Aflion Blush vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Aflion Blush and Jwick Taro are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer different features and experiences. The Blush, a linear switch from Aflion, is best known for its impressively smooth and snappy type feel. With a longer, two-stage spring and a long pole, it provides a full and poppy sound signature. On the other hand, the Taro, a tactile switch from Jwick, offers a cozy typing experience with a medium-level of tactility. It produces acute and crisp clacks while providing a comfortable and subdued color scheme. While the Blush is categorized as low-pitched, creamy, silky, and buttery, the Taro is described as neutral, buttery, and stepped. Each switch offers its unique advantages and it ultimately depends on personal preferences. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision on the best switch for your keyboard.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
No
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Dual-stage stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Blush and the Jwick Taro, we can see that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it particularly suitable for use with RGB lighting. Therefore, if you are looking for a switch with these characteristics, both the Blush and the Taro would provide similar results.
On the other hand, the housing materials differ in the bottom housing of the switches. The Blush incorporates nylon, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is because nylon is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the Taro also uses nylon for its bottom housing, providing a similar tactile and acoustic experience. Therefore, if you prefer switches that elicit a deeper and fuller sound, both the Blush and the Taro would be suitable options.
It is important to note that the top and bottom housings of a switch play different roles in determining its overall sound and feel. The bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, while both the Blush and the Taro share similar qualities in their top housings, the bottom housing materials contribute to slight variations in their overall performance.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. Both switches have an unavailable actuation force, making it difficult to directly compare them in this aspect. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Blush has a slightly lighter force of 58 grams, classified as medium, while the Taro has a heavier force of 67 grams, categorized as medium-heavy.
Considering weight is an important factor for keyboard users, as it can significantly impact the typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter feel may gravitate towards the Blush switch, as it allows for longer periods of comfortable typing. This lighter weight could be advantageous for those who use their keyboard extensively throughout the day, such as in a professional work environment or during long gaming sessions.
On the other hand, some individuals prefer a more substantial typing experience and enjoy the satisfaction of a stronger push feel. For these users, the Taro switch with its heavier bottom out force could be a better fit. The added resistance and weight may result in a more pronounced tactile feedback, providing a satisfying keystroke.
While the actuation force remains unknown for both switches, it is worth noting that a similar actuation force between the Blush and Taro switches would result in comparable outcomes. This means that users who appreciate a particular actuation force but still desire the varying bottom out forces offered by these switches may achieve similar results by selecting the switch with the matching actuation force.
Ultimately, the decision between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch will depend on individual preferences for weight and typing experience. Whether one favors a lighter touch for comfortable extended use or a heavier push for a more substantial and satisfying keystroke, both switches provide options that cater to varying user preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Blush has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Taro has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which have become more popular in recent times. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. If responsiveness is a priority for you, opting for the Blush with its shorter travel distance would be ideal. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt and prefer a more substantial feel. In this case, the Taro with its slightly longer travel distance might be the better choice. Overall, the Blush offers a shorter travel distance, while the Taro provides a bit more 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 Jwick Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
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 is best described as having a low-pitched tone. This means that it produces a more bass-heavy and mellow sound compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro tactile switch is described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate sound profile that is suitable for most intents and purposes. The Taro switch's sound is also dependent on other factors such as the choice of board and keycaps. Overall, both switches offer different sound profiles, with the Blush having a low-pitched sound and the Taro having a neutral sound, providing options for different preferences.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Blush linear switch offers a creamy, silky, and buttery typing experience. This means that it provides a smooth and buttery sensation when typing, with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The Blush switch is known for its smoothness and effortless keystrokes, as if gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro tactile switch is described as having a buttery and stepped feel. This means that it provides a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, similar to the Blush switch. Additionally, the Taro switch has a stepped tactile feel, meaning it has two stages in its tactile feedback, with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. Both switches offer a smooth and enjoyable typing experience, with the Blush having a creamy and silky feel, while the Taro has a buttery and stepped feel.
In conclusion, the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch offer different qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Blush has a low-pitched sound signature, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone, while the Taro has a neutral sound profile suitable for most purposes. In terms of feel, both switches offer a smooth and fluid typing experience, with the Blush having a creamy and silky feel, and the Taro having a buttery and stepped feel. These switches provide options for different preferences, allowing users to choose based on their desired sound and typing experience. However, it is important to note that the overall sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, both the Blush and Taro switches offer satisfying typing experiences, albeit with slightly different characteristics. Choosing either switch will result in a similar smooth and enjoyable typing sensation.
Conclusion
To conclude, if you're someone who values a smooth and snappy typing experience with a poppy sound signature, the Aflion Blush linear switch is a great choice. With its longer, two-stage spring and long pole, this switch offers an impressively smooth and full typing feel. Additionally, if you prefer low-pitched switches that produce a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, the Blush is a fitting option.
On the other hand, if you prioritize comfort and enjoy a cozy typing experience with acute and crisp clacks, the Jwick Taro tactile switch is the way to go. These switches provide a snappy and medium-level of tactility, making each keystroke satisfying. Furthermore, if you prefer a neutral sound profile that is suitable for both beginners and advanced users, the Taro switch is a solid match.
In terms of feel, both switches offer a buttery typing experience. The Blush switch is described as creamy and silky, providing a smooth and effortless typing sensation. The Taro switch, on the other hand, is also buttery but has a stepped feel, giving a more mild tactile experience with some pre-travel and/or post-travel.
Ultimately, the decision between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch depends on your personal preferences. Consider factors such as typing feel, sound profile, and desired level of tactility when making your selection. Remember that both switches offer a medium to medium-heavy bottom out force, making them suitable for most typing purposes.
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