Aflion Blush vs. Kailh Sage
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the Kailh Sage switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Aflion Blush and Kailh Sage are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique typing experiences. The Blush, a linear switch, is best known for its impressively smooth and snappy type feel, thanks to its longer, two-stage spring. It also provides a poppy sound signature with its long pole. On the other hand, the Sage, a clicky switch, offers a distinct clicky typing experience with a refreshingly sharp clickiness. It has a heavier weight, adding to its invigorating and crunchy feel. If you prefer a low-pitched and creamy typing experience, the Blush may be the ideal choice for you. However, if you enjoy the satisfaction of a sharp and clicky typing sound, the Sage could be the best switch for you. Let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Dual-stage stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Aflion Blush and the Kailh Sage both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a shared characteristic of producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant sound, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a distinct acoustic experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the incorporation of RGB lighting, adding aesthetic appeal to the switches. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and lighting capabilities from both the Blush and the Sage.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Blush employs a nylon material, while the Sage also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. This commonality ensures that typing on both switches will evoke a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, users can anticipate a similar acoustic experience when typing on either the Blush or the Sage, as both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing.
It is important to note that when a switch features different materials for its top and bottom housing, the qualities of each housing material will be divided between the bottom-out sound and feel, as well as the sound when releasing a key. In this case, the bottom housing will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will contribute more to the sound when letting go of a key. While the Blush and the Sage share similarities in terms of their housing materials, these distinctions between top and bottom housings may result in slight variations in the overall typing experience between the two switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. In terms of actuation force, the specific gram measurements are unavailable for both switches, meaning we cannot determine whether they are the same or different. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Blush requires 58 grams, which falls in the medium range, while the Sage requires a heavier 70 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy category.
Weight is an important factor to consider when choosing switches, as it can impact typing comfort and endurance. Some individuals may prefer lighter switches, as they allow for longer typing sessions without fatigue, making them ideal for use at work or during extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, some users may prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. For those seeking a heavier force, the Sage switch would be a better option due to its higher bottom out force. However, as we do not have specific information regarding the actuation force, it is uncertain how the Blush switch compares in this aspect.
Overall, the Blush and Sage switches differ in their bottom out force, with the Sage being the heavier option. Without information on the actuation force, it is difficult to draw a direct comparison in this regard.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, it becomes evident that the Blush has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Sage offers a longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches deviate from the most traditional travel distance of 4.0 mm and the more shallow 3.0 mm range. However, in recent times, shorter travel distances have gained prominence, particularly among gamers seeking faster response times. Opting for the Blush switch with its shorter travel distance would provide a more responsive typing experience. On the other hand, some individuals may find short travel distances too abrupt, and for those who prefer a more hearty depth to their keystrokes, the Sage switch with its longer travel distance would be the suitable choice. In both cases, these switches offer distinct advantages based on individual preference, ensuring satisfying typing experiences.
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 Kailh Sage comes in at $6.25 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
The Aflion Blush linear switch is best known for its smooth and snappy feel. It offers a full and satisfying typing experience thanks to its longer, two-stage spring and long pole. Additionally, it provides a poppy sound signature. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage clicky switch offers a distinct clicky typing experience with a refreshingly sharp clickiness. The weight of the Sage switch is quite heavy, adding to the overall feel of the switch.
In terms of sound, the Blush switch has a low-pitched sound signature. This means that it produces a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Sage switch is described as "crunchy". This refers to a clicky switch that sounds like stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. Of course, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Blush switch is described as creamy, silky, and buttery. These descriptors indicate that the switch offers a smooth and buttery typing experience. It feels like gliding your fingers across the keys with ease, as they effortlessly melt into each keystroke. On the other hand, the Sage switch is described as invigorating and sharp. An invigorating switch offers pronounced feedback, firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. The sharp tactile bump of the Sage switch can be felt distinctly with each keypress.
In conclusion, the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch have distinctive sound and feel qualities. The Blush switch offers a smooth and snappy typing experience with a low-pitched sound, while the Sage switch provides an invigorating typing experience with a crunchy sound. If you prefer a smooth and buttery typing experience, the Blush switch would be a great choice. If you prefer a clicky and tactile typing experience, the Sage switch would be more suitable. Both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience depending on your personal preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a smooth and snappy typing experience with a poppy sound signature, then the Aflion Blush linear switch would be a great choice for you. With its medium bottom out force of 58 grams and descriptive terms like "cream," "silky," and "buttery," this switch offers a creamy and effortless typing sensation. On the other hand, if you prefer a distinct clicky typing experience with a heavy and sharp clickiness, the Kailh Sage clicky switch is the way to go. With a slightly heavier bottom out force of 70 grams and descriptors like "invigorating" and "sharp," this switch provides pronounced feedback and a crisp tactile bump. Ultimately, the decision between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch boils down to your preferences for typing feel and sound.
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