium, while the Durock Piano linear switch requires 63.5 grams, which is classified as medium-heavy.

For individuals seeking a lighter typing experience, where they can effortlessly type for longer durations, the actuation force of both switches would likely provide similar results. However, those who prefer a more substantial and forceful typing feel may find the Durock Piano linear switch more appealing due to its heavier bottom out force. With a 5.5-gram difference, pressing down on the Durock Piano switch will provide a slightly stronger push compared to the Aflion Blush switch.

Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on personal preference and typing habits. If a lighter and more extended typing experience is desired, either switch would likely suffice. On the other hand, if a more robust and forceful typing experience is preferred, the Durock Piano linear switch would be the more suitable choice.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, it is clear that they have different distances. The Blush has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Piano has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of traditional standards, the Piano switch falls within the average range of 4.0 mm, while the Blush provides a slightly shallower experience. However, the preference for shorter travel distances has been growing, especially among gamers who value faster response times. For those seeking a more responsive feel, the Blush with its 3.3 mm distance would be the preferred choice. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a deeper keystroke may find the longer 4 mm travel distance of the Piano switch to be more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either a shorter, snappier experience or a deeper, more pronounced key press.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Aflion Blush linear switch has a low-pitched sound with a bass-heavy and mellow tone. This gives it a full and smooth sound profile, providing a satisfying auditory experience during key presses. On the other hand, the Durock Piano linear switch offers a deep and creamy sound signature. Its lower frequency range resembles the richness and depth associated with bass tones, giving it a pleasant and immersive sound during typing. It's important to note that the sound of the switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

As for the feel, the Aflion Blush linear switch is known for its creamy, silky, and buttery typing experience. These descriptors indicate that the switch offers a smooth and effortless keystroke sensation, with minimal resistance and friction. It feels like gliding your fingers across the keys with ease, as each keypress seamlessly melts into the next. On the other hand, the Durock Piano linear switch is described as frictionless and silky, offering an exceptionally smooth and fluid typing experience. It minimizes any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys, resulting in a highly satisfying and effortless typing feel.

Considering all the available information, the Aflion Blush linear switch stands out for its impressively smooth, full, and snappy type feel, as well as its poppy sound signature. It offers a creamy, silky, and buttery typing experience that is truly delightful. On the other hand, the Durock Piano linear switch is praised for its proprietary material blend, providing a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature. While they have slight differences in sound and feel, both switches offer excellent qualities and a premium typing experience. Whether you choose the Aflion Blush or the Durock Piano, you can expect similar results in terms of smoothness, satisfaction, and overall performance.

Conclusion

To sum up, when considering the Aflion Blush linear switch, you can expect a medium bottom out force of 58 grams, providing a balance between ease of actuation and resistance. The Blush stands out for its smooth, full, and snappy type feel, attributed to its longer, two-stage spring. Additionally, the Blush offers a poppy sound signature due to its long pole. On the other hand, the Durock Piano linear switch has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, offering a medium-heavy feel. The Piano switch is praised for its pleasant typing experience, characterized by a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature.

In terms of sound, the Blush provides a low-pitched tone, featuring a more bass-heavy and mellow sound compared to higher-pitched switches. Conversely, the Piano switch offers a bassy sound profile, reminiscent of the depth and richness associated with bass tones.

When it comes to feel, the Blush switch offers a range of descriptors including creamy, silky, and buttery. These describe a smooth and buttery typing experience, with a silky and frictionless sensation, as well as seamless and effortless keystrokes. On the other hand, the Piano switch is also described as silky and frictionless, delivering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance or friction.

Ultimately, your choice between the Aflion Blush and the Durock Piano linear switches will depend on your personal preferences. If you prioritize a slightly lighter feel and a low-pitched sound, the Blush may be the ideal choice for you. However, if you prefer a slightly heavier feel with a creamy, deep sound and a gliding push sensation, the Piano switch is worth considering. Take into account your typing style and the overall aesthetic you desire for your mechanical keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

Aflion Blush Linear

$6.00

$4.07 per 10

Learn more

Durock Piano Linear

$6.70

$5.57 per 10

Learn more