Aflion Blush vs. Kailh Box Royal
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the Kailh Box Royal switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Aflion Blush and the Kailh Box Royal. Each switch offers unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Aflion Blush, a linear switch, is renowned for its smooth and snappy typing experience. With its longer, two-stage spring and long pole, it provides a full and silky feel, accompanied by a distinctive poppy sound signature. On the other hand, the Kailh Box Royal, a tactile switch, excels in offering an extreme level of tactility. If you crave an almost aggressive tactility, these switches are the perfect fit. They boast a sharp and binary tactility, accompanied by a relatively high-pitched sound profile. While these general pointers can help guide your decision, let's explore each switch in greater detail, so you can ultimately find the best one to suit your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Nylon
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 Kailh Box Royal have distinct differences. The Blush utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, creating a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Box Royal features a nylon top housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, in terms of sound profile, the Blush offers a sharper and more resonant experience, while the Box Royal provides a deeper and fuller sound.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Blush and the Box Royal share the same material - nylon. Utilizing nylon as the bottom housing material allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile in both switches. This is because nylon's softer plastic composition absorbs more sound, resulting in a sound that is duller and rounder. Therefore, in terms of bottom-out sound and feel, the Blush and the Box Royal will offer similar results due to the shared use of nylon in their bottom housings.
While the top and bottom housings play a significant role in the sound profile of a switch, they also impact the feel of the switch. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, users can expect a difference in feel between the Blush and the Box Royal due to their distinct housing materials. The Blush's polycarbonate top housing may provide a slightly sharper and crisper feel upon key release, while the Box Royal's nylon top housing may offer a slightly softer and rounder feel. However, both switches will likely offer a satisfying typing experience and the same general feel when pressing down on the keys, as they share the same nylon material for their bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch, there are some noticeable differences. The Blush has an actuation force of unavailable grams, making it difficult to determine how it compares to the Box Royal's actuation force of 45 grams. However, both switches have a medium level of actuation force, indicating that they require a moderate amount of pressure to register a keystroke.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Blush has a force of 58 grams, while the Box Royal has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 70 grams. This means that the Box Royal provides a more substantial typing experience by requiring a greater amount of force to fully press down on a key.
Considering weight preferences, those who prefer a lighter switch would find the Blush to be more suitable. Its medium actuation force and lighter bottom out force would allow for comfortable typing over extended periods, which is ideal for work or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who enjoy a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Box Royal. Its medium-heavy bottom out force provides a satisfying resistance and feedback.
While the actuation forces of the two switches may differ, by considering the medium classifications, it can be inferred that both switches offer similar results when it comes to triggering keystrokes. However, the heavier bottom out force of the Box Royal ensures that it provides a more robust typing experience compared to the Blush.
Ultimately, the decision between the Aflion Blush and the Kailh Box Royal will come down to personal preference. Weight preferences, typing style, and the desired level of resistance will determine which switch is better suited for each individual.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Aflion Blush linear switch is 3.3 mm, while the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which have become popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. The Blush switch offers a shorter travel distance, making it a suitable choice for those who prioritize quick responsiveness. On the other hand, the Box Royal switch provides a slightly longer travel distance, which can offer a more substantial and satisfying key press for individuals who prefer a deeper feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for travel distance.
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 Royal comes in at $6.25 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 offers 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 Kailh Box Royal tactile switch has a high-pitched sound profile. When pressed, it produces a sharp and crisp sound. If you prefer a richer and bassier sound, the Blush would be a good choice, while if you prefer a sharper and crisper sound, the Box Royal would be more suitable. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Blush linear switch offers a creamy, silky, and buttery typing experience. This means that the switch is exceptionally smooth, offering minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. It provides a gliding sensation, where your fingers effortlessly melt into each keystroke. On the other hand, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch offers a sharp tactile bump with high feedback intensity. This means that each keypress is distinctly felt, providing a strong and crisp tactile experience. If you prefer a smooth and fluid typing sensation, the Blush would be a great choice, while if you prefer a more intense and prominent tactile feedback, the Box Royal would be more suitable.
In conclusion, the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Blush provides a low-pitched sound with a creamy, silky, and buttery typing experience, while the Box Royal offers a high-pitched sound with a sharp and intense tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on personal preferences and the desired typing experience. However, it is important to consider other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used, as they can also influence the overall sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a linear switch with a medium bottom out force, the Aflion Blush would be an excellent choice. This switch offers an impressively smooth and snappy typing feel due to its longer, two-stage spring. Additionally, the Blush has a long pole that provides a poppy sound signature. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a highly tactile experience, the Kailh Box Royal is the way to go. These switches have a sharp, binary tactility that is perfect if you're seeking an almost aggressive tactile feedback. While the Blush has a low-pitched sound profile, the Box Royal produces a relatively higher-pitched sound. In terms of feel, the Blush is described as creamy, silky, and buttery, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience. In contrast, the Box Royal offers a sharp tactile bump that is felt distinctly with each keypress. Ultimately, your choice between the Aflion Blush and the Kailh Box Royal will depend on your preferences for bottom out force, tactile feedback, sound profile, and typing feel. Consider these factors and choose the switch that suits your typing style and preferences the best.
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