Aflion Blush vs. Gazzew U4Tx RGB
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between linear and tactile options can significantly impact your typing experience. The Aflion Blush, celebrated as Aflion's finest linear offering, stands out with its longer two-stage spring, delivering an exceptionally smooth and responsive typing feel, accompanied by a satisfying yet subtle "poppy" sound. The low-pitched, creamy, silky, and buttery characteristics make it an excellent choice for gamers or typists who favor swift keystrokes without tactile interruptions. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB provides a distinct experience with its sharp tactile bump and the deep "thock" sound associated with its bottoming out, while maintaining a quieter topping out. This combination caters well to users who appreciate a luxurious typing experience and enjoy a tactile feedback that enhances precision during their 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
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Dual-stage stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Aflion Blush and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches, the materials used for their housings showcase distinctive characteristics that ultimately influence their sound profiles. The Aflion Blush features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for contributing to a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This stiffness allows the sound to resonate more clearly, especially when associated with RGB lighting, as polycarbonate's translucence enhances the overall aesthetic appeal. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB's proprietary "boba plastic" top housing, while not specifically polycarbonate, is designed to produce a richer and deeper sound profile owing to its softer nature. The choice of these materials creates two contrasting auditory experiences which can be quite pronounced during typing.
When examining the bottom housings, both switches employ softer materials that serve to deepen their sound profiles. The Aflion Blush utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, known for its ability to absorb sound and create a fuller, rounder auditory experience. This characteristic helps dampen the higher frequencies produced by the top housing, making it particularly effective for a more muted sound. Conversely, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB also adopts the Gazzew blend for its bottom housing, further emphasizing a rich sound profile similar to the nylon without losing its own uniquely soft essence. Both switches, thus, leverage softer bottom housing materials to enhance the overall audio experience, albeit through different material formulations.
The interplay between the top and bottom housings in both switches illustrates how they achieve their unique sound profiles while sharing some common traits. Although the Aflion Blush features polycarbonate on the top and nylon on the bottom, leading to a clearer sound when releasing the key and a duller feel upon bottoming out, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB, with its proprietary blend top and bottom housing, emphasizes depth and richness in sound. Ultimately, users can expect both switches to deliver distinct qualities in their actuation and release sounds due to their varied materials. Yet, despite these differences, the end results can be surprisingly similar, particularly in the lower frequency responses produced by their respective softer bottom housings, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for users regardless of their choice.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, we find distinct differences in their bottom out forces, although their actuation forces are both unspecified. The Blush switch has a bottom out force of 58 grams, categorized as medium, while the U4Tx RGB features a slightly heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. This difference indicates that users who prefer a lighter switch may lean towards the Blush, as its softer bottoming out may facilitate longer typing sessions without fatigue. Conversely, for those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience, the U4Tx RGB's heavier bottom out force may be more appealing. Despite the actuation forces being unknown, the specific bottom out forces suggest that the Aflion Blush linear switch is the lighter option, while the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch is the heavier choice.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blush linear switch features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance at 3.6 mm. This difference of 0.3 mm can influence the typing experience significantly. If you're someone who prefers a more responsive feel when typing or gaming, the shorter travel distance of the Blush switch may be more appealing, as it allows for quicker actuation. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB, with its greater depth, might provide a more satisfying tactile feedback for those who enjoy a more pronounced keypress. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference for response time versus tactile depth, as the Blush offers a snappier experience, whereas the U4Tx RGB delivers a fuller feeling with its longer travel distance.
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 Gazzew U4Tx RGB comes in at $6.50 per 10 switches.
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 provides a unique auditory experience with its low-pitched and poppy sound signature. This characteristic contributes to an engaging typing experience, as the low bass-heavy tone gives it a mellow feel compared to higher-pitched alternatives. While the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch does not have a specific description for its sound quality listed, its design suggests it produces a distinct deep "thock" upon bottoming out, which can be complemented by a quieter topping out. Overall, the two switches likely offer contrasting sound experiences, making the Blush more melodic while the U4Tx leans towards a luxurious depth.
When it comes to feel, the Blush switch excels with its creamy, silky, and buttery attributes that provide an exceptionally smooth and enjoyable typing experience. This is a result of its longer, two-stage spring and well-crafted materials, allowing for a seamless transition between keystrokes that feels like gliding over the keys. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB's tactile nature implies a more pronounced feedback with its sharp tactile bump, adding a layer of responsiveness that might not be as smooth but is nonetheless refined for a luxurious typing experience. Although the U4Tx’s exact feel characteristics are not specified, its intended design hints at a different kind of satisfaction compared to the silky nature of the Blush.
In summary, the Aflion Blush and Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches serve different preferences and experiences for users. The Blush stands out with a smooth, low-pitched sound and a buttery tactile feel, ideal for those who enjoy a silent and creamy keystroke. Conversely, the U4Tx RGB caters to those who prefer a richer sound experience with a deeper bottoming out and tactile feedback. Both switches offer unique qualities; your choice would depend on your specific typing style and auditory preferences, although they cater to different aspects of the keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch largely depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you prioritize a smooth and buttery typing experience, the Blush switch will likely serve you well, especially if you enjoy a lower bottom-out force around 58 grams that allows for a snappy, yet comforting feel. This switch is particularly suitable for those who type frequently and appreciate a quiet yet satisfying auditory feedback—ideal for both gaming and office environments. On the other hand, if you desire a more tactile experience accompanied by a slightly heavier actuation force of 65 grams and a distinct "thock" sound, the U4Tx RGB is your best bet. Its tactile bump adds a luxurious touch to your typing, making it perfect for tasks that require precision and awareness, such as coding or writing. Ultimately, consider how each switch aligns with your typing style and sound preference; this will ensure you make an informed decision that enhances your keyboard experience.