Aflion Blush vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Aflion Blush and KTT Sea Salt Lemon are both linear mechanical keyboard switches, but they offer different features and characteristics. The Blush, known for its impressive smoothness and snappy typing experience, stands out with its longer, two-stage spring and long pole that provides a poppy sound signature. Categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Creamy', 'Silky', and 'Buttery', the Blush switch offers a unique tactile feel. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon, with its progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design, delivers a buttery smooth typing experience. Categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', and 'Mild', the Sea Salt Lemon represents a more subdued and gentle feel. 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
53g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Blush and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon both utilize polycarbonate as the material for their top housing. This choice of material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially suitable for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar sound quality and aesthetic appeal from both the Blush and the Sea Salt Lemon when it comes to their polycarbonate top housing.
On the other hand, the bottom housing of the Blush and the Sea Salt Lemon differs in material, with both switches opting for nylon. Nylon is a classic housing material that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The relatively softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Consequently, both switches are likely to produce a similar typing experience in terms of sound when it comes to their nylon bottom housing.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in the Blush and Sea Salt Lemon provides a balanced sound profile. While the top housing affects the sound when letting go of a key, the bottom housing predominantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. Therefore, users can expect a harmonized blending of the crispness and clarity from the polycarbonate top housing with the depth and fullness from the nylon bottom housing in both the Aflion Blush and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The actuation force of the Blush is unavailable, making it uncertain how much force is required to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the Sea Salt Lemon has an actuation force of 45 grams, which is lighter compared to the Blush. This lighter actuation force of the Sea Salt Lemon allows for quicker and easier keystrokes.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Blush requires 58 grams of force to bottom out, providing a medium level experience. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon has a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it slightly lighter than the Blush. This lighter bottom out force can be beneficial for those who prefer a gentler typing experience, reducing the strain on their fingers during long typing sessions or gaming marathons.
Considering the weight aspect, some users may prefer a lighter switch like the Sea Salt Lemon as it allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, which is ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. However, there are individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. These users may prefer a switch with a heavier actuation force, although it is unclear how heavy the Blush is in this regard since the information is unavailable.
In conclusion, the Aflion Blush linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch differ in terms of their actuation force and bottom out force. The Sea Salt Lemon has a lighter actuation force and slightly lighter bottom out force compared to the Blush. This makes it more suitable for users who prefer a lighter and smoother typing experience, while the Blush may provide a more substantial feel but lacks defined information on its actuation force.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blush linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch have different travel distances. The Blush has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Sea Salt Lemon has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Sea Salt Lemon has the longer travel distance, making it a better choice for those who prefer a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the Blush offers a shorter travel distance, which is favored by gamers who prioritize faster response times. The Blush provides a more responsive typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference.
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 KTT Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80 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
In terms of sound, both the Aflion Blush linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch are described as low-pitched. Low-pitched switches typically feature a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. However, the Sea Salt Lemon also has a descriptor of "neutral," indicating a moderate sound profile suitable for most intents and purposes. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the choice of board and keycaps. Therefore, both switches are likely to provide similar results in terms of sound.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Blush linear switch is described as creamy, silky, and buttery. These descriptors indicate a smooth and buttery typing experience, with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The Sea Salt Lemon, on the other hand, is described as mild, offering a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. While the exact feel of the Sea Salt Lemon is not explicitly mentioned in the provided information, its mild nature suggests a comfortable and approachable typing experience. Therefore, the Blush switch provides a more luxurious and smooth feel, while the Sea Salt Lemon offers a gentler and more moderate typing experience.
Considering the available information, the Aflion Blush linear switch stands out for its smooth, full, and snappy type feel, thanks to its longer, two-stage spring and long pole. It also provides a poppy sound signature. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch showcases a buttery smooth typing experience with its progressive spring and dry-lube design, making it a lovely representation of what a linear switch can be. Both switches offer low-pitched sound profiles, with the Sea Salt Lemon also having a neutral characteristic suitable for different purposes. The Blush switch delivers a creamy, silky, and buttery feel, while the Sea Salt Lemon offers a milder and more approachable typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two boils down to personal preference and the specific qualities one is seeking in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering the Aflion Blush linear switch, you may want to choose this switch if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force of 58 grams and enjoy a snappy type feel. The Blush switch is known for its smoothness and a poppy sound signature, providing a satisfying typing experience. Additionally, if you prefer a low-pitched sound profile, the Blush switch can offer a more bass-heavy and mellow tone.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a lighter bottom out force, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch with its 53 grams might be a better fit. The Sea Salt Lemon switch is highly regarded for its buttery smooth typing experience, thanks to its progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design. This switch offers a gentle typing experience and stands in a safe middle-ground zone, making it approachable for most users. Additionally, if you prefer a low-pitched sound profile and a switch suitable for various settings and skill levels, the Sea Salt Lemon can be a great choice.
Ultimately, the decision between the Aflion Blush and KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switches depends on your personal preferences regarding bottom out force, typing feel, and sound profile. Both switches offer their own unique qualities and can provide an enjoyable typing experience. Consider your preferences and requirements to make an informed choice that suits you best.
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