Aflion Blush vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Aflion Blush and the Jerrzi Salt Ice mechanical keyboard switches, both being linear switches, it becomes apparent that they each offer unique features tailored to different preferences. The Aflion Blush is celebrated for its smooth, full, and snappy feel, thanks to its longer two-stage spring and long pole, resulting in a poppy sound signature. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches are known for their bright and clacky characteristics, paired with a light touch, making them ideal for users seeking an energetic and responsive typing experience. 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
N/A
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
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Dual-stage stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Blush and the Jerrzi Salt Ice, both switches feature polycarbonate top housings that create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which results in a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate is advantageous for switches with RGB lighting. However, the Blush incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Salt Ice. Nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound overall.
While both the Blush and the Salt Ice utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, the difference in their bottom housing materials results in varying sound profiles. The Blush's nylon bottom housing provides a softer and fuller sound experience, contrasting with the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Salt Ice, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. The impact of the bottom housing is felt during key presses, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing plays a larger role in the sound when releasing a key. This difference in housing materials allows for unique sound characteristics in each switch.
In conclusion, the Aflion Blush and the Jerrzi Salt Ice both showcase the benefits of using polycarbonate in their top housings for creating a sharper and more resonant sound profile, especially when paired with RGB lighting. However, the Blush stands out with its nylon bottom housing, offering a deeper and fuller sound experience compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Salt Ice. The choice of housing materials in each switch impacts the overall sound profile and feel, highlighting the importance of considering both the top and bottom housings for achieving desired sound characteristics in custom mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, there are notable differences. The Blush has a bottom out force of 58 grams, providing a medium resistance level, while its actuation force is not specified. On the other hand, the Salt Ice has an actuation force of 45 grams, suggesting a lighter touch needed to trigger a keystroke, although its bottom out force is unknown. In terms of weight, the Salt Ice is lighter, making it potentially more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions where finger fatigue may be a concern. In contrast, the Blush offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and desired force levels.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, it is evident that the Blush has a slightly shorter distance of 3.3 mm compared to the Salt Ice's 3.4 mm travel distance. Both of these switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. The Blush may offer a slightly quicker feel due to its shorter travel distance, while the Salt Ice provides a slightly more prolonged key press experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference regarding the desired level of responsiveness and key press depth.
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 Jerrzi Salt Ice has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Salt Ice for $2.30.
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 is known for its low-pitched and poppy sound signature, offering a bass-heavy and mellow tone with a satisfyingly crisp sound when typing. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch is described as exceptionally bright and clacky, providing a vibrant feedback that adds an energetic element to the typing experience. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Blush focusing on a deeper tone while the Salt Ice delivers a lively and crisp sound.
Moving on to feel, the Aflion Blush linear switch is renowned for its creamy, silky, and buttery typing experience. These descriptors highlight the smoothness, ease, and fluidity of typing on the Blush switch, making it feel like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. In contrast, the feeling of the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch remains unknown. However, based on available information, we can expect a light touch and effortless actuation that contribute to a responsive and comfortable typing experience. While the specific feel of the Salt Ice switch may differ from the Blush, both switches prioritize a smooth and enjoyable typing sensation.
In conclusion, the Aflion Blush linear switch stands out for its smooth, full, and snappy feel with a low-pitched and poppy sound signature. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch offers a bright and clacky typing experience with vibrant feedback and effortless actuation. While each switch has its own unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, both switches prioritize a smooth and responsive typing experience that caters to different preferences. Ultimately, whether you prefer the deeper tone and creamy feel of the Blush or the bright and clacky sensation of the Salt Ice, you can expect a high-quality typing experience with either switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, consider the following factors. You might want to choose the Blush for its medium bottom out force of 58 grams, smooth and snappy feel, and poppy sound signature. This switch is best suited for those looking for a creamy, silky, or buttery typing experience. On the other hand, the Salt Ice offers a bottom out force of None grams, bright and clacky characteristics, and a light touch. It excels in providing vibrant feedback and effortless actuation for a lively typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize feel, sound, actuation force, or overall typing experience. Choose the switch that aligns best with your preferences and typing style to enhance your mechanical keyboard setup.
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