Aflion Blush vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Blush and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring offer distinct features that cater to different preferences. The Blush is Aflion's best linear offering, providing an impressively smooth and snappy type feel thanks to its longer, two-stage spring. With a long pole, it also offers a poppy sound signature. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring is a tactile switch that delivers a medium level of tactility. It boasts a lower actuation and bottom-out force, making it approachable for users who prefer a tactile response. Additionally, it offers a deep and thocky sound profile. While these general pointers provide a glimpse into the characteristics of each switch, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Dual-stage stainless steel spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Blush and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring share a similarity in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more distinct sound when typing. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency is perfect for RGB lighting enthusiasts, as it allows the light to shine through and enhance the aesthetic appeal of the keyboard.
While the top housings of both switches are similar, their bottom housings differ. The Blush features a nylon bottom housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. This difference in bottom housings gives each switch a unique sound experience, with the Blush offering a deeper tone and the Shadow (Ink) providing a more pronounced and defined sound.
When it comes to the overall feel and sound of the switches, the bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. This means that the material used for the bottom housing, whether it be nylon or polycarbonate, will greatly influence the typing experience and the sound produced when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the top housing has more influence on the sound when you release a key, giving it a more distinct and resonant tone. Therefore, while the top housing material may be the same for both switches, their different bottom housings contribute to a noticeable difference in the overall typing experience and sound produced.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, it is clear that they have distinct differences. The actuation force of the Blush is unavailable, while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring requires 48 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Blush requires 58 grams while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring requires 55 grams.
In considering weight, some individuals prefer a lighter actuation force to enable them to type for extended periods, making it an ideal choice for those who frequently use their keyboard at work or engage in long gaming sessions. Conversely, others may prefer a heavier push feel to enhance their typing experience, providing a more substantial sensation. Therefore, those individuals should opt for options with heavier forces.
Despite the unavailable value for the actuation force of the Aflion Blush, it is evident that the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams compared to the Blush's unknown value. Furthermore, when it comes to bottoming out, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring is slightly lighter at 55 grams, while the Blush requires 58 grams. Overall, it can be concluded that the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring is lighter in both actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Aflion Blush.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, we can see distinct differences. The Blush has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Blush's travel distance is on the shorter side compared to the more traditional 4.0 mm travel distance, making it suitable for those seeking a faster response time, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring provides a more substantial depth with its longer travel distance, offering a more satisfying experience for those who prefer a switch with a bit more heft. Both switches have their advantages, with the Blush catering to those who favor a shorter travel distance and the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring appealing to individuals who enjoy a longer, more deliberate keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preferences and the desired level of responsiveness or 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 Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring for $3.57.
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 it comes to sound, the Aflion Blush linear switch offers a low-pitched sound signature. This means that it has a bass-heavy and mellow tone, providing a pleasing auditory experience. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch is unknown, so we cannot definitively compare it to the Blush switch in this aspect. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Blush linear switch is described as creamy, silky, and buttery. This means that it offers a smooth and buttery typing experience, with a sensation of gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. The Blush switch achieves this smoothness through possible factory lubrication or specific materials used in its construction. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. This gives the keys a lively feel with a noticeable rebound when pressed.
Overall, the Aflion Blush linear switch is highly regarded for its smoothness, fullness, and snappy typing experience. It also produces a poppy sound signature. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch is recommended for those seeking a tactile switch with medium tactility and a deep, thocky sound profile. While the sound profile of the Shadow switch is unknown, it is likely to provide a satisfying auditory experience. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preferences in terms of switch type, sound, and feel. If you are looking for a smooth and creamy typing experience, the Blush switch is a great choice, while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch offers a bouncier tactile feedback.
Conclusion
In closing, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium bottom out force, then the Aflion Blush switch would be the ideal choice for you. With its longer, two-stage spring, it offers a smooth and snappy typing experience, accompanied by a poppy sound signature. On the other hand, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-light bottom out force, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch would be a great option. It provides a pleasant level of tactility and features a deep and thocky sound profile. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on whether you prioritize the smooth and buttery feel of the Blush or the bouncy feedback of the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring.
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