Aflion Blush vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Aflion Blush linear switch to the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, it becomes clear that each switch offers unique characteristics catering to different preferences. The Blush stands out for its smooth and snappy feel, thanks to its longer two-stage spring and poppy sound signature, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a creamy and buttery typing experience. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro offers a medium tactility with a light touch and neutral sound signature, appealing to users looking for a balanced 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
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Blush and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency allows for the use of RGB lighting, making it an ideal material for those looking to add visual flair to their setup. The similarities in the top housing material ensure that users can expect similar sound profiles and aesthetic benefits from both the Blush and the Violet Gold Pro.
However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing material. The Blush utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro also features a nylon bottom housing, providing users with a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile. This similarity in bottom housing material ensures that both switches offer a consistent typing experience that emphasizes a deeper and fuller sound.
When considering the impact of different housing materials on the overall typing experience, it is important to note how the qualities of each material are distributed between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing will predominantly affect the sound when a key is released. This distinction means that while the Blush and the Violet Gold Pro share a polycarbonate top housing, their nylon bottom housings may slightly influence the typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel.
Weight
The Aflion Blush linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch have differing actuation and bottom out forces. The Blush has a bottom out force of 58 grams, providing a medium resistance level, while its actuation force is unspecified. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams, offering a lighter touch, but the bottom out force remains unknown. The lighter actuation force of the Violet Gold Pro may make it more appealing to those who prefer a lighter typing experience, while the Blush's heavier bottom out force could cater to users who desire a more substantial push feel. Both switches offer unique qualities in terms of force, catering to different preferences for typing and gaming experiences.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Aflion Blush linear switch is 3.3mm, while the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8mm. In this case, the Blush has a shorter travel distance compared to the Violet Gold Pro. While both switches fall within the range of typical travel distances for mechanical keyboards, the 0.5mm difference may result in slightly different typing experiences. Gamers may prefer the Blush for its slightly faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Violet Gold Pro. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for typing feel and responsiveness.
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 Dareu Violet Gold Pro has an MSRP of $7.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet Gold Pro for $4.76.
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, emphasizing a bass-heavy and mellow tone that provides a unique auditory experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch presents a neutral sound profile which is versatile and suitable for a wide range of typing preferences and environments. Both switches offer distinct sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Blush providing a deeper sound and the Violet Gold Pro offering a more balanced tone.
In terms of feel, the Blush linear switch is known for its creamy, silky, and buttery typing experience, providing a smooth and luxurious sensation that enhances typing comfort. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch is described as stepped, offering a two-stage tactile feedback that provides a mild bump during typing. While the Blush focuses on delivering a soft and seamless keystroke, the Violet Gold Pro provides a more structured tactile response that can appeal to users seeking a slightly more pronounced feedback during typing. Both switches offer unique tactile experiences that cater to different typing preferences, with the Blush focusing on smoothness and the Violet Gold Pro offering a more defined tactile feel.
Overall, the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch each bring their own unique characteristics to the table in terms of sound and feel. The Blush excels in providing a distinctive low-pitched sound and a creamy typing feel that emphasizes smoothness and fluidity, while the Violet Gold Pro offers a neutral sound profile and a stepped tactile feedback for a balanced typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between the two switches to achieve their desired typing experience, knowing that both options provide high-quality performance and responsiveness for a satisfying typing session.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prioritize a smooth, snappy feel with a poppy sound, the Blush linear switch with its medium bottom out force of 58 grams might be the ideal option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a balanced tactile typing experience with a light touch and neutral sound, the Violet Gold Pro tactile switch would be a great choice, especially with its medium tactility and availability in a stepped design. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the specific feel and sound profile you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.