Aflion Blush vs. Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2)
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Blush and Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) both offer excellent linear options. The Blush is celebrated for its impressively smooth and full feel, thanks to its longer, two-stage spring, while also providing a poppy sound signature. On the other hand, the Strawberry Wine (V2) stands out for its resonant and clacky notes, along with a factory lube job that ensures each keystroke is silky smooth. The Blush is characterized as low-pitched, creamy, silky, and buttery, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) is described as clacky, resonant, silky, and high-pitched. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
52g
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
Y3
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Ly
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
Single-staged 21mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Blush and Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Blush's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, while the Strawberry Wine (V2)'s POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. Despite their differences, both materials boast distinct advantages. Polycarbonate's stiffness leads to a clear and resonant sound, ideal for showcasing RGB lighting, while POM's properties create a pleasing and unique sound profile that leans towards the deeper end of the spectrum.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, both switches utilize nylon for their construction. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings results in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound overall. This consistency in bottom housing material means that users can expect a similar typing experience when using either the Aflion Blush or the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2). The resonance and depth brought by nylon contribute to a satisfying sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience.
When a switch features different top and bottom housing materials, it divides the unique characteristics of each material between the top and bottom of the switch. The impact of the bottom housing is more noticeable when pressing down on a key, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Meanwhile, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound emitted when a key is released. This distinction is important to consider when comparing switches like the Aflion Blush and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2), as the combination of housing materials plays a crucial role in determining the overall sound profile and typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, it is clear that the Blush has a higher bottom out force of 58 grams compared to the Strawberry Wine (V2) with a bottom out force of 50 grams, making the Blush the heavier option. However, the Strawberry Wine (V2) has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, which is lower than the None grams of the Blush. The actuation force is crucial as it determines the force needed to trigger a keystroke, while the bottom out force relates to fully pressing the keys. Ultimately, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Strawberry Wine (V2), while those who enjoy a more substantial feel may lean towards the Blush. Both switches offer unique advantages depending on the user's preference.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blush linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.4 mm. Despite this slight difference, both switches fall within the category of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those seeking faster response times. Gamers, in particular, may appreciate the quicker actuation provided by these switches. However, for those who prefer a more substantial keypress feel, the slightly longer travel distance of the Strawberry Wine (V2) may offer a more satisfying typing experience. Overall, both switches offer relatively short travel distances, providing similar results in terms of responsiveness.
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 Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Wine (V2) for $4.35.
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
In terms of sound, the Aflion Blush linear switch offers a low-pitched and poppy sound signature, which tends to be bass-heavy and mellow. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch provides a clacky and resonant sound profile, delivering a sharp, crisp, and immersive auditory experience, with a higher-pitched tone. Both switches offer distinct sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Blush presenting a fuller and snappier sound, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) offers a more sharp and clacky tone.
Moving on to the feel, the Aflion Blush linear switch is known for its creamy and silky typing experience, offering a smooth and buttery sensation that makes typing effortless and enjoyable. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch also provides a silky typing experience, enhancing the overall smoothness of keystrokes and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Both switches offer a similar smooth and pleasant typing feel, making them suitable choices for those who prioritize a comfortable typing experience.
In conclusion, the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch offer unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. While the Blush switch boasts a low-pitched sound and creamy typing feel, the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch provides a clacky and resonant sound with a silky typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on individual preference for sound and typing feel, as both switches offer high-quality performance in their respective categories.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, consider the following guidelines based on your preferences. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and enjoy a smooth, full, and snappy typing experience with a poppy sound signature, the Blush switch might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and value switches with resonant and clacky notes, as well as impeccable factory lube for a silky smooth typing experience, then the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the type of typing feel and sound profile that best matches your preferences and typing style.
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