Aflion Blush vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, two popular switch options to consider are the Aflion Blush and the TTC Silent Brown. The Aflion Blush is a linear switch, known for its impressive smoothness and snappy feel, thanks to its longer, two-stage spring. The switch also offers a satisfying poppy sound signature, making it a great choice for those who appreciate a tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown is a tactile switch that provides a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance. It features a rounded tactile bump that adds a satisfying feedback to your keystrokes. Additionally, the Silent Brown switch stands out for its muted sound profile, making it a desirable option for those who prefer a quieter keyboard. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Dual-stage stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Blush and the TTC Silent Brown have distinct differences and similarities. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to polycarbonate's stiffness, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for those who plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows for enhanced visual effects. Therefore, both switches offer similar sound qualities and visual appeal through their polycarbonate top housings.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Aflion Blush opts for nylon, while the TTC Silent Brown also utilizes nylon. Nylon is known to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This absorption leads to a duller and rounder sound, providing a different auditory experience compared to the polycarbonate top housing. Therefore, there is a notable contrast in sound between the two switches due to their different bottom housing materials.
In terms of functionality, the bottom housing plays a more significant role in the overall sound and feel of the switch when pressed down. It influences the bottom-out sound, creating a noticeable impact and tactile feedback. On the other hand, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. These distinctions highlight the importance of both housing materials in determining the overall typing experience and sound characteristics of the Aflion Blush and the TTC Silent Brown switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, we find some similarities and differences. Starting with the actuation force, the Blush's force is unavailable, while the Silent Brown requires 45 grams of force for actuation. Although we don't have a specific value for the Blush, it is safe to assume that it falls within a similar range to the Silent Brown, considering both switches are medium in terms of bottom out force.
Moving on to the bottom out force, we find that the Blush requires 58 grams of force, which is medium, whereas the Silent Brown has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, falling into the medium-heavy category.
Considering weight as a factor, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Silent Brown switch due to its lower actuation force of 45 grams. This lighter force allows for longer periods of typing, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial feel and a stronger push when typing may opt for the Blush switch or other options with heavier forces.
While the exact actuation force for the Blush is unknown, it is likely to provide a similar experience to the Silent Brown, both falling within the medium range. Therefore, users can expect comparable results when it comes to triggering keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blush linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Comparing the two, it is clear that the Silent Brown has a longer travel distance than the Blush. The Blush's travel distance is on the shorter side, making it a suitable choice for gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Silent Brown provides a deeper key press with its longer travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer different levels of responsiveness and depth, allowing users to choose according to their personal preferences.
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 TTC Silent Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $3.68.
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 is best known for its impressively smooth and snappy typing feel. It features a longer, two-stage spring and a long pole, which provides a poppy sound signature. In terms of sound, the Blush switch is described as having a low-pitched tone, which gives it a more bass-heavy and mellow sound compared to higher-pitched switches. The Blush switch also provides a creamy, silky, and buttery typing experience, with a seamless and uniform sensation. It can be described as gliding your fingers across the keys with ease.
On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch is known for offering a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump. The Silent Brown switch features a muted sound profile, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. In terms of feel, the Silent Brown switch can also be described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. It is considered a mild switch, offering a more gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. The switch's polished finish and reduced friction result in a sleek and polished typing experience.
In conclusion, the Aflion Blush linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch have some notable differences in sound and feel. The Blush switch offers a poppy and low-pitched sound with a creamy and silky typing feel. On the other hand, the Silent Brown switch has a more muted sound profile and offers a buttery and polished typing experience. However, both switches provide smooth and uniform typing sensations. Depending on individual preferences, either switch can deliver a satisfying typing experience. It's important to consider other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps when evaluating sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium bottom out force and a smooth, full, and snappy typing feel, the Aflion Blush would be a great choice. Its longer, two-stage spring and long pole contribute to its impressive smoothness and poppy sound signature. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a slightly higher bottom out force and a comfortable typing experience, the TTC Silent Brown is worth considering. It offers a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump. Additionally, its muted sound profile makes it a quieter option. Ultimately, the Aflion Blush excels in providing a creamy, silky, and buttery typing experience, while the TTC Silent Brown offers a buttery, mild, and polished feel. Consider your preferences for sound and feel when deciding between these two switches. Overall, both switches have their strengths and are suitable for different typing preferences.
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