Aflion Blush vs. Gateron Quinn
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the Gateron Quinn switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Aflion Blush and the Gateron Quinn. The Blush is a linear switch, known for its smooth and snappy typing feel. With its longer, two-stage spring and long pole, it provides an impressively smooth and full experience, accompanied by a poppy sound signature. On the other hand, the Quinn is a tactile switch that offers a unique combination of crisp tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile. The specially designed nylon housings contribute to a rich and immersive sound with each keystroke. Moreover, the Quinn provides a precise and clean tactile bump. 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
59g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
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
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Housing materials
The Aflion Blush and the Gateron Quinn differ in terms of their housing materials. The Blush features a polycarbonate top housing, while the Quinn has a nylon top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its relatively stiffer plastic composition. In contrast, nylon, being a softer plastic, elicits a deeper and fuller sound when typing on the Quinn. Therefore, users can expect a more clear and resonant sound profile from the Blush, while relying on the Quinn for a deeper and rounder sound experience.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Blush and the Quinn utilize nylon, which is recognized as a classic switch housing material. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housing results in a deeper and fuller sound. This is due to nylon's ability to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, ultimately creating a duller and rounder sound. Hence, whether using the Blush or the Quinn, users can expect a similar sound experience when bottoming out the keys.
Although the Blush and the Quinn differ in their top and bottom housing materials, it's important to note how each housing material contributes to the overall sound and feel of a switch. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, with the Blush's polycarbonate top housing, users will experience a distinct sound when letting go of keys, whereas the Quinn's nylon top housing would provide a different sound sensation. Nevertheless, both switches offer unique sound profiles due to their housing materials, catering to different preferences and typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, there are some noticeable differences. The Blush has an actuation force that is unavailable, making it difficult to directly compare to the Quinn's 59 grams. However, both switches have similar bottom out forces, with the Blush measuring at 58 grams and the Quinn at 67 grams. This means that both switches provide a medium to medium-heavy typing experience.
In terms of weight, the lighter actuation force of the Quinn may be preferred by those who value longer typing sessions, such as individuals using the keyboard for work or engaging in extended gaming sessions. The lighter force allows for smoother and potentially less fatiguing typing over time. On the other hand, the Blush, with its heavier bottom out force, offers a more substantial typing experience. This may be more appealing to users who enjoy a stronger push feel and a more tactile response while typing.
Overall, while the specifics of the actuation force of the Blush may be unknown, its medium bottom out force provides a somewhat similar experience to the Quinn. The lighter Quinn switch caters to individuals who prioritize longer typing sessions, while the heavier bottom out force of the Blush appeals to those seeking a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blush linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch have slightly different travel distances. The Blush has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Quinn has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Although the difference is minimal, it is worth noting that the Quinn has a slightly longer travel distance. In terms of preference, shorter travel distances are often favored by gamers as they offer faster response times. So, if you prioritize quick and responsive keystrokes, the Blush may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial and satisfying typing experience with a bit more depth, the Quinn with its longer travel distance might be the suitable choice. Both switches will provide similar results, but the slight disparity in travel distance may give you a slightly different typing experience.
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 Gateron Quinn has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Quinn for $5.50.
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 sound profile, which is characterized by a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch provides a bassy and resonant sound profile. This means that the Quinn switch has a deeper and richer sound during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Additionally, the Quinn switch is also described as clacky and low-pitched, offering a crisp, bright, and percussive sound. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard case and keycaps chosen. Overall, if you prefer a low-pitched sound, the Blush switch is a good choice, while the Quinn switch offers a unique combination of bassy, clacky, and resonant sounds.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Blush linear switch offers a creamy, silky, and buttery typing experience. This is attributed to the smooth and buttery sensation provided by lubricant applied at the factory or specific materials used in the switch. Typing on the Blush switch feels like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys, with each keystroke seamlessly melting into the switch. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch is described as snappy, polished, bouncy, accented, buttery, and creamy. The Quinn switch provides a super responsive and lively feel due to longer or dual-staged springs, resulting in a typing experience that feels more alive. It also offers a smooth and refined finish, reducing friction and providing smooth key travel. Additionally, the Quinn switch provides a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving keys a rebound when pressed. The Quinn switch is considered medium tactile, providing a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Overall, the Blush switch offers a smooth and buttery feel, while the Quinn switch provides a snappy, polished, and bouncy typing experience with lively feedback.
Considering the available information, the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Blush switch offers a low-pitched sound with a smooth and buttery feel, while the Quinn switch provides a combination of bassy, clacky, and resonant sounds with a snappy, polished, and bouncy feel. Each switch provides a unique typing experience, allowing users to choose based on their preferences. It is important to note that the sound and feel of a switch can also be affected by other factors such as the keyboard case and keycaps. Therefore, it is advisable for newcomers to consider their personal preferences and experiment with different combinations to achieve their desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a smooth, snappy, and buttery typing experience with a poppy sound signature, then the Aflion Blush linear switch is the way to go. With its medium bottom out force of 58 grams and longer, two-stage spring, the Blush offers impressive smoothness and fullness to your typing. On the other hand, if you value a unique combination of crisp, light switch-like tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch is the better choice. With a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams and specially designed nylon housings, the Quinn delivers a precise, clean, and crisp tactile bump with a rich and immersive sound that adds character to your typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for typing feel and sound, whether it be the creamy and silky sensation of the Blush or the polished and bouncy feel of the Quinn's switches.
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