Aflion Blush vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Blush and the Durock White Lotus are two popular options that cater to different preferences. The Blush, a linear switch, is best known for its smooth and snappy type feel, thanks to its longer, two-stage spring. It offers a satisfying tactile experience and a distinct poppy sound signature. On the other hand, the White Lotus is a tactile switch that prioritizes a delicate tactility, making it perfect for extended typing sessions without overwhelming the user. Additionally, it features a removable light column that allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects, adding a captivating glow to your keyboard setup. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can decide which switch is best suited for your specific needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
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 long spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Blush and the Durock White Lotus differ in their choice of housing materials. The Blush features a polycarbonate top housing, while the White Lotus boasts a modified PC and UPE Blend housing. Although both materials offer unique characteristics, they also provide similar results in terms of sound profile and aesthetic appeal. The polycarbonate top housing of the Blush creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, thanks to its relatively stiffer plastic composition. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate allows for the use of RGB lighting, enhancing the overall visual experience. Similarly, the modified PC and UPE Blend housing of the White Lotus offers a premium feel and contributes to a distinct sound profile.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Blush and the White Lotus utilize nylon. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder tone. This characteristic of nylon contributes to a more satisfying typing experience for enthusiasts. Thus, both the Blush and the White Lotus provide a similar sound profile due to their nylon bottom housing.
When analyzing the impact of the housing materials on the overall typing experience, it is worth noting that the top and bottom housings play different roles. The bottom housing has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel. As a result, the choice of housing material for the bottom housing can significantly affect the tactile feedback and overall typing experience. Conversely, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound that is generated when a key is released. Accordingly, the choice of housing material for the top housing can influence the "rebound" sound after a key press. Both the Blush and the White Lotus carefully consider these factors to ensure optimal typing satisfaction.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, we can see some notable differences. The Blush switch has an actuation force of unavailable grams, making it difficult to determine its exact force. On the other hand, the White Lotus has a comparatively lighter actuation force of 46 grams. This means that the White Lotus requires less force to trigger a keystroke compared to the Blush.
In terms of bottom out force, the Blush switch has a bottom out force of 58 grams, which is considered medium. Meanwhile, the White Lotus has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 56 grams, categorized as medium-light. This indicates that the White Lotus switch provides a slightly lighter typing experience when fully pressed down compared to the Blush switch.
Considering the weight aspect, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the White Lotus switch due to its lower actuation and bottom out forces. This can be beneficial for those typing for extended periods or engaging in prolonged gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing feel may prefer the Blush switch with its higher bottom out force. The heavier force required for bottoming out can provide a more satisfying and tactile typing experience.
In summary, while the actuation force of the Blush switch is unavailable, it can be inferred that it is heavier compared to the 46-gram actuation force of the White Lotus switch. In terms of bottom out force, the Blush switch requires a heavier force of 58 grams, while the White Lotus has a lighter bottom out force of 56 grams. These differences in weights cater to varying preferences, allowing users to choose between a lighter or heavier typing experience based on their desired level of feedback and endurance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, it is evident that they have different distances. The Blush has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the White Lotus has a travel distance of 4 mm. The White Lotus is the longer of the two switches, providing a deeper feel when pressing down on the keys. On the other hand, the Blush offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which can be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times. Both options offer distinct advantages depending on personal preference. If you value a more responsive typing experience, the Blush's shorter travel distance may be the better choice. However, if you prefer a more substantial and satisfying keystroke, the White Lotus with its longer travel distance would be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preference for 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 Durock White Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the White Lotus for $4.57.
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, both the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch are described as having a low-pitched sound profile. Low-pitched switches typically offer a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. However, it should be noted that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps. Therefore, while both switches have a low-pitched sound, the exact sound produced may vary depending on the setup.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Blush linear switch is described as having a creamy, silky, and buttery typing experience. These terms indicate that the Blush switch offers an exceptionally smooth and fluid keystroke experience. The typing sensation is described as gliding effortlessly across the keys, with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch is described as easy-to-press, mild, and subtle. This suggests that the White Lotus switch provides a gentle typing experience with low-impact and responsive key presses. It falls into a safe middle-ground zone in terms of its characteristics.
Overall, both the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch have their own unique qualities. The Blush switch stands out for its impressively smooth, full, and snappy type feel, enhanced by its long pole that provides a poppy sound signature. On the other hand, the White Lotus switch offers a delicate tactility that strikes the perfect balance for work and extended typing sessions.
While their sound profiles are both low-pitched, the Blush switch focuses on a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, while the White Lotus switch has a more moderate sound profile suitable for various purposes. In terms of feel, the Blush switch offers a creamy, silky, and buttery typing experience, while the White Lotus switch is easy-to-press, mild, and subtle.
Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch would depend on the individual's personal preference for sound and feel. However, it is worth noting that both switches aim to provide a smooth typing experience, with the Blush switch offering a more snappy and full feel, and the White Lotus switch focusing on a balance of tactility and comfort.
Conclusion
In conclusion, to sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium-bottom out force, the Aflion Blush switch might be the ideal choice for you. This switch is known for its impressively smooth and snappy typing feel, thanks to its longer and two-stage spring. Additionally, the Blush switch offers a poppy sound signature that adds to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a slightly lighter bottom out force, the Durock White Lotus switch is a great option. This switch is designed with the discerning typist in mind, offering a delicate tactility that strikes the perfect balance between responsiveness and comfort. The White Lotus switch also features a removable light column, allowing for vibrant and luminous RGB lighting effects. Moreover, its sound profile is described as low-pitched and neutral, making it suitable for various environments. Overall, both switches have unique qualities and cater to different preferences, so it ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and needs.
Mentioned in this article
