Aflion Blush vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to comparing the Aflion Blush and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream mechanical keyboard switches, both being linear switches, there are distinct features that set them apart. The Blush from Aflion is praised for its smooth, full, and snappy typing experience, attributed to its longer, two-stage spring and long pole which produces a poppy sound signature. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch by KTT stands out for its remarkably smooth and creamy feel due to the use of POK in both the stem and bottom housing. Additionally, it offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature that adds to its uniqueness. Both switches are categorized with similar attributes such as 'Buttery' and 'Creamy', but the Blush is also described as 'Low-pitched' and 'Silky' while the Vanilla Ice Cream includes 'High-pitched', 'Marbly', and 'Resonant'. Each switch has its own distinct advantages, but diving deeper into their specific characteristics will help you make the best choice for your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Dual-stage stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Blush utilizes a polycarbonate top housing for a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream features a proprietary KTT blend top housing known for its high-pitched and clacky sound signature. Both housing materials offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. While the Blush's polycarbonate top housing creates a resonant sound due to its stiffness and translucency ideal for RGB lighting, the Vanilla Ice Cream's KTT blend top housing provides a distinct clacky sound that some users may prefer for typing feedback.
On the bottom housing front, the Blush opts for a nylon material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream incorporates a POK bottom housing that offers smoothness, clackiness, and durability. The POK material boasts impressive wear resistance and shock resistance compared to other materials like Nylon and POM. This difference in bottom housing materials highlights how each switch prioritizes different aspects such as sound profile, feel, and longevity, catering to a diverse range of user preferences.
In summary, while the Aflion Blush and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream share similarities in using different materials for their top and bottom housings to create unique sound profiles, they also showcase distinct characteristics. The Blush focuses on a sharper and resonant sound with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing for a fuller sound, while the Vanilla Ice Cream prioritizes smoothness and durability with its KTT blend top housing and POK bottom housing. Ultimately, these housing material choices cater to different user preferences in sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the Aflion Blush linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it is clear that they have distinct differences in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Blush has a higher bottom out force of 58 grams, while the Vanilla Ice Cream has a lower bottom out force of 48 grams, making the Blush the heavier of the two. The actuation force of the Blush is not specified, while the Vanilla Ice Cream has an actuation force of 43 grams. This means that the Vanilla Ice Cream requires less force to trigger a keystroke compared to the Blush. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Vanilla Ice Cream would be the ideal choice, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Blush would provide a more substantial feel due to its heavier bottom out force, catering to those who prefer a stronger push when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blush linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. While both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, the Blush offers a slightly quicker response time than the Vanilla Ice Cream. Gamers who prioritize speed may prefer the Blush for its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, users who enjoy a more substantial keypress may find the longer travel distance of the Vanilla Ice Cream to be more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference regarding the feel and responsiveness of the keys during typing or gaming sessions.
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 KTT Vanilla Ice Cream has an MSRP of $5.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vanilla Ice Cream for $4.60.
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 Aflion Blush linear switch offers a low-pitched, bass-heavy tone that provides a mellow and full auditory experience. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch presents a high-pitched, marbly, and resonant sound profile that is sharp, crisp, and clean. The Blush delivers a poppy sound signature, while the Vanilla Ice Cream distinguishes itself with a clacky sound that sets it apart from other switches in the market.
In terms of feel, both the Aflion Blush and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches are described as creamy and buttery, providing typists with a smooth and silky typing experience. The Blush offers a snappy and full feel due to its two-stage spring and long pole design, while the Vanilla Ice Cream boasts a remarkably smooth and creamy feel thanks to the use of POK in both the stem and bottom housing. Typing on either switch will feel like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys, with each keystroke being seamless and uniform.
Overall, the Aflion Blush linear switch and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch both excel in offering a smooth and buttery typing experience with their creamy feel. While the Blush leans towards a low-pitched sound signature and a snappy feel, the Vanilla Ice Cream provides a high-pitched, marbly sound profile that sets it apart acoustically. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel, but rest assured that both will deliver a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a smooth and snappy typing experience with a medium bottom out force, the Aflion Blush linear switch would be an excellent choice. Its longer, two-stage spring and poppy sound signature make it stand out as a top linear option. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a creamy, buttery feel with a high-pitched and clacky sound, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing force in order to enhance your overall typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
