Aflion Blush vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Aflion Blush and KTT Wine Red are both linear mechanical keyboard switches, but they offer unique characteristics that make them suited for different preferences. The Blush is known for its impressively smooth and snappy type feel, thanks to its longer, two-stage spring. Additionally, its long pole provides a poppy sound signature. On the other hand, the Wine Red offers a pillowy light type feel with a deep and rich sound profile, creating a satisfying typing experience. The Blush is categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Creamy', 'Silky', and 'Buttery', while the Wine Red is known for being 'Bassy' and 'Low-pitched'. These general pointers give us a glimpse into the distinct qualities of each switch. 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
44g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Dual-stage stainless steel spring
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Blush and KTT Wine Red both feature polycarbonate top housings, which offer similar advantages. The use of polycarbonate creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic that promotes clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially beneficial for those who plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through effectively. Therefore, whether it's the Blush or Wine Red, users can expect similar sound and aesthetic benefits from the polycarbonate top housing.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Blush and Wine Red differ in their materials. The Blush utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which delivers a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic compared to polycarbonate, allowing it to absorb more sound and produce a duller and rounder tone. On the other hand, the Wine Red features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which aligns with its top housing material. This means that the Wine Red will have a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile both when pressing down and letting go of a key.
It's worth noting that the impact of the bottom and top housing on the overall performance of the switch differs slightly. When pressing down, the qualities of the bottom housing are more noticeable, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, users of the Blush can expect a deeper and fuller sound when pressing down, while users of the Wine Red can anticipate a sharper and crisper sound both when pressing down and releasing a key.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, there are some notable differences. The actuation force of the Blush switch is unavailable, making it difficult to directly compare with the 44 grams required for the Wine Red switch. However, both switches have a medium level of bottom out force, with the Blush requiring 58 grams and the Wine Red requiring 55 grams.
In terms of weight, the lighter option would be the Wine Red switch with its lower actuation force. This can be advantageous for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing them to type for longer periods without strain. This makes it suitable for scenarios like bringing your keyboard to work or engaging in extended gaming sessions.
On the other hand, some users may prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. In such cases, they may opt for options with heavier forces, which the Blush switch could potentially offer. However, since the actuation force for the Blush switch is not available, it is not possible to make a direct comparison in terms of actuation force.
In conclusion, while the actuation force remains uncertain for the Blush switch, it is evident that the Wine Red switch offers a lighter typing experience. Both switches have a similar medium level of bottom out force, ensuring a satisfying tactile feedback. Ultimately, the selection between the two will depend on individual preferences, with lighter force being advantageous for long typing sessions and heavier force providing a more substantial typing feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, it is clear that the Blush has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Wine Red has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Blush's shorter travel distance makes it a preferred choice for gamers who value faster response times. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial and deep key press may find the Wine Red with its longer travel distance more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on individual preferences and the desired level of responsiveness or 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 KTT Wine Red comes in at $2.71 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
The Aflion Blush linear switch is best known for its impressively smooth, full, and snappy type feel. This is due to its longer, two-stage spring and long pole design, which provides a poppy sound signature. The KTT Wine Red linear switch, on the other hand, offers a pillowy light type feel when typing on them, along with a satisfyingly deep and rich sound profile.
In terms of sound, the Blush switch can be described as having a low-pitched tone, which typically features a more bass-heavy and mellow sound compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Wine Red switch is described as bassy and low-pitched, offering a deeper and richer sound profile resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the choice of board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Blush switch can be described as creamy, silky, and buttery, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience. This smoothness is achieved through either lubricant applied at the factory or specific materials used. Typing on a creamy switch provides a silky sensation, allowing your fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys. The Wine Red switch does not have a specific description available for its feel.
In conclusion, based on the available information, the Aflion Blush linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch offer contrasting subjective qualities. The Blush provides a smooth, full, and snappy type feel with a poppy sound signature, while the Wine Red offers a pillowy light feel and a deep, rich sound profile. If you are looking for a low-pitched, bass-heavy sound with a creamy, silky, and buttery feel, the Blush switch would be a suitable choice. However, for those who prefer a bassy, low-pitched sound without available information on the feel, the Wine Red switch may provide similar results. Ultimately, the best switch for you would depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, there are some key factors to consider. Both switches have a medium to medium-light bottom out force, making them suitable for a variety of typing preferences.
If you prioritize a smooth and snappy typing experience, along with a poppy sound signature, the Blush switch might be the better option for you. With its longer, two-stage spring, this switch offers an impressively smooth and full feel. Additionally, the Blush switch has a low-pitched sound profile, which adds a bass-heavy and mellow tone to your typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a pillowy light feel and a deep, rich sound profile, the Wine Red switch might be more to your liking. This switch provides a satisfyingly light typing experience and a deeper sound during key presses. Similar to the Blush switch, the Wine Red switch also has a low-pitched sound profile, offering a mellow and bass-heavy tone.
Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you're looking for. Whether you prioritize smoothness and a poppy sound (Blush) or a pillowy light feel and a deep sound (Wine Red), both switches have their own unique qualities to offer. Consider your desired typing experience and sound preference, and choose the switch that aligns best with your needs.
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