Aflion Blush vs. Everglide Rice Pudding
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often comes down to personal preference and intended use. The Aflion Blush, a linear switch, is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth and snappy typing experience, thanks to its longer two-stage spring and long pole design that produces a low-pitched, creamy sound signature. This makes the Blush an attractive option for gamers and typists who favor swift keystrokes without tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch stands out as a hall effect switch, offering a harmonious blend of smooth operation and a satisfying deep sound. Known for its balanced typing experience, it appeals to those who appreciate precision in their keystrokes and are enthusiastic about the versatile compatibility with Wooting's advanced keyboards. While the Blush provides a silky feel perfect for rapid inputs, the Rice Pudding enhances typing finesse with its richer audio feedback. 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
38g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
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
Custom stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Blush and the Everglide Rice Pudding, one notable similarity emerges: both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This shared material composition leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to polycarbonate's stiffer nature. Additionally, its translucent properties make it an ideal choice for RGB lighting applications, enhancing the visual appeal of both switches. Users can expect a distinctly clear and resonant sound experience from the top housing of both models, affirming the advantage of polycarbonate in achieving vibrant lighting effects.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the Aflion Blush and the Everglide Rice Pudding are both made from nylon, a classic material known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer properties of nylon absorb sound more effectively, resulting in a duller yet rounder acoustic quality. This disparity between the stiffer polycarbonate top and the softer nylon bottom housing means that while both switches will deliver a bright sound when the keys are released, they will also offer a distinct bottom-out experience that leans toward a more subdued sound due to the nylon’s absorption qualities.
Ultimately, the combination of materials used in the Aflion Blush and the Everglide Rice Pudding results in a well-rounded auditory experience. The polycarbonate tops ensure clarity and brightness, while the nylon bottoms contribute to a richer and warmer sound on bottoming out. While each model has its unique sound attributes, the similarity in their top housing material guarantees consistent results in terms of brightness, accommodating users who appreciate that characteristic in their typing experience. Thus, whether one opts for the Aflion Blush or the Everglide Rice Pudding, the overall sound quality will echo the advantages offered by their respective housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, significant differences in actuation force and bottom out force can be observed. The Blush switch has an unknown actuation force, while its bottom out force measures 58 grams, categorizing it as medium in weight. Conversely, the Rice Pudding switch features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a lower bottom out force of 48 grams. This makes the Rice Pudding a more favorable option for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, such as during long gaming sessions or work tasks. In contrast, the heavier bottom out force of the Blush switch may appeal to users who enjoy a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience. Therefore, the Aflion Blush is the heavier switch, while the Everglide Rice Pudding is the lighter option. Overall, users seeking a more percussive typing sensation might gravitate towards the Blush switch, while those desiring simplicity and ease without excessive force might favor the Rice Pudding switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, the Blush features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Rice Pudding has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference indicates that the Blush switch offers a shorter travel, which may cater more to users seeking quick and responsive key presses that are particularly favored by gamers. In contrast, the Rice Pudding's longer travel distance of 3.5 mm can provide a more pronounced tactile experience, appealing to those who prefer a deeper key press for a satisfying feel. While both switches operate effectively, the choice between them ultimately depends on user preference for either responsiveness or depth in their 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 Everglide Rice Pudding has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rice Pudding for $6.79.
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
When comparing the sound of the Aflion Blush linear switch to the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, the Blush is characterized by a low-pitched sound signature, resulting in a bass-heavy and mellow tone that can make your typing experience feel deeper and more resonant. This poppy sound, attributed to its long pole, adds a unique auditory layer to the switch's operation. The sound profile of the Rice Pudding switch is currently unknown, meaning that while it is noted to have a deep sound, specific descriptors or comparisons to the Blush’s sound signature remain unlisted. Ultimately, sound can also vary significantly depending on the keyboard build and keycap material used, which can influence the acoustic experience of each switch.
In terms of feel, the Blush switch excels with its creamy, silky, and buttery characteristics. These descriptors indicate a very smooth and enjoyable typing experience, making each keystroke feel effortless and fluid, as if your fingers are gliding across the keys. The unique long two-stage spring plays a role in enhancing this smooth feel, providing a satisfying tactile response with each press and release. On the other hand, the feel of the Rice Pudding switch is not defined, leaving its tactile qualities uncertain in comparison. Therefore, the experience it offers is currently not available for evaluation.
In conclusion, while the Aflion Blush linear switch is recognized for its impressive sound and exceptional smooth feel characterized by its creamy and buttery nature, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch lacks detailed descriptors concerning both sound and feel. Given the Blush’s known attributes, it promises a satisfying typing experience, while the Rice Pudding's qualities are still to be fully explored. If sound and feel are crucial to your typing experience, the Blush might be the more favorable choice at this point, while the Rice Pudding could offer undiscovered virtues worth investigating in the future.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch greatly depends on your personal typing preferences and the overall experience you desire. If you favor a medium bottom-out force with a rich, smooth, and snappy feel, the Aflion Blush is an excellent option. Its creamy and silky characteristics provide a delightful typing experience, making it ideal for those who appreciate a low-pitched sound that is more mellow and bass-heavy. This switch is perfect for general typing, gaming, or if you're looking for a satisfying tactile feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of only 48 grams, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch might suit you better. This switch offers a balanced and precise typing experience, particularly appealing for users who prioritize speed and responsiveness. Its compatibility with Wooting keyboards also adds a layer of versatility for enthusiasts seeking enhanced performance. Overall, consider what aspects are most important to you in your typing experience—whether it's the smoothness and sound signature of the Blush or the lightness and responsiveness of the Rice Pudding—to make an informed choice that meets your needs.