Aflion Blush vs. Gateron Ink Box Pink

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two options that are worth considering are the Aflion Blush and the Gateron Ink Box Pink. The Blush is known for its impressive smoothness, thanks to its longer, two-stage spring that provides a satisfyingly snappy typing experience. Additionally, the Blush offers a unique sound signature with its long pole, giving it a poppy and distinctive clack. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink stands out for its smoothness and lighter typing feel compared to other switches. It boasts a translucent design and emits a higher-pitched clack when used. Both switches have their own unique characteristics and appeal to different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Aflion Blush Linear

Gateron Ink Box Pink Linear

$6.00

$4.07 per 10

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Aflion Blush and the Gateron Ink Box Pink utilize different materials for their top housing. The Blush features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This material is particularly beneficial for those who plan to use RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink incorporates Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing, characterized by a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. While both materials contribute to a satisfying sound, the Blush's polycarbonate offers a sharper tone, while the Ink Box Pink's INK blend provides a clackier sound.

In terms of bottom housing, the Blush utilizes nylon, which is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. As a relatively softer plastic, nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Conversely, the Ink Box Pink's bottom housing also features Gateron's INK blend, delivering a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. While both bottom housings offer a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound, the Blush's nylon material produces a deeper and fuller tone, while the Ink Box Pink's INK blend creates a clackier sound overall.

It's important to note that when a switch has different materials for its top and bottom housings, the qualities of each housing material will be split between them. When pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing will have more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Meanwhile, the top housing will primarily influence the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, while the Blush and Ink Box Pink may have differences in their housing materials, both switches offer similar characteristics in terms of bottom-out and release sounds.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. Starting with the actuation force, the Blush switch does not provide information regarding the exact grams required to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the Ink Box Pink switch has an actuation force of 50 grams. While we cannot directly compare the two in terms of actuation force, both switches fall within the medium range, ensuring a satisfactory typing experience.

Moving on to the bottom out force, the Blush switch requires 58 grams of force to fully press down, which again falls within the medium range. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink switch requires slightly more force, with a bottom out force of 60 grams. Despite this slight difference, both switches exhibit a comparable medium bottom out force.

Considering the weight aspect, individuals may have varying preferences. Many opt for a lighter switch, as it allows for comfortable typing over longer durations, making it ideal for work or lengthy gaming sessions. On the contrary, some users prefer a heavier actuation force, providing a more substantial typing experience. In this case, they would lean towards switches with heavier forces.

In conclusion, although the exact actuation force of the Aflion Blush linear switch is unavailable, it can still be categorized within the medium range. Similarly, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch has a medium actuation force of 50 grams. When it comes to the bottom out force, the Blush switch requires 58 grams, while the Ink Box Pink switch requires a slightly higher force of 60 grams. Therefore, individuals seeking a medium typing experience can expect comparable results from both switches.

Travel distance

The Aflion Blush linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch have different travel distances. The Blush has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, whereas the Ink Box Pink has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Ink Box Pink has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Blush. In terms of responsiveness, gamers generally prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. So, if you prioritize quick and snappy keystrokes, the Blush with its shorter travel distance would be a better option. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper and more substantial key press, the Ink Box Pink with its longer travel distance might be more suitable for you. It's important to consider personal preferences and typing comfort when choosing between these switches. Ultimately, both switches offer a different tactile experience, but you can expect similar results as they both fall within the range of shorter travel distances.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Aflion Blush switch offers a low-pitched sound profile. This means that it has a deeper and mellower tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch is described as clacky and high-pitched. It produces a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, which can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. Keep in mind that the actual sound of the switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, if you prefer a deeper and more bass-heavy sound, the Blush switch might be a better choice, while the Ink Box Pink switch provides a sharper and crisper sound.

In terms of feel, both the Aflion Blush and the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches offer a smooth typing experience. The Blush switch is described as creamy, silky, and buttery, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. It glides across the keys with ease, thanks to its smooth and buttery keystroke experience. The Ink Box Pink switch, on the other hand, is also described as silky and polished. It offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The polished finish of the switch adds to its sleek and refined typing experience. In conclusion, both switches provide a smooth and comfortable feel while typing.

Considering all the available information, the Aflion Blush linear switch is best known for its smooth and snappy type feel, with a poppy sound signature. It offers a low-pitched sound profile, which provides a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. The Blush switch also delivers a creamy, silky, and buttery typing experience, with its longer two-stage spring and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch is smooth and lighter in terms of typing feel. It produces a clacky, high-pitched sound that is sharp and crisp. The Ink Box Pink switch offers a silky and polished typing experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Overall, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, with the Blush switch leaning towards a smoother and mellower sound and feel, while the Ink Box Pink switch provides a sharper and crisper sound and feel. Therefore, depending on your preferences, you can achieve similar results with these switches, but with slight differences in sound and feel.

Conclusion

All in all, when deciding between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and what you value most in a switch. If you prioritize a smooth and snappy typing experience with a poppy sound signature, then the Blush may be the better choice for you. With its longer, two-stage spring and long pole, the Blush offers an impressively smooth and full typing feel. Additionally, if you prefer a low-pitched sound profile, the Blush switch delivers a more bass-heavy and mellow tone.

On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing feel and enjoy a higher-pitched clack sound, then the Ink Box Pink switch may be the more suitable option. These switches are known for their smoothness and offer a lighter typing feel compared to other switches. The Ink Box Pink switch produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, which can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. These switches also have a higher-pitched sound profile, which may be preferable if you enjoy a sharper and crisper sound.

Both switches offer a silky typing experience, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The Blush switch is described as creamy and buttery, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The Ink Box Pink switch, on the other hand, is described as silky and polished, enhancing the overall smoothness and reducing friction.

In the end, it is important to consider your personal preferences for typing feel and sound when choosing between these two switches. You may even want to try out both switches before making a decision to see which one feels more comfortable and suits your typing style. Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch comes down to what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.

Mentioned in this article

Aflion Blush Linear

$6.00

$4.07 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Ink Box Pink Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn more