Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. Cherry MX Brown
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Cherry MX Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Cherry MX Brown mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that both offer a tactile typing experience but with their own unique characteristics. The Aflion Foggy Shadow stands out for its light tactile bump and medium weight, making it a balanced choice for those looking for a responsive yet comfortable typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown is known for its subtle tactility and gentle typing experience, emphasizing a quieter and more understated feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Cherry MX Brown, we see that the Foggy Shadow utilizes a polycarbonate top housing while the MX Brown uses a nylon top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Foggy Shadow creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffer nature, making it ideal for RGB lighting. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the MX Brown produces a deeper and fuller sound profile as the softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Despite these differences, both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their respective housing materials.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, we find that both the Foggy Shadow and the Cherry MX Brown utilize nylon for their bottom housings. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound for both switches. With this similarity in bottom housing material, users can expect a consistent sound profile when pressing down on keys, as the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel will be influenced by the nylon bottom housing of each switch.
In conclusion, while the top and bottom housing materials of the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Cherry MX Brown vary, they both offer unique sound profiles based on the characteristics of their respective materials. The Foggy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, while the MX Brown's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. Similarly, both switches feature nylon bottom housings that absorb sound to create a duller and rounder sound profile. Overall, users can expect distinct sound experiences from each switch based on the nuances of their housing materials.
Weight
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch differ in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Aflion Foggy Shadow has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is heavier than the Cherry MX Brown's 55 grams. However, the actuation force of the Aflion Foggy Shadow is not specified, while the Cherry MX Brown has an actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the actuation force of the Cherry MX Brown is lighter than the Foggy Shadow, making it easier to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the bottom out force of the Foggy Shadow is heavier, resulting in a more substantial typing experience. Depending on personal preference, some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Cherry MX Brown for extended typing sessions, while others may opt for the heavier bottom out force of the Aflion Foggy Shadow for a more pronounced typing feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual typing preferences and desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Foggy Shadow may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the MX Brown may provide a more satisfying depth for those who prefer a more pronounced feel when typing or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Aflion Foggy Shadow has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Foggy Shadow for $3.91.
The Cherry MX Brown comes in at $4.00 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 Foggy Shadow tactile switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, which typically features a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. This can provide a relaxed auditory experience during typing sessions. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch has a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, offering a deeper and richer sound during key presses. While both switches have a low-pitched sound, the Foggy Shadow may provide a more neutral and versatile auditory experience.
Moving on to the feel, the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch does not have specific descriptors available to describe its tactile feel. However, with a 63.5g bottom-out force, these switches likely offer a light tactile bump that enhances the typing experience. In contrast, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch is described as textured, meaning it may have noticeable friction when pressed. This texture can provide a unique feel that some users prefer for a more tactile typing experience.
Overall, when considering all available information, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and Cherry MX Brown tactile switches both offer tactile typing experiences with their own unique characteristics. While the Foggy Shadow may provide a more neutral and light tactile bump, the Cherry MX Brown offers a textured feel with a subtle tactility. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, newcomers to the mechanical keyboard switch world can experiment with these switches to determine which best suits their typing style. Ultimately, both switches promise a satisfying tactile typing experience, ensuring that users will get similar results in terms of performance and comfort.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, consider the bottom out force and sound profile that best suits your preferences. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force with a light tactile bump and a low-pitched, neutral sound profile, the Foggy Shadow may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force with a subtle tactile experience and a bassy, low-pitched sound profile, the Cherry MX Brown could be more fitting. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and typing style, so choose the switch that feels most comfortable and enjoyable for your typing needs.
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