Aflion Blush vs. KTT Purple Star
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the KTT Purple Star switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Aflion Blush and KTT Purple Star mechanical keyboard switches, it's essential to consider the unique characteristics that set them apart. The Blush, a linear switch from Aflion, is revered for its smooth and snappy typing experience, thanks to its longer two-stage spring and poppy sound signature. On the other hand, the Purple Star from KTT boasts an all-POM construction that offers a buttery smooth typing experience, ideal for light typists with its 45g bottom-out force. While the Blush is described as 'Low-pitched', 'Creamy', 'Silky', and 'Buttery', the Purple Star is categorized as 'Mild', 'Low-pitched', and 'Easy-to-press'. Each switch has its own appeal and strengths, making it suitable for different preferences and typing styles. 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
50g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
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 KTT Purple Star both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Blush's polycarbonate top housing brings a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound compared to the deeper and more muted sound produced by the Purple Star's POM top housing. In terms of aesthetics, the translucent polycarbonate is ideal for switches with RGB lighting, while the POM material offers a unique look and feel. Both switches excel in providing distinct sound profiles, but the Blush leans towards a clearer and resonant profile, while the Purple Star offers a deeper and more muffled sound.
In terms of their bottom housings, the Blush utilizes nylon while the Purple Star opts for POM material. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound than harder plastics. On the other hand, POM's bottom housing also contributes to a deeper and more muted sound profile, sharing similarities with the nylon material. The differences lie in the specific characteristics that each material brings to the overall typing experience, with the nylon bottom likely providing a slightly duller and rounder sound compared to the POM material.
Overall, the housing materials of the Aflion Blush and KTT Purple Star each offer unique qualities that cater to individual preferences. The contrasting qualities of polycarbonate and POM in the top housings provide distinct sound characteristics, with the former offering a sharper and crisper profile while the latter provides a deeper and more muted sound. Similarly, the nylon and POM bottom housings contribute to the overall typing experience, with the former offering a fuller sound while the latter adds to the deeper and more muted profile. Despite their differences, both switches excel in providing unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch are quite different. The Aflion Blush has an actuation force of None grams, making it unknown, while the KTT Purple Star has an actuation force of 43 grams, making it lighter. On the other hand, when it comes to bottom out force, the Aflion Blush requires 58 grams, which is medium, while the KTT Purple Star requires 50 grams, which is lighter than the Blush. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the KTT Purple Star, as it requires less force for both actuation and bottom out. However, for those who prefer a more substantial typing feel, the Aflion Blush may be the better choice due to its higher bottom out force. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing force.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blush linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch both offer different travel distances for users to consider. The Blush has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Purple Star has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Blush falls on the shorter side of the spectrum, providing a more responsive feel that gamers may prefer for quicker keystrokes. On the other hand, the Purple Star offers a slightly longer travel distance, which some users may find gives a more satisfying depth to each keystroke. Both switches cater to different preferences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of whether a shorter or longer travel distance is desired.
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 KTT Purple Star comes in at $4.88 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
In terms of sound, both the Aflion Blush and KTT Purple Star switches are described as having a low-pitched sound signature, which typically features a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps being used.
Moving on to the feel, the Aflion Blush switch is known for its creamy, silky, and buttery typing experience. This type of switch offers a smooth and fluid keystroke, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star switch is described as having a mild and easy-to-press feel. These switches offer a gentle typing experience with minimal force required for activation, enhancing typing comfort and reducing finger fatigue during extended use.
Considering all the available information, both the Aflion Blush and KTT Purple Star linear switches offer unique and desirable qualities for different preferences in sound and feel. If you enjoy a smoother, buttery typing experience with a poppy sound, the Aflion Blush switch may be the ideal choice for you. However, if you prefer a lighter touch with a neutral sound signature, the KTT Purple Star switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on your personal preference for typing feel and sound characteristics.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when considering whether to choose the Aflion Blush linear switch or the KTT Purple Star linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium bottom-out force and enjoy a smooth, snappy typing experience with a poppy sound signature, the Blush switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom-out force and value a buttery smooth typing experience with a neutral sound signature, the Purple Star switch could be the better option. Consider your typing preferences, such as bottom-out force, sound profile, and typing feel, to make an informed decision on which switch suits you best. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns with your typing style for the best typing experience.
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