Aflion Blush vs. Huano Sakura
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the Huano Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Aflion Blush and the Huano Sakura each offer unique features that cater to different typing preferences. The Aflion Blush is celebrated for its smooth and responsive typing experience, thanks to its longer, two-stage spring design that delivers a full and snappy feel. Furthermore, its long pole contributes to a distinctive poppy sound signature, making each keystroke feel satisfying. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura caters to users who favor a lighter touch; its feather-light feel combined with medium acoustics makes it an excellent choice for those who often engage in extended typing sessions. While the Blush excels in delivering a more dynamic and pronounced typing experience, the Sakura prioritizes comfort and ease of use over long periods. 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
35g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Blush and the Huano Sakura utilize different materials for their top housings, which contributes to distinct sound characteristics despite both featuring nylon as the material for their bottom housings. The Blush employs polycarbonate for its top housing, which is known for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This stiffness in the plastic aids in achieving a clearer and more resonant sound, making it particularly appealing for users who enjoy a bright auditory experience, especially when paired with RGB lighting due to its translucence. On the other hand, the Sakura uses POK (polyketone) for its top housing. While POK is exceptionally smooth and durable, it tends to yield a sound profile that is more clacky rather than the sharper pronunciation provided by polycarbonate.
Despite the differences in the top housing materials, both switches feature nylon for their bottom housings, attributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a classic choice in switch housing due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound and results in a rounder auditory experience. With both the Blush and the Sakura implementing nylon in the bottom housing, this shared characteristic ensures that the overall bottom-out feel and sound during keystrokes remain consistent across both switches. Users who prioritize a warmer sound signature will find similarities in their typing experience, as the nylon construction provides a familiar tactile feedback regardless of the differing top housing materials.
Ultimately, the composite nature of these switches, with their distinct top housing materials contrasted against a shared nylon bottom, results in a unique blend of auditory characteristics. The sound profile when bottoming out will be enriched with the softer nylon in both cases, creating a fuller foundation in the audio experience. Meanwhile, the top housing impacts the sound upon release, with the Blush leaning towards a brighter, crispier sound due to its polycarbonate, while the Sakura's POK offers a smooth yet clacky experience. Therefore, while there are evident contrasts, the underlying similarity brought forth by nylon in the bottom housing leads to a cohesive auditory experience regardless of the choice between the Blush or Sakura.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces highlight their suitability for different user preferences. The Aflion Blush has an unspecified actuation force, but a bottom out force of 58 grams, classified as medium, indicating that it offers a more resistant and substantial feel upon full depression. In contrast, the Huano Sakura features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a lower bottom out force of 45 grams, giving users a softer typing experience that can be less fatiguing during extended use. Consequently, the Sakura is the lighter option, appealing to those who favor ease of use over a noticeable resistance, while the Blush presents itself as the heavier choice for those who enjoy a more tactile response in their keystrokes. Overall, users seeking a keyboard that reduces strain during prolonged sessions might prefer the Sakura's lighter characteristics, whereas those looking for a firmer typing sensation might gravitate towards the Aflion Blush.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, we find a clear difference between the two. The Aflion Blush has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Huano Sakura features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Blush will offer a more responsive experience, making it particularly appealing to gamers who favor quicker key presses. In contrast, the Sakura’s longer travel distance provides a more pronounced tactile experience, which some users may prefer for a satisfying typing feel. Therefore, if you seek efficiency and enhanced responsiveness, the Aflion Blush would be the preferable option, whereas the Huano Sakura is better suited for those who enjoy deeper keystrokes.
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 Huano Sakura has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura for $3.29.
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 produces a low-pitched sound that delivers a bass-heavy, mellow tone, contributing to an auditory profile that is soft yet distinct. This sound is characterized by a poppy signature, making it subtly engaging without being overly disruptive, which enhances the overall typing experience. In contrast, the Huano Sakura linear switch's sound profile is not provided, but it's important to note that sound can be influenced by various factors, including the choice of keyboard and keycaps. Therefore, while the Blush offers a definitive, bass-rich sound, the Sakura’s acoustic qualities remain less understood.
When it comes to feel, the Blush switch stands out for its impressively smooth typing experience, attributed to its longer, two-stage spring. This design not only allows for a creamy, silky, and buttery feel, but it also ensures that each keystroke glides into the next with minimal resistance. Users can expect a fluid and effortless typing sensation that promotes comfort during extended use. The texture of the switch is inherently designed to provide satisfaction across a diverse range of typing applications. The Huano Sakura's feel characteristics remain unknown, although it is suggested that it offers a feather-light touch. Given the Blush's well-defined tactile feedback, the Sakura may also provide a pleasant experience, but without specific descriptors available, direct comparisons are challenging.
In conclusion, while the Aflion Blush linear switch offers a well-defined sound and an exceptional tactile feel, the Huano Sakura switch presents an opportunity for lightweight comfort, though details on its sound and feel are less explicit. If searching for an engaging auditory experience along with a smooth typing sensation, the Blush would likely be the go-to choice. However, for those who prioritize a lightweight touch for extended typing sessions, the Sakura could provide a unique alternative. Ultimately, both switches can deliver satisfying results even if they cater to slightly different preferences in sound and ergonomics.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you appreciate a more tactile and satisfying typing experience with a medium bottom-out force, the Blush might be the better option for you. Its creamy, silky, and buttery feel, paired with its low-pitched sound signature, makes it ideal for those who enjoy a snappy yet smooth keystroke, perfect for both gaming and extended typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer an ultra-light touch and a switch that feels effortless to press, the Sakura is a fantastic choice. With its lighter bottom-out force, the Sakura provides a comfortable and less strenuous typing experience—especially beneficial during long hours of work or gaming. Additionally, its medium acoustics can be a suitable fit if you want to avoid loud key presses while still enjoying a decent sound profile. Ultimately, consider how you like your keyboard to feel and sound when deciding between these two versatile linear switches.
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