Aflion Blush vs. Kailh NovelKeys Cream
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Aflion Blush and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream are two mechanical keyboard switches that both fall under the linear switch category. The Blush switch from Aflion is highly regarded for its smooth and snappy typing experience, thanks to its longer, two-stage spring. Not only does this switch offer a satisfying tactile feel, but its long pole also produces a distinctive poppy sound signature. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream switch stands out for providing a weightier typing experience, with a deeper sound profile compared to other switches. This switch offers a buttery and low-pitched feel, accompanied by a textured and invigorating typing experience. While these general pointers provide a glimpse into each switch's characteristics, let's dive in and explore them further to determine which switch would be the best fit for your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Dual-stage stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Aflion Blush and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream have different housing materials that greatly influence their sound profiles. The Blush features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound compared to the Cream's POM top housing. The polycarbonate material is relatively stiffer, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. In addition, the Blush's translucent polycarbonate top housing allows for better RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, the Cream's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound, offering a unique auditory experience.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Blush incorporates a nylon material, known as a classic switch housing material. Typing on switches with nylon housings elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the Cream's POM bottom housing also contributes to a deeper and more muted sound profile, aligning with the characteristics of its top housing.
Overall, the housing materials of the Aflion Blush and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream play a crucial role in shaping their respective sound profiles. While the Blush's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, the Cream's POM top housing offers a unique and more muted auditory experience. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Blush and the POM bottom housing of the Cream contribute to a deeper and fuller sound. Although they have distinct housing materials, both switches deliver satisfying and pleasing sound profiles depending on individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch, we find some similarities and differences. Starting with the actuation force, the Blush's force is unavailable, making it unclear how it compares to the NovelKeys Cream's actuation force of 55 grams. Both switches fall into the medium force range category for actuation.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Blush requires 58 grams of force, while the NovelKeys Cream requires 70 grams. This makes the NovelKeys Cream switch heavier in terms of bottom out force, leaning towards the medium-heavy range.
When considering weight preferences, those who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions may find the Blush switch to be more suitable, given its unknown actuation force and lighter bottom out force. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a stronger push and a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the NovelKeys Cream switch, as it has a heavier bottom out force.
In conclusion, while the actuation force of the Aflion Blush linear switch remains unknown, it appears to have a lighter bottom out force compared to the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch, which has a heavier bottom out force. Depending on one's preferences for typing or gaming, this difference in force may influence their choice between the two switches.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch is an important factor to consider when choosing a keyboard. In the case of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch, there is a noticeable difference in their travel distances. The Blush has a travel distance of 3.3mm, which is shorter than the more traditional 4mm travel distance of the NovelKeys Cream.
For gamers or individuals who prioritize faster response times, the shorter travel distance of the Blush may be more appealing. This shorter distance allows for quicker actuation and a snappier feel when typing or gaming. On the other hand, those who prefer a deeper keystroke and a more substantial feel may lean towards the longer travel distance offered by the NovelKeys Cream.
It is important to note that personal preference plays a significant role in determining which travel distance is preferred. Some may find the shorter travel distance of the Blush to be too abrupt, while others might appreciate its responsiveness. Similarly, the longer travel distance of the NovelKeys Cream may feel more comfortable and satisfying to those who enjoy a deeper keystroke. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches comes down to individual preferences and desired typing or gaming experience.
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 NovelKeys Cream has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the NovelKeys Cream for $6.25.
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, both the Aflion Blush and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switches are described as low-pitched, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. However, the NovelKeys Cream switches also have a resonant quality, providing a higher-pitched sound profile that creates an immersive auditory experience. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Blush switches are described as creamy, silky, and buttery. These switches offer a smooth and buttery typing experience, with lubricant applied in the switch at the factory or specific materials contributing to their smoothness. Typing on them feels like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys, with a seamless and uniform sensation.
On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switches are described as buttery, textured, and invigorating. They also provide a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, similar to the Blush switches. However, NovelKeys Cream switches may have a noticeable friction or texture when pressed, which some users prefer. They also offer pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel, creating an immersive typing sensation.
In conclusion, both the Aflion Blush and Kailh NovelKeys Cream switches offer subjective qualities that can enhance the typing experience. They provide low-pitched sound profiles, with the NovelKeys Cream switches additionally offering a resonant quality. In terms of feel, both switches are described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid typing experience. However, the Blush switches are specifically highlighted for their creamy and silky feel, while the Cream switches have a textured option for those who prefer noticeable friction. Overall, both switches offer unique qualities that can be tailored to individual preferences, resulting in an enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch, it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a smoother and snappy typing experience with a poppy sound signature, the Blush switch might be the right choice for you. It offers a medium bottom out force of 58 grams, providing a satisfying level of feedback without being too heavy. In terms of sound, the Blush switch has a low-pitched tone, which creates a more bass-heavy and mellow sound profile.
On the other hand, if you prefer a heftier linear typing experience with a deep sound profile, the NovelKeys Cream switch might suit you better. With a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams, it offers a more pronounced feedback and a satisfyingly snappy and reactive feel. The Cream switch has a low-pitched sound profile, similar to the Blush switch, but it also has a resonant quality, which creates a clean and sharp sound.
Both switches offer a smooth typing experience, but with different descriptors. The Blush switch is described as creamy, silky, and buttery, providing a seamless and effortless keystroke experience. On the other hand, the Cream switch is described as buttery, textured, and invigorating. The Cream switch offers a textured feeling when pressed, which may be preferred by some users who enjoy a tactile feedback. It also has an invigorating feel, with pronounced feedback and a snappy typing sensation.
Ultimately, it's important to consider both the sound and feel of the switches when making your decision. If you prioritize a smoother typing experience with a lower sound pitch, the Blush switch is a great option. However, if you prefer a heftier and more textured typing experience with a slightly higher sound pitch, the Cream switch might be more suitable. Consider your typing preferences and choose the switch that aligns with your desired typing experience.
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