Aflion Blush vs. Aflion Thunder Shadow
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the Aflion Thunder Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Blush and the Aflion Thunder Shadow stand out as top contenders. The Aflion Blush is a linear switch renowned for its smooth and snappy typing experience, thanks to its two-stage spring and long pole construction. It offers a poppy sound signature and is categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Creamy', 'Silky', and 'Buttery'. On the other hand, the Aflion Thunder Shadow is a tactile switch that boasts a pronounced tactile bump while maintaining a balanced feel with a 63.5g bottom-out force. It is known for its neutral sound signature and is categorized as 'Invigorating' and 'Neutral'. These general pointers can help you decide which switch might suit your typing preferences. 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
N/A
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
3.50 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Dual-stage stainless steel spring
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the Aflion Blush and the Aflion Thunder Shadow feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially useful for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind. The similarities in top housing material suggest that both the Blush and Thunder Shadow will likely produce similar sound profiles and aesthetics when it comes to key presses and lighting effects.
On the other hand, the differentiating factor between the Blush and Thunder Shadow lies in their nylon bottom housings. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This creates a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of the Blush and Thunder Shadow provides a unique tactile experience that complements the sound produced by the top housing material.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housings and nylon bottom housings in both the Aflion Blush and the Aflion Thunder Shadow results in a well-balanced tactile and auditory experience for users. While the differences in bottom housing material may lead to slight variations in sound profiles, the overall design of both switches aims to provide a satisfying typing experience. The Blush and Thunder Shadow showcase how complementary housing materials can work together to create distinct yet harmonious keyboard switches.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, it is clear that both switches have a similar actuation force of None grams, making them equally light in terms of initial key press. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Blush requires 58 grams while the Thunder Shadow requires 63.5 grams, making the Thunder Shadow the heavier option for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. The lighter actuation force of both switches allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue, but the heavier bottom out force of the Thunder Shadow provides a more tactile feedback for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Overall, the Blush is a lighter option while the Thunder Shadow is a heavier option, catering to different preferences for typing and gaming experiences.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, it is clear that the Blush has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Thunder Shadow has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Blush is ideal for those who prefer a more responsive typing experience, as the shorter travel distance allows for faster response times, which is favored by gamers. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow may be more suitable for individuals who enjoy a deeper key press, as the longer travel distance provides a more substantial feel. Both switches offer distinct typing experiences due to their differences in travel distance, so choosing between the two ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style.
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 Aflion Thunder Shadow has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Thunder Shadow for $3.91.
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 offers a low-pitched and poppy sound signature, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch has a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. Both switches offer distinct sound characteristics that can enhance the overall typing experience, with the Blush being more bass-heavy and the Thunder Shadow being more moderate and suitable for various purposes.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Blush linear switch is described as creamy, silky, and buttery, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience that feels like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. In contrast, the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch provides an invigorating typing sensation with pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. Both switches offer unique tactile sensations that cater to different preferences, with the Blush focusing on smoothness and the Thunder Shadow emphasizing feedback and responsiveness.
Overall, both the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch offer distinctive qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Blush provides a smooth and snappy typing experience with a low-pitched sound signature, the Thunder Shadow offers a balanced tactile bump and neutral sound profile. Depending on personal preferences for typing feel and sound, users can choose between the creamy and silky sensation of the Blush or the invigorating feedback of the Thunder Shadow. Ultimately, both switches showcase Aflion's dedication to innovation and quality in the mechanical keyboard switch industry, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for users.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, consider your preference for bottom out force and typing experience. If you prefer a smoother and snappier typing feel with a medium bottom out force, the Blush linear switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more pronounced tactile bump and a medium-heavy bottom out force for an invigorating typing experience, the Thunder Shadow tactile switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision boils down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and typing style. Choose the switch that best aligns with your individual preferences and needs for a satisfying typing experience.
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