Aflion Blush vs. Kailh Plum

Overview

The Aflion Blush and the Kailh Plum are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct features and experiences. The Blush, a linear switch, is revered for its smooth and snappy typing feel. Its longer, two-stage spring contributes to its impressively smooth and full sensation, while its long pole provides a poppy sound signature. On the other hand, the Plum, a tactile switch, stands out for its unique combination of heaviness and subtle tactility. Unlike many other tactile switches, the Plum doesn't have a significant tactile bump, but it still offers a satisfying typing experience. The sound profile of the Plum is neutral and enjoyable. These switches both present compelling qualities, but let's delve deeper beyond generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your specific needs and preferences.

By the numbers

Aflion Blush Linear

Kailh Plum Tactile

$6.00

$4.07 per 10

$6.25 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

Both the Aflion Blush and the Kailh Plum keyboards utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile when typing on these switches. The translucency of polycarbonate is particularly useful for users who plan to utilize RGB lighting, as it allows the lighting effects to shine through. Therefore, in terms of sound and aesthetics, both keyboards offer similar results with their polycarbonate top housings.

In terms of the bottom housing, both the Blush and the Plum keyboards use nylon. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Its relatively softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This bottom housing material primarily impacts the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when pressed down. Therefore, users can expect similar experiences with the bottom housings of both keyboards.

Overall, while both the Aflion Blush and the Kailh Plum keyboards feature polycarbonate top housings, the Blush differentiates itself with a nylon bottom housing. The combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Blush keyboard provides a unique sound profile that features sharpness, clarity, depth, and resonance. On the other hand, the Plum keyboard utilizes polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings, resulting in a consistent sound profile throughout. Depending on personal preference, users may prefer the Blush for its distinct sound attributes or the Plum for its consistent sound experience. However, both keyboards offer excellent options for those seeking enhanced sound profiles and effective use of RGB lighting.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch, it is important to note that the exact actuation force for both switches is unavailable. However, we can still make a comparison based on the available information. The Blush has a bottom out force of 58 grams, which falls within the medium range, while the Plum has a bottom out force of 70 grams, which is considered medium-heavy.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Blush may be the more suitable option as its bottom out force is lighter. This allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, which can be advantageous for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing feel, with a stronger push required, may find the Plum switch more suitable. With its higher bottom out force, the Plum switch provides a more tactile and robust typing experience.

Although the actuation force for both switches is unknown, it is likely that the results would be similar to the bottom out force. If the bottom out force is relatively lighter or heavier, it is reasonable to assume that a similar trend would be observed for the actuation force as well. Therefore, individuals seeking lighter actuation may still find the Blush switch to be the better option, while those desiring a heavier actuation force would lean towards the Plum switch.

In summary, the Aflion Blush linear switch has a medium bottom out force, while the Kailh Plum tactile switch has a medium-heavy bottom out force. The choice between these switches depends on personal preference, with the Blush being lighter and better suited for extended typing sessions, and the Plum providing a more robust typing experience with a stronger pushing force.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch, it is clear that the Blush has a shorter travel distance at 3.3 mm, while the Plum has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both of these distances fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular in keyboards nowadays. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances as they allow for faster response times. If you value quick and responsive typing, the Blush switch would be the better choice. However, for those who prefer a more substantial and satisfying key press, the longer travel distance of the Plum switch may be more preferable. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Aflion Blush linear switch produces a low-pitched tone. This means that it has a bass-heavy and mellow sound profile, which can be quite pleasing to the ear. On the other hand, the Kailh Plum tactile switch has a neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate sound with no extreme highs or lows. Both switches offer enjoyable sound profiles, but they provide slightly different experiences. The choice of keyboard and keycaps can also influence the sound produced by these switches.

In terms of 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. The Blush switch has a longer, two-stage spring which contributes to its impressive smoothness. On the other hand, the Kailh Plum tactile switch has a mild feel. This means that it provides a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Additionally, the Plum switch is described as stepped, meaning it has a two-stage tactile feedback with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. Both switches offer pleasant typing experiences, but the Blush switch provides a smoother and more buttery feel.

Considering all the available information, the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch offer different subjective qualities. The Blush switch stands out for its smooth, full, and snappy type feel, as well as its poppy sound signature. On the other hand, the Plum switch is unique due to its substantial weightiness without a huge tactile bump, and it is accompanied by a neutral and enjoyable sound profile. If you are looking for a linear switch with a smooth and snappy feel, as well as a low-pitched and poppy sound, the Blush switch would be a great option. However, if you prefer a tactile switch with a mild and hefty feel, along with a neutral sound profile, the Plum switch would be a better choice. Regardless of which switch you choose, both will provide a pleasant typing experience, albeit with slightly different characteristics.

Conclusion

In closing, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium bottom out force and a smooth, snappy typing experience, the Aflion Blush is the way to go. Its longer, two-stage spring and long pole provide an impressively smooth and full typing feel, making it one of Aflion's best linear offerings. The Blush also offers a unique low-pitched sound signature, which adds to the overall typing experience.

On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a unique tactile switch with a moderate sound profile, the Kailh Plum is the choice for you. Despite its weightiness, the Plum does not have a pronounced tactile bump, which sets it apart from other tactile switches. This makes it incredibly unique and suitable for a variety of typing purposes. Additionally, the Plum has a neutral sound profile, making it enjoyable for both beginners and advanced users.

Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Blush and the Kailh Plum depends on your personal preferences. If you value a smoother, linear typing experience and a low-pitched sound, go for the Blush. If you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a unique, neutral sound profile, the Plum is the way to go. Both switches offer their own advantages and can enhance your typing experience in different ways.

Mentioned in this article

Aflion Blush Linear

$6.00

$4.07 per 10

Learn more

Kailh Plum Tactile

$6.25 per 10

Learn more