Gateron Aliaz vs. Aflion Blush
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Aflion Blush switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron Aliaz, a tactile switch, and the Aflion Blush, a linear switch, there are some key differences to consider. The Aliaz switch is ideal for quiet environments such as the office, offering a medium-heavy weight and a substantial feel to each keystroke. This switch provides a pronounced typing feedback without the noise, making it a great option for those who prefer a more muted experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Blush is praised for its smooth and snappy typing feel, thanks to its longer two-stage spring design. This linear switch also boasts a poppy sound signature, making it stand out for those who enjoy a creamy and buttery typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Dual-stage stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Aliaz and Aflion Blush both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucent nature of polycarbonate is especially beneficial for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through for a more visually striking effect. However, the Aflion Blush differs with its nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This contrast in bottom housing materials may result in a different overall typing experience between the two switches.
In terms of sound characteristics, the Gateron Aliaz and Aflion Blush share similar qualities thanks to their polycarbonate top housing. Both switches offer a clear and resonant sound profile, with a focus on sharper and crisper tones. However, the nylon bottom housing of the Aflion Blush introduces a deeper and fuller sound compared to the stiffer polycarbonate bottom housing of the Aliaz. This difference in bottom housing materials may cater to different preferences, as some users may prefer a sharper sound while others may enjoy a deeper typing experience.
When it comes to the impact of housing materials on the typing experience, the Aflion Blush stands out with its nylon bottom housing. The softer nature of nylon creates a more muted and rounder sound when keys are pressed, enhancing the overall typing feel. In contrast, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Gateron Aliaz may result in a clearer bottom-out sound, emphasizing the impact on key presses. While both switches share similar top housing materials, the difference in bottom housing materials provides a unique typing experience for each switch, catering to a variety of user preferences.
Weight
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch has a higher actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Aflion Blush linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Aliaz requires 75 grams while the Blush only needs 58 grams. This makes the Blush switch lighter in terms of bottom out force. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Blush switch for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Aliaz may be more suitable for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. When looking to achieve similar results in terms of weight and force, users may find that both switches offer a balanced typing experience, with the Aliaz providing a heavier touch and the Blush offering a lighter touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer of the two options. On the other hand, the Aflion Blush linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, placing it as the shorter option. The Aliaz offers a deeper key press experience for those who prefer a more substantial feel, while the Blush provides a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it more suitable for gamers. Both switches have their advantages depending on personal preference, but ultimately, the Aliaz is better suited for those who prefer a deeper key press, while the Blush is ideal for those who prioritize speed and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Aliaz has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aliaz for $5.50.
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.
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 Gateron Aliaz switch is known for its muted quality, providing a softer and quieter typing experience ideal for quieter environments like the office. On the other hand, the Aflion Blush linear switch offers a low-pitched sound that is more bass-heavy and mellow compared to higher-pitched switches. Depending on the choice of keyboard and keycaps, both switches can provide a pleasing auditory experience, with the Aliaz being more subtle and the Blush offering a deeper tone.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Aliaz switch is described as silky and polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction. This results in a sleek typing feel that enhances overall smoothness and minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. In contrast, the Aflion Blush linear switch is described as creamy, silky, and buttery, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience akin to gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. Both switches prioritize a smooth and enjoyable typing feel, with the Aliaz focusing on a polished finish and the Blush emphasizing a creamy sensation.
In conclusion, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Aflion Blush linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Aliaz is tailored for a quiet typing experience with a medium-heavy weight, while the Blush impresses with its longer two-stage spring for a smooth and snappy feel. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, both switches prioritize smoothness and enjoyment during typing sessions, ensuring that users will get a comparable level of typing satisfaction regardless of their choice.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch or the Aflion Blush linear switch, it really comes down to your personal preference. If you value a medium-heavy weight and a more pronounced typing feedback without the noise, then the Aliaz switch would be the better choice for you, especially if you work in a quiet office environment. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, full, and snappy typing feel with a poppy sound signature, then the Blush switch might be more suited to your liking. Ultimately, whether you decide on the Aliaz or Blush switch, both offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. Happy typing!
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