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Corsair AF120 Elite vs Scythe Kaze Flex II 120 PWM: Comparison
Corsair AF120 Elite vs Scythe Kaze Flex II 120 PWM: the static pressure difference
Start with static pressure, because it is the widest measured gap between them: Corsair AF120 Elite 1.93 mmH2O against Scythe Kaze Flex II 120 PWM 0.97 mmH2O, 50% in favour of Corsair AF120 Elite. Add airflow to that, 59.1 CFM on the Corsair AF120 Elite versus 52.94 CFM on the Scythe Kaze Flex II 120 PWM, and the pattern holds. Corsair AF120 Elite also leads on max speed, 1850 RPM on the Corsair AF120 Elite versus 1200 RPM on the Scythe Kaze Flex II 120 PWM. They differ on positioning too, Performance on the Corsair AF120 Elite versus Mainstream on the Scythe Kaze Flex II 120 PWM.
Who each one is for
The Corsair AF120 Elite is the one to take for mesh-front intake positions and builds that don't want RGB clutter, though it is not the pick for radiator or filtered-intake duty and budget-per-fan shoppers. Buy the Scythe Kaze Flex II 120 PWM for quiet mainstream case airflow and Non-RGB builds, though it is not built for high static pressure radiator duty and show-window RGB builds. Our rating of the Corsair AF120 Elite (7/10): A clean, quiet airflow fan for mesh cases, though the Arctic F12 PWM matches it for less money. Our rating of the Scythe Kaze Flex II 120 PWM (7/10): A dependable, quiet mainstream fan with nothing flashy about it, which is exactly the point.
What Corsair AF120 Elite and Scythe Kaze Flex II 120 PWM have in common
The common ground is wider than the gap: fan size, bearing type, connector type, lighting and pwm control are identical here.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Corsair AF120 Elite and Scythe Kaze Flex II 120 PWM differ on noise level?
Yes. Noise Level reads 28.9 dBA on the Corsair AF120 Elite versus 23.8 dBA on the Scythe Kaze Flex II 120 PWM.
Specs and benchmarks
Fan Size
- Corsair AF120 Elite
- 120 mm
- Scythe Kaze Flex II 120 PWM
- 120 mm
Brand
- Corsair AF120 Elite
- Corsair
- Scythe Kaze Flex II 120 PWM
- Scythe
Model
- Corsair AF120 Elite
- AF120 Elite
- Scythe Kaze Flex II 120 PWM
- Kaze Flex II 120 PWM (1200RPM)
Bearing Type
- Corsair AF120 Elite
- Fluid Dynamic
- Scythe Kaze Flex II 120 PWM
- Fluid Dynamic
Lighting
- Corsair AF120 Elite
- No RGB
- Scythe Kaze Flex II 120 PWM
- No RGB
Fan Thickness
- Corsair AF120 Elite
- 25 mm
- Scythe Kaze Flex II 120 PWM
- 26 mm
Static Pressure
- Corsair AF120 Elite
- 1.93 mmH2OBest
- Scythe Kaze Flex II 120 PWM
- 0.97 mmH2O-50%
Max Speed
- Corsair AF120 Elite
- 1850 RPMBest
- Scythe Kaze Flex II 120 PWM
- 1200 RPM-35%
Airflow
- Corsair AF120 Elite
- 59.1 CFMBest
- Scythe Kaze Flex II 120 PWM
- 52.94 CFM-10%
Noise Level
- Corsair AF120 Elite
- 28.9 dBA
- Scythe Kaze Flex II 120 PWM
- 23.8 dBABest
PWM Control
- Corsair AF120 Elite
- Yes
- Scythe Kaze Flex II 120 PWM
- Yes
Min Speed
- Corsair AF120 Elite
- 400 RPMBest
- Scythe Kaze Flex II 120 PWM
- 300 RPM
Connector Type
- Corsair AF120 Elite
- 4-Pin PWM
- Scythe Kaze Flex II 120 PWM
- 4-Pin PWM
Positioning
- Corsair AF120 Elite
- Performance
- Scythe Kaze Flex II 120 PWM
- Mainstream
Which one should you pick?
Choose Corsair AF120 Elite if you want the higher static pressure (1.93 mmH2O vs 0.97 mmH2O), the higher max speed (1850 RPM vs 1200 RPM) and the higher airflow (59.1 CFM vs 52.94 CFM).
Choose Scythe Kaze Flex II 120 PWM if you want the lower noise level (23.8 dBA vs 28.9 dBA).
Price comparison
| Retailer | Corsair AF120 Elite | Scythe Kaze Flex II 120 PWM |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | View on Amazon | |
| Scythe | View on Scythe |
Disclaimer: The price and specification of the given product may differ from the actual product. Please confirm on the retailer's website before buying.
Verdict
Corsair AF120 Elite
7 / 10 Expert Rating
A clean, quiet airflow fan for mesh cases, though the Arctic F12 PWM matches it for less money.
Scythe Kaze Flex II 120 PWM
7 / 10 Expert Rating
A dependable, quiet mainstream fan with nothing flashy about it, which is exactly the point.