Aflion Blush vs. Bsun Tomcat

Overview

When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often debate the merits of various options, and two standout linear switches in the market are the Aflion Blush and the Bsun Tomcat. The Aflion Blush is celebrated for its impressive smoothness and a unique typing feel attributed to its longer, two-stage spring that provides a satisfying snappy response. Its long pole design not only enhances the tactile experience but also contributes to a low-pitched, creamy, silky, and buttery sound signature that many users find appealing. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat is renowned for its Ly stems that deliver an exceptionally smooth typing experience coupled with a resonant sound profile. Both switches present benefits that cater to different preferences, making the Blush ideal for those who appreciate a lively sound and responsive feedback, while the Tomcat appeals to those seeking a quieter, yet smooth and seamless typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Aflion Blush Linear

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$6.00

$4.07 per 10

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Aflion Blush and the Bsun Tomcat both employ polycarbonate for their top housings, leading to significant similarities in their acoustic properties. Polycarbonate, recognized for its stiffness, allows for a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in both switches. This material's rigidity enhances sound resonance, contributing to a clear and defined auditory experience that is especially pronounced when RGB lighting is employed. Aesthetically, both switches benefit from the translucency of the polycarbonate, making them well-suited for owners looking to showcase vibrant lighting effects through the key switches.

In contrast, the bottom housings of both switches utilize nylon, a material known for its unique sound characteristics. Nylon's softer composition results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, effectively absorbing more sound compared to stiffer plastics. This means that while the upper sound emitted by both switches is bright and clear due to the polycarbonate tops, the bottom end of the auditory experience is richer and rounder thanks to the nylon material. This dynamic interplay of materials results in a balanced sound profile, where the strength of the top housing complements the depth provided by the bottom housing.

Thus, while both the Aflion Blush and the Bsun Tomcat utilize similar materials for their top and bottom housings, the combination leads to a distinctive sound experience that integrates clarity with resonance. The polycarbonate top allows for crispness, especially in the context of RGB lighting, and the nylon bottom enhances the fullness of sound during key presses. As such, users can expect a harmonious auditory experience due to the complementary nature of the materials, producing a unified yet intricate sound profile across both switches.

Weight

When comparing the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Blush switch has an unknown actuation force but features a bottom out force of 58 grams. In contrast, the Tomcat has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 54 grams. This indicates that while the Blush may provide a more substantial typing experience due to its higher bottom out force, the Tomcat is the lighter choice overall, making it more suitable for those who prefer extended use without fatigue. The Blush’s unknown actuation force leaves some ambiguity in assessing how it compares directly to the Tomcat; however, the Tomcat’s known actuation force allows for a clearer recommendation for users seeking a lighter feel. Ultimately, if you prioritize ease of use and comfort for longer typing sessions, the Tomcat would be the preferred option, while the Blush could cater to those who appreciate a heftier push.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, the Blush measures 3.3 mm compared to the Tomcat's slightly longer distance of 3.6 mm. This difference indicates that the Blush, with its shorter travel distance, may offer a more responsive feel, appealing to gamers and those seeking quick key actuations. Conversely, the Tomcat's travel distance provides a more substantial depth, which some users might prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, if you desire a quicker response, the Blush would be the ideal choice, while the Tomcat would be better suited for those who appreciate that extra depth in their keystrokes.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Aflion Blush switch features a low-pitched, bass-heavy tone that creates a mellow auditory experience. This sound signature is further enhanced by its long pole, contributing to a poppy character that can be quite satisfying during typing sessions. This auditory feedback makes the Blush switch distinct and engaging for users who appreciate a deeper sound profile. In contrast, the sound qualities of the Bsun Tomcat switch are currently undisclosed, leaving an unknown variable when comparing them. It's worth noting that the overall sound experience can also be influenced by the specific keyboard setup, including the choice of board and keycaps.

When considering the feel, the Blush switch shines with its creamy, silky, and buttery sensations, offering users an impressively smooth and enjoyable typing experience. The longer two-stage spring greatly contributes to a full, snappy response, allowing for effortless keystrokes and a near-gliding effect as fingers move across the keys. This smoothness maximizes typing comfort and efficiency. On the other hand, the Tomcat switch is known for its Ly stems, which are designed to deliver a super smooth typing experience, but specifics about the texture or overall feel are not available. Therefore, while the Blush switch provides a clear and richly textured experience, the Tomcat remains enigmatic in terms of tactile sensations.

In summary, the Aflion Blush switch stands out for its low-pitched sound and a notably smooth and satisfying feel, enhanced by its design elements. The poppy auditory feedback combined with a creamy, buttery keystroke makes it a compelling choice for those who enjoy tactile and auditory richness while typing. Meanwhile, details on the Bsun Tomcat's sound and feel remain unclear, leaving open the possibility of a different yet potentially enjoyable experience. Users can expect a smoother typing experience with either switch, although they may achieve varying auditory and tactile results depending on their specific preferences and setups.

Conclusion

To summarize, the choice between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a bit more resistance and appreciate a snappy, satisfying feedback with a low-pitched, bass-heavy sound, the Blush is likely the better option for you, especially if you enjoy a smooth, creamy, and buttery typing experience facilitated by its unique long spring and pole design. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a tactile feel that emphasizes smoothness, you might gravitate towards the Tomcat, which, while offering a slightly lower bottom-out force, is designed for those who seek an effortless typing experience. While the Blush provides a more pronounced and textured engagement with each keystroke, the Tomcat brings forth a resonant sound profile that reduces effort while maximizing fluidity. Ultimately, consider your typing habits, whether you prioritize a stronger tactile response or a gleamingly smooth glide, as both switches offer distinct characteristics to enhance your mechanical keyboard journey.

Mentioned in this article

Aflion Blush Linear

$6.00

$4.07 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more