Aflion Blush vs. HC Studio Roselle
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the HC Studio Roselle switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Aflion Blush and the HC Studio Roselle mechanical keyboard switches, both being linear switches, it becomes evident that they offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The Blush is renowned for its impressively smooth and full feel, attributed to its longer two-stage spring design, while also providing a poppy sound signature. On the other hand, the Roselle stands out for its inherent material blend that delivers an incredibly smooth typing experience, coupled with a subtle low-pitched sound signature. While the Blush is characterized as 'Low-pitched', 'Creamy', 'Silky', and 'Buttery', the Roselle is labeled as 'Bassy', 'Frictionless', 'Low-pitched', 'Mild', and 'Neutral'. Both switches have their unique strengths and appeal, catering to different typing preferences; 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
52g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Y3
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
20.5mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Blush and the HC Studio Roselle, one can see distinct differences in the sound profiles they produce. The Blush's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, thanks to its relatively stiff nature, while the Roselle's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. However, both switches offer unique sound experiences that cater to different preferences - the Blush with its clear and resonant sound, and the Roselle with its pleasing and deeper tone. Despite their differences, both switches are designed to enhance the overall typing experience with their specific sound profiles.
Moving on to the bottom housings of the switches, the Blush's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and creating a rounder sound profile. Similarly, the Roselle's POM bottom housing also contributes to a deeper and more muted sound profile, aligning with its top housing characteristics. While the materials may be different, both switches offer a rich and satisfying sound experience that is unique to their respective housing materials. Whether one prefers a sharper and crisper sound or a deeper and more muted tone, both the Blush and the Roselle deliver on providing an enhanced typing experience.
Overall, the choice between the Aflion Blush and the HC Studio Roselle ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. While the Blush uses polycarbonate for its top housing and nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in a sharper and richer sound, the Roselle opts for POM for both top and bottom housings, producing a deeper and more muted sound. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, ensuring that typists can find a housing material that suits their individual typing style and sound preferences. Ultimately, whether you choose the Blush or the Roselle, you can expect a unique and pleasing typing experience that is tailored to your sound profile preferences.
Weight
Comparing the Aflion Blush linear switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, it is clear that they both offer a relatively light typing experience. The Blush has a bottom out force of 58 grams, while the Roselle is slightly lighter at 52 grams. However, the actuation force of the Blush is unspecified, unlike the Roselle which requires 45 grams. Both switches fall within the medium-light to medium range in terms of force required. For those who prefer a lighter touch when typing, either of these switches would be suitable. However, for those who enjoy a bit more resistance for a more substantial typing experience, the Blush may provide a slightly more satisfying feel due to its higher bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blush linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the HC Studio Roselle linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall on the shorter side of traditional travel distances, with the Roselle being slightly longer than the Blush. Gamers may prefer the Blush for its slightly shorter travel distance, allowing for faster response times during intense gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Roselle with its slightly longer travel distance. Overall, both switches offer a similar experience, with the Blush providing a slightly quicker actuation and the Roselle offering a bit more depth in keypress.
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 HC Studio Roselle has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Roselle for $4.70.
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, poppy sound signature, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone during key presses. On the other hand, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch features a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, with a subtle, low-pitched sound signature that resembles deep and rich bass tones. Both switches offer a similar low-pitched quality in sound, providing a pleasant typing experience that may vary depending on the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Blush linear switch is described as creamy, silky, and buttery, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience with a silky sensation that enhances the overall smoothness of typing. In contrast, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch is characterized as frictionless and mild, providing an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys. Although the two switches have different descriptors, they both aim to provide a smooth and enjoyable typing experience, catering to users who prefer a gentle and approachable feel.
In conclusion, both the Aflion Blush linear switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch offer impressive qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Blush switch is known for its poppy sound signature and smooth, full, and snappy feel, the Roselle switch stands out for its impossibly smooth and ethereally wispy sensation and subtle low-pitched sound. Whether you choose the Blush or Roselle, you can expect a satisfying typing experience with a focus on smoothness and enjoyable sound profiles.
Conclusion
In closing, when selecting between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and a smooth, full, and snappy typing experience with a poppy sound signature, then the Blush switch might be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and an impossibly smooth and ethereally wispy typing experience with a subtle, low-pitched sound signature, then the Roselle switch could be more suited to your liking. Consider your sound and feel preferences carefully before making your decision, as both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice is yours to make based on what feels best for your typing needs.
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