Aflion Blush vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Aflion Blush and Gateron Weightlessness present two distinct options that cater to different typing preferences. The Aflion Blush, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth and snappy typing experience, largely attributed to its longer, two-stage spring and long pole, delivering a buttery feel and a low-pitched, poppy sound signature. If you prioritize speed and a seamless keystroke without any tactile interruptions, the Blush might be your ideal choice. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness switches provide a subtle to moderate tactile feedback that many typists appreciate for enhancing their typing rhythm and precision. Their balanced sound profile further complements the tactile sensation, making them suitable for users who enjoy a slightly more responsive key feel while still maintaining a quieter environment. Both switches offer unique advantages depending on your typing style and 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
50g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
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
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the Aflion Blush and the Gateron Weightlessness, notable differences emerge that significantly affect the overall sound profile of the switches. The Blush features a polycarbonate top housing, which is renowned for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to its stiffer composition. This attribute allows for a more resonant sound profile, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists who appreciate clarity and brightness, especially when paired with RGB lighting effects. In contrast, the Weightlessness uses a nylon top housing, which yields a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon helps to absorb sound, culminating in a duller and rounder auditory experience, which may appeal to users seeking a quieter and more subtle typing or gaming environment.
Both the Aflion Blush and Gateron Weightlessness share nylon as their bottom housing material, creating a point of similarity in their sound characteristics. Nylon is established as a classic switch housing material, known for its ability to produce a rich, nuanced sound due to its sound-absorbing properties. As both switches utilize this same material for the base, users can anticipate that the bottom housing will provide the same impact on the typing experience, emphasizing the deeper and fuller sound profile that nylon offers. This shared bottom housing further accentuates the resonant qualities initiated by the top housings when a key is pressed, minimizing potential disparity during use.
Ultimately, the combination of different top housing materials results in distinct sound profiles for each switch, despite their shared nylon bottom housings. The Blush's polycarbonate top contributes a bright and clear sound as the keys are released, while the Weightlessness's nylon top yields a softer and more rounded tone. Together, these characteristics will affect the overall feel and acoustic experience when typing or gaming. Users looking for a particular sound signature might find the differences in these materials crucial; however, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches maintain a level of depth and richness in sound, creating a cohesive experience that highlights the performance of each individual switch.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Aflion Blush has an actuation force listed as None grams, which suggests that it has not been specified or does not require a particular force to activate. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch has an actuation force of 50 grams, indicating that it requires a moderate amount of force to trigger a keystroke. The bottom out force for the Aflion Blush is 58 grams, classified as medium, while the bottom out force for the Gateron Weightlessness is not disclosed. This means that while the Blush provides a more substantial experience with its higher bottom out force, the Weightlessness’s actuation force of 50 grams offers a lighter touch, which could be preferable for extended typing or gaming sessions. Overall, the Aflion Blush is the heavier switch in terms of bottoming out, while the Gateron Weightlessness is the lighter switch when it comes to actuation.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blush linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch exhibit slightly different travel distances, with the Blush measuring 3.3 mm and the Weightlessness at 3.4 mm. This means that the Weightlessness has a marginally longer travel distance compared to the Blush. For those who prioritize speedy responses in gaming and typing, the shorter travel distance of the Aflion Blush may be more appealing, providing a quicker actuation. Conversely, the slightly longer travel distance of the Gateron Weightlessness could appeal to users who appreciate deeper keystrokes, as it may offer a more substantial tactile experience. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you favor responsiveness or a more pronounced key depth.
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 Gateron Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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 boasts a low-pitched audio profile that provides a bass-heavy and mellow tone, which can enhance the overall typing experience by adding depth to your keystrokes. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch has a more balanced sound profile that aligns well with its tactile characteristics, though specific descriptors for its sound have not been provided. It's important to note that the sound produced will also be influenced by the keyboard's build quality and choice of keycaps, so while there may be distinct qualities attributed to each switch, the actual sound experience can vary.
In terms of feel, the Blush switch excels with its creamy, silky, and buttery sensations, providing a smooth and effortless typing experience. The two-stage spring plays a critical role in this, offering a snappy yet cushioned feedback that many typists find pleasurable. Meanwhile, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch is noted for its subtle to moderate tactile feedback, creating a satisfying typing experience though its specific textural sensations have not been detailed. This means while the Blush offers a rich, luxurious feel, the Weightlessness prioritizes a balanced tactile experience without particularly lavish descriptors.
In conclusion, the Aflion Blush linear switch and Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch each offer distinctive qualities that cater to different preferences. The Blush excels in delivering a rich auditory experience and an exceptionally smooth tactile feel, while the Weightlessness provides a more muted sound and a balanced tactile response. Ultimately, whether you prefer the creamy and buttery traits of the Blush or the moderate tactile feedback of the Weightlessness, each switch can enhance your overall typing experience based on your personal preferences and the type of keyboard build you choose.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch really depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a smooth and exciting typing experience, the Blush is your go-to option. Its creamy, silky, and buttery feel, combined with a low-pitched sound profile, makes it an excellent choice for enthusiasts who value both performance and auditory experience. The medium 58-gram bottom-out force gives you a nice balance, ensuring that your fingers won't tire easily during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, if you appreciate a moderate tactile feedback without compromising on sound, the Gateron Weightlessness is your best bet. Its subtle tactile feel and balanced sound profile cater well to those who prefer a more nuanced typing experience that still offers a satisfying feedback. Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether you desire the playful, smooth nature of the Aflion Blush or the understated, tactile satisfaction of the Gateron Weightlessness—both are excellent choices tailored to distinct typing experiences.
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