Aflion Blush vs. KTT Semi Mute
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the KTT Semi Mute switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Aflion Blush and KTT Semi Mute are both mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique features and benefits. The Blush switch, a linear switch, is highly regarded for its smooth and snappy typing experience. With a longer, two-stage spring, this switch provides an impressively smooth and full key feel. It also boasts a long pole that produces a distinctive poppy sound. On the other hand, the Semi Mute switch, also a linear switch, is specifically designed for those who value a noise-free environment and undisturbed typing. Despite its silent operation, it offers a comfortable and gratifying typing feel, thanks to its linear actuation and advanced dampening technology. The Semi Mute switch is perfect for late-night typing sessions. However, let's dive deeper into these switches to help you make the best decision based on your preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Dual-stage stainless steel spring
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Blush and the KTT Semi Mute share a similarity in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing. The properties of polycarbonate contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in both switches. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, allowing for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it favorable for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and aesthetic when using either the Blush or the Semi Mute.
However, where these switches differ is in their choice of materials for the bottom housing. The Blush utilizes nylon, a classic switch housing material known for eliciting deeper and fuller sound profiles. Nylon's relative softness absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. On the other hand, the Semi Mute opts for a polycarbonate bottom housing, complementing the properties of the top housing. This choice contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile for the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch.
Overall, the combination of different housing materials in each switch leads to a unique typing experience. The Aflion Blush excels in producing a sharp and resonant sound when releasing a key, thanks to its polycarbonate top housing. In contrast, the KTT Semi Mute delivers a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing due to the nylon bottom housing. The decision to use different materials for the top and bottom housings allows for a balanced and diverse sound profile in each switch, providing users with a range of options based on their sound preference.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, there are both similarities and differences to consider. In terms of actuation force, the Blush's value is unavailable, while the Semi Mute requires 43 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. Both switches have a bottom out force of 58 grams, indicating a medium level of resistance.
In terms of weight, the lighter option would be the KTT Semi Mute switch due to its lower actuation force. This can be advantageous for individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing them to type for longer periods without fatigue. It is particularly suitable for those who use their keyboards for extended work or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the heavier actuation force of the Blush switch provides a stronger push feel, appealing to individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience. This added resistance can contribute to increased precision and tactile feedback.
Although the actuation force for the Blush switch is unavailable, it can be presumed that it may offer a heavier push feel compared to the Semi Mute. However, since both switches have the same bottom out force, users can expect similar results when pressing the keys all the way down on either switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference, with the Blush offering potentially heavier resistance and the Semi Mute providing a lighter actuation force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Aflion Blush linear switch is 3.3 mm, while the travel distance of the KTT Semi Mute linear switch is 4 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Aflion Blush has a shorter distance compared to the KTT Semi Mute. The Aflion Blush's travel distance of 3.3 mm falls on the shallower end of the spectrum, making it ideal for gamers who prioritize faster response times. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute's travel distance of 4 mm is more traditional, providing a deeper and more robust feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and whether one prefers a shorter and more responsive feel or a longer and more substantial key press.
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 Semi Mute has an MSRP of $3.97 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi Mute for $3.55.
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
When comparing the sound qualities of the Aflion Blush and the KTT Semi Mute switches, the Blush switch offers a low-pitched sound profile. This means that it produces a deeper and mellower tone with a bass-heavy quality. On the other hand, the Semi Mute switch is described as muted, providing a softer and quieter sound. It aims to minimize the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards. 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. Ultimately, if you prefer a low-pitched and bass-heavy sound, the Blush switch would be a suitable option. However, if you prioritize a quieter and more muted typing experience, the Semi Mute switch would be a better choice.
In terms of feel, both the Aflion Blush and KTT Semi Mute switches offer smooth and effortless typing experiences. The Blush switch is described as creamy, silky, and buttery. This means that it provides a smooth, gliding sensation with each keystroke. It offers a seamless and uniform typing experience, ensuring that your fingers effortlessly melt into each key. Similarly, the Semi Mute switch is also described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Additionally, it is characterized as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe middle-ground zone. Both switches aim to enhance the overall smoothness and minimize resistance during the typing process. Hence, if you prefer a typing feel that is exceedingly smooth and buttery, either switch would deliver similar results.
Taking into consideration the available information, the Aflion Blush linear switch is best known for its impressively smooth, full, and snappy typing feel. It offers a poppy sound signature, making it suitable for those who enjoy a low-pitched and bass-heavy tone. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute linear switch prioritizes a noise-free environment and undisturbed typing, especially during late-night sessions. It provides a comfortable and gratifying typing feel with a muted sound profile. Both switches offer smooth and effortless typing experiences, with the Blush switch described as creamy, silky, and buttery, and the Semi Mute switch described as buttery and mild. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on individual preferences for sound and feel, ensuring an enjoyable typing experience for newcomers to mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a medium bottom out force of 58 grams, the Aflion Blush linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch are both great options. The Blush switch is best known for its impressively smooth, full, and snappy typing feel, thanks to its longer, two-stage spring and long pole providing a poppy sound signature. On the other hand, the Semi Mute switch is tailor-made for those who prioritize a noise-free environment, offering completely silent operation and a comfortable typing feel with its linear actuation and advanced dampening technology.
When it comes to sound, the Blush switch produces a low-pitched and mellow tone, while the Semi Mute switch offers a softer and quieter sound, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards.
In terms of feel, both switches provide a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. The Blush switch is described as creamy, silky, and buttery, offering a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Similarly, the Semi Mute switch is also described as buttery, providing a smooth and uniform typing feel, but with a more gentle and approachable touch.
Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch depends on your specific preferences. If you prioritize a smooth, snappy feel and a poppy sound, the Blush switch might be the one for you. However, if a noise-free environment and undisturbed typing are important to you, the Semi Mute switch would be an excellent choice. Overall, both switches offer high-quality performance and can enhance your typing experience.