Aflion Blush vs. TTC Silent Frozen (V2)
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, you may find yourself deciding between the Aflion Blush and the TTC Silent Frozen, both of which are linear switches. The Aflion Blush is highly regarded for its smooth and snappy typing experience, thanks to its longer, two-stage spring. Additionally, it offers a satisfying poppy sound signature, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen prides itself on its extremely quiet sound profile, perfect for those who prefer a more discreet typing experience. With its pillowy type feel, this switch ensures a smooth and comfortable keystroke. While these are general characteristics, it's important to delve deeper into the specifics of each switch to determine which one aligns best with your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
39g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Dual-stage stainless steel spring
Spring
Silver white spring
Housing materials
Comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Blush and the TTC Silent Frozen, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. This material choice creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate is also beneficial for those who plan to use RGB lighting. Therefore, both switches are likely to provide similar sound profiles and visual effects when it comes to the top housing.
However, where the switches differ is in their bottom housing materials. The Blush utilizes a nylon bottom housing, while the Silent Frozen features a polycarbonate bottom housing. Typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic nature. This results in a more rounded and duller sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Silent Frozen maintains the sharpness, higher pitch, and crispness of the overall sound profile. This stiffer plastic absorbs less sound, leading to a clearer and more resonant sound experience.
When it comes to the impact on sound and feel, the qualities brought by the bottom housing play a significant role. Pressing down on the switch will allow the user to feel the characteristics of the bottom housing, which is notably influenced by the Blush's nylon or the Silent Frozen's polycarbonate. Conversely, the sound when letting go of a key is primarily influenced by the top housing material, for which both switches employ polycarbonate. Thus, in terms of how the housing materials affect the tactile and auditory feedback, the switches may offer contrasting experiences due to their different bottom housing choices.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch, there are notable differences between the two. The Aflion Blush has an actuation force of unavailable grams, while the Silent Frozen has an actuation force of 39 grams, making it lighter. On the other hand, the Aflion Blush has a bottom out force of 58 grams, which is medium, whereas the Silent Frozen has a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it lighter as well.
In terms of weight, both of these switches offer different benefits. The lighter actuation force of the Silent Frozen can provide a smoother and less fatiguing typing experience, allowing for longer periods of use, which is ideal for those who spend extended time typing or gaming. Conversely, the heavier actuation force of the Aflion Blush can give a more substantial and satisfying push feel, providing a more tactile typing experience. This can be preferred by individuals who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke sensation.
While the actuation and bottom out forces differ between the Aflion Blush and Silent Frozen switches, both offer distinct advantages depending on personal preferences. Whether one prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience, these switches cater to different needs, ensuring that individuals can find the right fit for their specific preferences.
Travel distance
In terms of travel distance, the Aflion Blush linear switch has a distance of 3.3 mm, while the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, particularly among gamers who prioritize faster response times. If you are seeking a more responsive typing experience, the Blush switch with its shorter travel distance may be the preferable choice. However, if you prefer a more substantial key press and dislike the abruptness of shorter travel distances, the Silent Frozen switch with its slightly longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying and deeper typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired typing feel.
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 Frozen (V2) has an MSRP of $8.61 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Frozen (V2) for $5.33.
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 has a low-pitched sound profile with a poppy signature. This means that it produces a bass-heavy and mellow tone when pressed. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch is described as thocky, which means it produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound. It also has a low-pitched and muted sound, which makes it softer and quieter compared to regular mechanical switches. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. However, both switches offer pleasant sound qualities, with the Blush having a poppy sound and the Silent Frozen having a satisfying thocky sound.
When it comes to feel, both the Aflion Blush and TTC Silent Frozen switches provide a smooth and buttery typing experience. They are described as creamy and buttery, offering a seamless and effortless typing sensation. These switches have lubricant applied at the factory or use specific materials to ensure a silky and smooth keystroke. The Silent Frozen switch also offers a feathery feel, which means it is exceptionally light to press and reduces finger fatigue. Additionally, the Silent Frozen switch has a subtle typing feel, which means it has gentle resistance and is suitable for shared spaces. Both switches also have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Overall, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience with their smooth and buttery feel.
In conclusion, the Aflion Blush linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch offer impressive subjective qualities that make them ideal choices for different preferences. The Blush switch stands out with its poppy sound signature and smooth, snappy type feel. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen switch is characterized by its extremely quiet sound profile and pillowy type feel. Both switches offer a smooth and buttery typing experience, making them enjoyable to use. While they may have slightly different sound and feel characteristics, they both provide excellent options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Whether you prefer a poppy sound and snappy feel or a quiet sound and pillowy feel, you can expect similar smooth and satisfying results with either switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a medium bottom out force and a snappy type feel with a poppy sound signature, the Aflion Blush linear switch is the way to go. It offers an impressively smooth and full typing experience with a creamy and silky sensation, enhanced by its longer, two-stage spring. On the other hand, if you desire an extremely quiet sound profile with a light bottom out force, the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch would be a better choice. These switches are characterized by their super smooth and pillowy type feel, providing a silent and thocky sound when pressed. Moreover, the Silent Frozen switch also offers a creamy and buttery typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the Blush and Silent Frozen switches depends on your specific preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel.