Aflion Blush vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Blush and Akko V3 Piano Pro both stand out as exceptional linear options. The Aflion Blush switch 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 V3 Piano Pro is known for its snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, offering a lively and crisp typing experience. While both switches offer unique characteristics such as smoothness and snappiness, the Blush is described as 'Low-pitched', 'Creamy', 'Silky', 'Buttery', while the Piano Pro is categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Polished', 'Resonant', 'Silky'. 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
55g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
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
20mm spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Blush and the Akko V3 Piano Pro both feature different housing materials for their top and bottom housings, with the Blush utilizing polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing, while the V3 Piano Pro uses nylon for both the top and bottom housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, nylon produces a deeper and fuller sound profile as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The difference in housing materials between the two switches may lead to a distinct typing experience for users.
Despite the differences in housing materials, both the Aflion Blush and the Akko V3 Piano Pro offer unique sound profiles based on the material used in their construction. The split between the top and bottom housings allows each material's qualities to influence different aspects of the typing experience. The top housing materials, whether polycarbonate or nylon, have a significant impact on the sound when releasing a key, while the bottom housing materials affect the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. This division in housing materials contributes to the overall typing feel and sound of each switch, giving users a varied experience based on the switch they choose.
While the Aflion Blush and the Akko V3 Piano Pro have different housing materials for their top and bottom parts, they both offer a range of sound profiles for users to enjoy. The polycarbonate top housing of the Blush creates a clear and resonant sound, while the nylon top housing of the V3 Piano Pro produces a deeper and fuller sound. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of both switches adds to the typing experience by absorbing sound and creating a duller and rounder sound. Overall, users can expect a unique typing experience from each switch based on the housing materials used, with the Blush offering a sharper sound profile and the V3 Piano Pro providing a deeper sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, it is evident that the Blush has a higher bottom out force of 58 grams compared to the V3 Piano Pro's 55 grams, making it slightly heavier in this aspect. However, the V3 Piano Pro has a lower actuation force of 45 grams, making it lighter in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. This difference in actuation force could result in a slightly quicker response time for the V3 Piano Pro compared to the Blush. Both switches fall within the medium-light to medium range, offering a balance between typing comfort and tactile feedback. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference for typing experience and whether a lighter or heavier force is preferred for extended typing sessions.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Aflion Blush linear switch is 3.3 mm, while the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more prevalent, particularly among gamers seeking faster response times. The Blush may provide a slightly quicker response due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice for those looking for a more responsive key press. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro's slightly longer travel distance may offer a bit more depth to the key press, which could be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for either a shorter or longer travel distance.
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 V3 Piano Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Piano Pro 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
In terms of sound, the Aflion Blush linear switch offers a low-pitched tone that provides a more bass-heavy and mellow sound compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch is described as clacky and resonant, producing a sharp, snappy sound with a bright and percussive quality. The sound profile of the V3 Piano Pro is clean, sharp, and higher-pitched, offering an immersive auditory experience. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Aflion Blush linear switch is known for its creamy, silky, and buttery typing experience. These switches offer a smooth and fluid keystroke, with lubricant applied at the factory contributing to the seamless and effortless typing sensation. Conversely, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch is described as bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky. These switches provide a spring-like feedback, with a smooth and refined finish that results in sleek and smooth key travel. The V3 Piano Pro switches enhance the overall smoothness of the typing feel, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys.
Considering all the available information, both the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Blush switch is characterized by its longer, two-stage spring and poppy sound signature, the V3 Piano Pro switch stands out for its snappy sound and smooth actuation. Ultimately, both switches provide a satisfying tactile experience, with the Blush switch offering a slightly more mellow sound and the V3 Piano Pro switch boasting a more lively and crisp sound signature. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel, either switch can deliver a delightful typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing experience. If you prefer a switch with a slightly heavier bottom out force and a low-pitched, creamy feel, then the Blush may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a clacky, resonant feel with a bouncy, creamy sensation, then the V3 Piano Pro might be more suited to your liking. Consider factors such as sound, feel, and overall typing experience to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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