Aflion Blush vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Blush and the Huano Strawberry Latte stand out as exemplary linear options, each offering unique characteristics to enhance your typing experience. The Aflion Blush is celebrated for its smooth and snappy typing feel, thanks to its longer, two-stage spring and a long pole that contributes to a poppy sound signature. This switch is characterized by a low-pitched, creamy, silky, and buttery profile, making it a fantastic choice for those who appreciate a tactile yet unobtrusive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte excels in delivering a super smooth action paired with a balanced sound profile that strikes a perfect middle ground—neither overly quiet nor excessively resonant. This makes it suitable for users who seek a refined and consistent typing experience without too much distraction. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel, making them worthy contenders in the world of linear switches. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
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 Huano Strawberry Latte switches showcase distinct differences in their top housing materials, contributing to their unique sound profiles. The Blush utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and translucence, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when typing. This material is particularly advantageous for setups featuring RGB lighting, allowing light to pass through effectively, adding a visually appealing effect. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte employs POK, or polyketone, which, while it offers a slightly higher coefficient of friction, excels in durability and wear resistance. This results in a smoother typing experience characterized by a clacky sound. Therefore, while both switches have top housings designed to enhance sound, the Blush focuses on clarity and brightness, while the Strawberry Latte emphasizes a smooth and robust throughput.
Despite the differences in their top housing materials, both the Aflion Blush and Huano Strawberry Latte share a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. The use of nylon, a classic material for switch housings, ensures that both switches absorb sound more effectively, resulting in a rounder auditory experience when typing. This commonality allows for similar acoustic qualities in both switches, particularly when bottoming out, where the softer nylon dampens sound, ultimately producing a satisfying audible response. Thus, while their top housings differ greatly in composition and resulting sound characteristics, the shared nylon bottom housing plays a crucial role in unifying their performance.
In terms of overall experience, the combination of distinct top housings with a consistent bottom housing means that users will experience a blend of both sound profiles. For the Aflion Blush, the crisper and brighter notes from the polycarbonate will shine during release, while the rich, full sound from the nylon helps mellow out the impact when a key is pressed. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte will provide a smoother yet pronounced clacky output at the top end, accompanied by the same fullness offered by nylon on bottoming out. Consequently, some users may find themselves drawn to the Blush for its RGB compatibility and brightness in sound, while others may prefer the durability and smoothness of the Strawberry Latte, underscoring how material choices can significantly augment the overall typing experience in keyboard switches.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Blush switch reports an actuation force of unknown grams, but it has a bottom out force of 58 grams, which is categorized as medium. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte switch features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a lower bottom out force of 45 grams. This makes the Strawberry Latte the lighter option overall, appealing to users who prefer less resistance for extended typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, the Blush switch, with its heavier bottom out force, might cater to those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel. Users seeking a more tactile typing experience might appreciate the added push of the Blush switch, while those preferring ease and speed would benefit from the lighter Strawberry Latte. Overall, these differences lead to distinct typing experiences suited for different preferences and usage scenarios.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, the Blush has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Strawberry Latte features a longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Aflion Blush switch will provide a quicker actuation, appealing to gamers who favor rapid response times and a more tactile experience with a shorter travel. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte, with its greater depth, may offer a more substantial feel that some users find preferable for typing or prolonged use, as it allows for a slightly more deliberate actuation. In summary, those seeking a responsive feel might favor the shorter 3.3 mm travel of the Blush, while users who appreciate a deeper engagement will likely lean towards the longer 3.6 mm travel of the Strawberry Latte.
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 Huano Strawberry Latte has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Latte for $3.29.
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 offers a low-pitched sound signature that is characterized by a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. This sound profile contributes to an overall pleasant auditory experience while typing, creating a solid pop that is satisfying without being overly harsh. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch provides a balanced sound profile, which strikes a healthy middle ground—it's neither too quiet nor excessively resonant. This balance allows for a more versatile typing experience, making it suitable for both peaceful office settings and louder environments. It's important to note that the sound experience can be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycap materials, meaning users may find variations in sound depending on their specific setups.
When it comes to tactile feel, the Blush switch is renowned for its creamy, silky, and buttery characteristics. This smooth typing experience is often associated with factory-applied lubrication and is enhanced by the materials used in the switch construction. Typing on the Blush gives a sensation of gliding effortlessly across the keys, with each keystroke feeling fluid and uniform. On the other hand, the subjective attributes of the Huano Strawberry Latte switch in terms of feel are currently unknown; thus, comparisons in this area cannot be defined. Given the Blush's rich attributes, it’s likely that the Strawberry Latte could offer a different, yet potentially pleasing experience, aligning with its engineering innovations.
Overall, while the Aflion Blush and Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches present distinct qualities, both offer appealing features suitable for different typing preferences. The Blush excels in creating a smooth, rich sound and an exceptionally creamy feel, making it ideal for users looking for a luxurious typing experience. The Strawberry Latte's balanced sound profile hints at a more nuanced auditory experience, though its tactile properties are yet to be fully defined. Users may find both switches enjoyable for different reasons, and exploring each in a personal setup will reveal their individual strengths.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and intended use. If you favor a more tactile experience with a medium actuation force and appreciate a low-pitched, poppy sound signature, the Aflion Blush will likely be your go-to option. Its creamy, silky feel delivers a smooth and buttery typing experience that can enhance both typing and gaming. In contrast, if you prefer a lighter touch with a softer bottom-out force, the Strawberry Latte is a strong contender for you. Known for its super smooth operation, it provides a balanced sound profile that won't overpower your workspace while still delivering a satisfying feel. Consider what you prioritize in your typing experience: for a snappy, rich sound and robust feel, choose the Blush; but if you desire a seamless and light experience with a more understated sound, the Strawberry Latte will serve you well.
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