Aflion Blush vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly influence your typing experience, and two noteworthy options are the Aflion Blush and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy), both linear switches. The Aflion Blush stands out with its longer, two-stage spring that delivers an impressively smooth, full, and snappy typing feel, making it ideal for users who enjoy a creamy, buttery typing experience accompanied by a low-pitched and poppy sound signature. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) boasts Ly stems that provide a super smooth action, delivering a resonant sound profile that can enhance the tactile feedback during use. While the Blush may be preferred for its creamy texture and lively auditory feedback, the Tomcat (Heavy) is likely to appeal to those who favor a more consistent and refined sound with a focus on smooth keystrokes. 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 (Heavy) Linear

$6.00

$4.07 per 10

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

Both the Aflion Blush and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which contributes to their acoustic performance. The polycarbonate material is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its inherent stiffness. As both switches employ this material, users can expect a similar response when typing, characterized by clarity and resonance. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for effective RGB lighting integration, enhancing the visual appeal of both switches. This shared material not only elevates the aesthetic aspect but also solidifies the sound quality, making both options attractively comparable regarding performance and design.

In contrast, the bottom housing of the Blush and the Tomcat (Heavy) is made from nylon. This classic material offers different sound characteristics from the polycarbonate found in their tops. Nylon’s relatively softer nature absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to its stiffer counterpart. This dynamic between the two different materials in the housing allows for a unique interplay of auditory experiences as the bottom housing contributes to the overall typing feel and impact of bottoming out. While the top housing enhances the sound created on release, the nylon bottom housing serves to enrich the overall typing experience through a smoother and more muted resonance.

When pressing the switches, users will notice how these different materials work together to produce a rounded auditory experience. The nylon bottom housing's ability to absorb sound creates a more subdued bottom-out sound, while the polycarbonate top produces a harmonic and crisp release note. This combination ensures a balanced auditory profile where the sweet high notes from the top and the warm resonances from the bottom come together harmoniously. Therefore, despite the distinctions in their bottom housings, the overall performance quality of both the Aflion Blush and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) can be harmoniously similar, attributed to the shared polycarbonate top and the classic nylon bottom.

Weight

When comparing the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Aflion Blush has an actuation force of None grams, which means it lacks a specified actuation requirement, indicating a very light and potentially effortless keystroke experience. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) requires a force of 55 grams to actuate, making it distinctly heavier in that regard. Regarding bottom out forces, the Blush has a measurement of 58 grams, while the Tomcat has a slightly higher bottom out force of 64 grams. This positions the Tomcat as the heavier switch overall, suitable for those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. If both switches had similar actuation forces, users would experience comparable keystroke sensitivities, but in this case, the Blush design offers a lighter touch for extended use, which may cater better to users who prioritize comfort during long typing or gaming sessions.

Travel distance

The Aflion Blush linear switch features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Blush switch allows for a shorter actuation than the Tomcat, which could provide a more responsive experience typically favored by gamers looking for quicker key presses. On the other hand, the Tomcat's longer travel distance may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel when typing, offering a more traditional depth. Ultimately, if you're leaning towards speed and responsiveness, the Aflion Blush is the better option, while the Bsun Tomcat may be more suitable for those who appreciate a heftier, deeper key press.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Aflion Blush linear switch has a low-pitched sound profile, characterized by its bass-heavy and mellow tone. This makes it a more subdued option compared to other switches that may have a higher frequency. The poppy sound signature, combined with its longer pole design, offers a unique auditory feedback that many users find satisfying. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switch is noted for its resonant sound profile, though specific characteristics of this sound have not been detailed. Given that sound can be influenced by the keyboard build and keycap material, both switches may produce varying acoustic experiences depending on their specific configurations.

In terms of feel, the Aflion Blush linear switch is celebrated for its creamy, silky, and buttery qualities. This means that the typing experience is extremely smooth and pleasant, allowing fingers to glide effortlessly over the keys. Users can expect a seamless and comfortable interaction with the keyboard, largely due to the longer two-stage spring and well-crafted design. Conversely, details about the feel of the Tomcat (Heavy) switch have not been provided, leaving its tactile experience unspecified.

In conclusion, the Aflion Blush linear switch is a strong contender in the world of linear switches, offering a satisfying auditory and tactile experience characterized by its smoothness and low-pitched sound. The Tomcat (Heavy) switch boasts a resonant sound profile but lacks specific attributes regarding its feel. Without more information on the Tomcat's resonance and tactile qualities, it’s challenging to make a direct comparison, but enthusiasts can expect to find a smooth typing experience with both switches. Ultimately, for those seeking linear switches, the Blush stands out as a well-rounded option, while the Tomcat's performance would need further exploration.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a smooth and enjoyable typing experience with a softer bottom-out force of 58 grams, the Blush switch would be an excellent fit. Its unique two-stage spring and longer pole design provide that creamy, silky, and buttery feel, making it ideal for lengthy typing sessions or casual gaming, where rapid and fluid keystrokes are beneficial. Furthermore, its low-pitched sound adds a mellow touch that can enhance your overall typing environment. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly firmer resistance and find that you appreciate a more resonant sound profile with your typing, the Tomcat (Heavy) switch, with its bottom-out force of 64 grams, may be more suitable for you. The enhanced actuation and strong feedback can cater to users who enjoy a substantial keypress, especially in fast-paced gaming or when precision typing is important. In summary, choose the Blush for a smooth, enjoyable experience with a gentle touch, and the Tomcat (Heavy) for a more tactile, robust feel that supports active typing or gaming sessions.

Mentioned in this article

Aflion Blush Linear

$6.00

$4.07 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more