Aflion Blush vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Aflion Blush and the Outemu Yellow Silver are two popular linear mechanical keyboard switches, each with their own unique features and characteristics. The Blush switch, touted as Aflion's best linear offering, stands out for its impressively smooth and snappy typing experience, thanks to its longer, two-stage spring. Additionally, its long pole provides a satisfying poppy sound signature. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver switch from Outemu is known for its light actuation force and neutral sound profile, making it a popular choice among gamers and typists who prefer speediness and responsiveness. While these generalities offer a glimpse into the qualities of these switches, it is important to dive deeper into their specific details to determine which one would best suit your individual preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Dual-stage stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Blush and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches share many similarities. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffness and clear translucency. This material is especially beneficial for those who plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows for a visually pleasing illumination. So, whether you choose the Blush or the Yellow Silver, you can expect a comparable sound experience and visual appeal in terms of their top housings.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of the Blush and the Yellow Silver differ in material, with the former utilizing nylon. Nylon is considered a classic switch housing material, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Its relatively softer nature allows for more sound absorption, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the Yellow Silver also features a nylon bottom housing, offering a similar typing experience in terms of generating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Therefore, if you prioritize the sound and feel of pressing down on the switch, both the Blush and the Yellow Silver would provide a similar experience due to their shared nylon bottom housings.
In conclusion, while the top housings of the Aflion Blush and the Outemu Yellow Silver share the same polycarbonate material, resulting in comparable sound profiles and aesthetic advantages for RGB lighting, their bottom housings differ. The Blush utilizes a nylon bottom housing, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound, while the Yellow Silver shares this material choice. So, whether you prefer a crisper sound profile or a more rounded sound, both switches come with respective advantages. Ultimately, the specific qualities each housing material brings will be split between the top and bottom housings, impacting different stages of the key press and release.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, there are notable differences. The Blush's actuation force is unavailable, which makes it difficult to accurately compare with the Yellow Silver's 45 grams actuation force. However, both switches have a medium level of bottom out force, with the Blush at 58 grams and the Yellow Silver at 55 grams.
In terms of weight, the Blush's actuation force being unspecified leaves it unclear whether it is lighter or heavier compared to the Yellow Silver. However, for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of use, the lighter actuation force of the Yellow Silver would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more robust typing experience with a stronger push feel may favor the Blush if its actuation force is on the heavier side.
In summary, while the actuation force of the Aflion Blush linear switch is unknown, it can be noted that both switches have a medium level of bottom out force. The Yellow Silver shines in terms of a lighter actuation force, which is preferable for prolonged typing sessions, while the Blush may cater to those seeking a heavier, more substantial typing feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Aflion Blush linear switch is 3.3 mm, while the travel distance of the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch is 4 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Yellow Silver switch is longer than the Blush switch. 4.0mm is the most traditional travel distance, while 3.0mm is the most shallow.
For gamers who prioritize faster response times, the shorter travel distance of the Blush switch may be preferable. The shorter travel distance allows for quicker key presses and can improve overall responsiveness. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial and satisfying keypress experience may find the longer travel distance of the Yellow Silver switch more appealing.
It is important to note that personal preferences play a significant role in determining which travel distance is preferred. Some may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt, while others may enjoy the increased tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Blush and the Outemu Yellow Silver will depend on individual preferences and desired typing experience.
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 Outemu Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40 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 is best described as having a low-pitched sound profile. This means that it produces a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch is described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate sound that is suitable for most purposes. It is worth noting that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Aflion Blush linear switch is known for providing a creamy, silky, and buttery typing experience. This is achieved through either lubrication applied at the factory or specific materials used in the switch. Typing on the Blush switch feels smooth and buttery, with a silky sensation as your fingers effortlessly glide across the keys. On the other hand, there is no specific information available about the feel of the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch.
Considering all the available information, the Aflion Blush linear switch stands out for its smooth, full, and snappy typing feel. It boasts a longer, two-stage spring that contributes to its impressive smoothness. Additionally, the long pole of the Blush switch provides a poppy sound signature. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch is known for its light actuation force and neutral sound profile, making it favorable for gamers and typists who prefer speed and responsiveness.
It is important to note that subjective qualities such as sound and feel can vary depending on personal preferences. However, based on the provided information, if you prefer a low-pitched sound and a creamy, silky, and buttery feel, the Aflion Blush linear switch would be a great choice. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and a neutral sound profile, the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch would be a suitable option. Ultimately, it is recommended to try out different switches to find the one that best suits your individual needs and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium bottom out force, the Aflion Blush would be a great choice. With its impressively smooth and snappy typing feel, as well as its poppy sound signature, the Blush provides a satisfying typing experience. Additionally, the Blush is described as having a low-pitched sound, which adds a bass-heavy and mellow tone to your typing.
On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a slightly lighter bottom out force, the Outemu Yellow Silver is worth considering. This switch offers a light actuation force and a neutral sound profile, making it favorable for gamers and typists who prefer speediness and responsiveness. The Yellow Silver is also described as having a neutral sound, making it suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use it at home or work.
In terms of feel, the Blush is described as creamy, silky, and buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. This switch ensures a seamless and effortless typing sensation, as your fingers effortlessly glide across the keys. On the other hand, there is no specific description of the Yellow Silver's feel.
Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Blush and Outemu Yellow Silver depends on your preference for bottom out force, typing feel, and sound profile. Consider your needs and preferences to choose the switch that suits you best.
Mentioned in this article
