Aflion Blush vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Aflion Blush and the TTC Yunhai stand out as two noteworthy linear options, each catering to different typing preferences. The Aflion Blush is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness and snappy feel, achieved through a unique two-stage spring and a long pole design that produces a satisfying poppy sound. This switch is often described as low-pitched, creamy, silky, and buttery, making it an attractive choice for those who enjoy a rich tactile experience during typing. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai offers a distinct typing sensation with its deep, rounded sound profile and incredibly light actuation force, perfect for typists who prefer a more gentle and effortless touch. While both switches have their own charms and can enhance your typing experience, they cater to differing styles and preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Blush and the TTC Yunhai exhibit notable differences in their top housing materials, with the Blush utilizing polycarbonate while the Yunhai employs nylon. The choice of polycarbonate for the Blush is geared towards generating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, which enhances the resonant qualities of sound. In contrast, the Yunhai, with its nylon top housing, produces a deeper, fuller sound profile, owing to nylon's softer characteristics that absorb more sound. Absorbing sound effectively gives the Yunhai a more muted auditory response, contrasting the Blush's bright acoustic signature, thus leading to different auditory experiences based on the materials utilized in the housing.
When considering the bottom housings of both switches, it is interesting to note that they both employ nylon. This shared material indicates that typing experiences are likely to converge in certain aspects between the two models. Nylon's inherent properties create a similar, rounder sound profile irrespective of the switches' top housing material. Therefore, when users engage with the Blush and Yunhai, they will experience a depth and fullness in sound during key presses, thanks to the nylon bottom housing. This commonality in bottom housing ensures that both switches yield a satisfying auditory feedback upon bottoming out, making them comparable in that specific dimension.
Overall, the distinct mix of materials between the two switches highlights how the characteristics of sound and tactile feedback can differ based on housing configurations. The Blush's polycarbonate top housing introduces clarity and a vibrant sound when releasing keys, while the Yunhai's nylon top provides a softer auditory feedback. However, the similarity in their nylon bottom housings acts as a common ground for creating a richer typing sound, irrespective of the top housing's influence. Thus, while users might favor one switch's acoustic profile over the other, both the Blush and Yunhai can deliver enjoyable typing experiences, demonstrating the importance of housing material in mechanical switch design.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Blush linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, there are notable differences in actuation and bottom-out forces that cater to varying user preferences. The Aflion Blush has an unknown actuation force but a bottom-out force of 58 grams, which classifies it as medium in feel. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai features a light actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom-out force of 50 grams. This makes the Yunhai switch the lighter option, appealing to users who favor longer typing sessions or gaming without fatigue. The Blush, with its heavier bottom-out force, may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer the feedback of a stronger push. However, since the actuation force of the Blush is unknown, it complicates direct comparisons in actuation feel. In terms of bottom-out forces, the Yunhai is the lighter choice, offering a smoother descent, while the Blush’s heavier force may be better suited for typists who desire a firmer touch. Overall, while both switches have their strengths, they cater to different preferences regarding typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, the Blush features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Yunhai extends to 3.6 mm. This makes the Aflion Blush the shorter of the two options, generally favoring faster response times, which can be appealing for gamers who favor quick actions. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai with its longer travel distance offers a more substantial depth, which might be preferred by those who enjoy a more tactile experience when pressing keys. Thus, while both switches provide unique benefits depending on user preference, the distinct travel distances highlight the Blush’s suitability for rapid engagements and the Yunhai’s ability to deliver a more pronounced sensation during typing.
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 TTC Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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 stands out with its distinctive low-pitched profile that produces a bass-heavy, mellow tone, creating a satisfying auditory experience as you type. This deep sound profile is enhanced by its long pole, which contributes to a poppy signature that adds character without being harsh. In contrast, the sound profile of the TTC Yunhai linear switch is not explicitly defined in the provided information, leaving its auditory characteristics unknown. It's important to keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycap material, meaning that users may need to consider these elements to gauge the complete sound experience.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Blush switch excels with its creamy, silky, and buttery typing sensations. These descriptors suggest that the Blush offers an exceptionally smooth experience, feeling as if your fingers glide effortlessly over the keys with minimal resistance. The longer two-stage spring aids in providing a full and snappy response, making each keystroke enjoyable and fluid. On the other hand, the feel of the TTC Yunhai linear switch is not specified, leaving a gap in understanding how it compares to the Blush in terms of tactile experience. Without this information, it remains uncertain how the Yunhai might measure up in feel against the notably smooth characteristics of the Blush.
In conclusion, while the Aflion Blush linear switch offers a well-defined low-pitched sound and an impressively smooth feel characterized by its creamy and buttery typing experience, the TTC Yunhai linear switch leaves an unknown aspect regarding both sound and feel. If you prioritize a rich sound profile and a highly satisfying tactile feedback, the Blush switch clearly presents itself as a compelling choice. However, for those who may be curious about the Yunhai's sensations, further research will be essential to uncover whether it can deliver a comparable experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended usage. If you prioritize a medium bottom-out force and enjoy a smooth, buttery typing experience with a satisfying snappy feel, the Blush is an excellent option. Its longer, two-stage spring and poppy sound profile will appeal to those who appreciate both performance and auditory feedback, making it ideal for gaming and fast-paced typing scenarios. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force with a gentle and effortless feel, the Yunhai might be the better choice for you. Its unique deep sound profile and ease of keystroke make it particularly suitable for long typing sessions or for those who prioritize comfort over tactile feedback. In essence, if you crave a lively typing experience with a more pronounced sound, choose the Blush; if you desire a soft and whisper-like approach to typing, the Yunhai will serve you well.
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