Aflion Blush vs. Kailh Box Navy
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the Kailh Box Navy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are plenty of options to choose from, each offering a unique typing experience. Two switches that stand out in this regard are the Aflion Blush and the Kailh Box Navy. The Aflion Blush is a linear switch that is best known for its smooth, full, and snappy type feel, thanks to its longer, two-stage spring. It also offers a satisfying poppy sound signature, making it a favorite among keyboard enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Kailh Box Navy is a clicky switch that is perfect for those who enjoy a heavy typing experience and love the sound signature and tactility of a clicky switch. These switches are reminiscent of the vintage buckling keyboards of the 80s, with their heftiness and invigorating sound. Both switches have their own unique characteristics and cater to different preferences. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
90g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
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
Kailh Box spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Blush and the Kailh Box Navy switches share many similarities. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing allows for the use of RGB lighting due to its translucency. Therefore, if you plan to use RGB lighting, both switches would provide similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics.
However, one notable difference lies in the nylon bottom housing. The Blush utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which brings a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switch. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Box Navy also features a nylon bottom housing, offering a similar deeper and fuller sound profile. This indicates that both switches provide a comparable typing experience due to the shared characteristic of their nylon bottom housings.
It is important to note that when using switches with different top and bottom housings, the qualities of each housing material will be divided between the bottom and top of the switch. This means that the bottom housing will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will influence the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the overall typing experience could be influenced by these subtle variations in housing materials between the Aflion Blush and the Kailh Box Navy switches.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch, it becomes evident that there are distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The actuation force of the Blush switch remains unknown, making it difficult to draw a direct comparison to the Box Navy switch, which has an actuation force of 60 grams. However, both switches have a medium bottom out force of 58 grams for the Blush and a heavier force of 90 grams for the Box Navy.
Weight is a crucial consideration when selecting a switch, as it can greatly affect the typing experience. For those seeking a lighter switch, the Blush linear switch may be a suitable choice. With an unknown actuation force, it is difficult to determine its specific weight, but the medium bottom out force of 58 grams suggests a lighter overall feel. This lightweight characteristic is ideal for individuals who prefer extended typing sessions, such as using the keyboard at work or engaging in long gaming sessions.
On the other hand, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces. The actuation force of 60 grams requires a slightly stronger push, ensuring deliberate keystrokes. Additionally, the Box Navy switch's heavier bottom out force of 90 grams provides a satisfying tactile feedback, letting users feel the full impact of each keystroke. This heavier weight may appeal to users who desire a more pronounced and satisfying typing experience.
In summary, while specific comparisons between the actuation forces of the Blush and Box Navy switches are challenging due to missing information, it is clear that the Box Navy switch offers a heavier overall weight with its 60 grams actuation force and 90 grams bottom out force. Those who seek a lighter typing experience may find the Blush switch more suitable, while those looking for a more substantial and satisfying feel may gravitate towards the heavier Kailh Box Navy clicky switch.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blush linear switch and the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch have different travel distances. The Blush has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Box Navy has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In terms of distance, the Box Navy has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Blush. The Blush switch falls on the shorter end of the spectrum, while the Box Navy is closer to the more traditional travel distance of 4.0 mm.
When selecting a switch based on travel distance, it is important to consider personal preference and use case. Gamers, for example, often prefer shorter travel distances as it can lead to faster response times. In this case, the Blush switch may be a better choice. However, for those who prefer a more substantial key press, the longer travel distance of the Box Navy can provide a sense of depth and satisfaction.
Ultimately, the decision between the Blush and the Box Navy will depend on individual preferences. Both switches offer unique experiences, and it is important to consider factors such as typing or gaming style when determining which switch will provide the desired level of responsiveness and key press 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 Kailh Box Navy comes in at $5.50 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 offers a low-pitched sound profile. This means that it has a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Kailh Box Navy provides a resonant sound profile. Typing on these switches will give you a higher-pitched sound with a clean and sharp auditory experience. Additionally, the Box Navy switches have a crunchy sound, reminiscent of stepping on crisp autumn leaves. It's important to note that the sound of a switch also relies on other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Blush offers a creamy, silky, and buttery typing experience. These switches are smooth and effortless, providing a seamless sensation as your fingers glide across the keys. The Kailh Box Navy, on the other hand, offers a sharp, invigorating, and stiff typing feel. The switches have a strong and crisp tactile bump, offering pronounced feedback and a snappy and reactive feel. With the Box Navy switches, you'll need to apply more force to actuate and bottom-out compared to other switches.
Overall, the Aflion Blush linear switch excels in providing a smooth, full, and snappy typing feel with a poppy sound signature. It offers a creamy, silky, and buttery experience. On the other hand, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch is known for its heavy typing experience, resonant sound signature, and sharp tactile feedback. If you prefer a linear switch with a smoother feel and lower-pitched sound, the Blush is a great choice. If you desire a clicky switch with a high-pitched sound and intense tactile feedback, the Box Navy switch is the way to go. It's worth noting that individual preferences vary, so it's important to try out different switches to find the one that suits your typing style and preferences the best. Keep in mind that the choice of keyboard and keycaps can also influence the sound and feel of the switches.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you are looking for a smooth and snappy typing experience with a medium bottom out force, the Aflion Blush linear switch is the way to go. With its longer, two-stage spring and long pole, it offers an impressively smooth and full typing feel, along with a poppy sound signature. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavy typing experience with a higher bottom out force and love the sound and feel of clicky switches, then the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch is the perfect fit for you. It harkens back to the vintage buckling keyboards of the 80s with its heftiness and clicky sound signature. The Blush switch is described as having a low-pitched sound, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, while the Box Navy switch has a resonant and crunchy sound profile, reminiscent of stepping on crisp autumn leaves. In terms of feel, the Blush switch is creamy, silky, and buttery, providing a smooth and effortless typing sensation. On the other hand, the Box Navy switch is sharp, invigorating, and stiff, offering a high feedback intensity and immersive typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Blush and the Box Navy will depend on your preferences for typing force, sound, and feel.
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