Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. Outemu Phoenix
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Outemu Phoenix switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options worth considering are the Aflion Foggy Shadow, a tactile switch, and the Outemu Phoenix, a clicky switch. The Foggy Shadow by Aflion is praised for its light tactile bump and medium weight of 63.5g, showcasing the brand's dedication to balanced performance. On the other hand, the Phoenix by Outemu stands out for its under-skirt click mechanism, providing a unique and crystalline sound profile. While the Foggy Shadow offers a more subtle typing experience with a low-pitched and neutral feel, the Phoenix delivers a crunchy and polished typing experience. Choosing between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference and intended usage; 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Aflion Foggy Shadow and Outemu Phoenix both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate plastic, which leads to a more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for switches using RGB lighting. However, the Foggy Shadow's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound compared to harder plastics. This difference in bottom housing material between the two switches may lead to a variation in typing experience and sound output.
On the other hand, the Phoenix also has a polycarbonate bottom housing, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile similar to its top housing. This consistency in housing material throughout the switch may lead to a more uniform typing experience. The split between top and bottom housing qualities is important to consider when determining the overall sound and feel of a switch. The impact of the bottom housing is more noticeable during bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key.
Overall, while both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, the difference in bottom housing material between the Aflion Foggy Shadow and Outemu Phoenix may result in variations in sound profile and typing experience. The Foggy Shadow's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the Phoenix's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains consistency with its sharper and crisper sound profile. Understanding the impact of different housing materials on switch performance can help users choose the best option for their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch, it is evident that the Foggy Shadow is the heavier of the two with a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the Phoenix is slightly lighter with a bottom out force of 62 grams. Both switches have an unknown actuation force, which means that they will provide a similar typing experience in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. The weight of a switch is essential as it can impact typing comfort and endurance. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Phoenix for extended typing sessions, while others may appreciate the heavier bottom out force of the Foggy Shadow for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for typing experience and comfort.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for individuals looking for faster response times, particularly gamers. The slight difference in travel distance may not be noticeable to most users, as they are both relatively short compared to traditional switches. However, those who prefer a slightly deeper press may find the Foggy Shadow with its 3.5 mm travel distance to be more to their liking, while those who prefer a slightly shallower press may prefer the 3.3 mm distance of the Outemu Phoenix. Overall, both switches offer a similar typing experience due to their close proximity in travel distance.
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 Outemu Phoenix comes in at $4.15 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, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch is known for its crunchy sound, reminiscent of stepping on autumn leaves. Both switches offer distinct auditory experiences, allowing users to choose based on their preference for sound aesthetics.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Foggy Shadow switch does not have specific descriptors provided, making it difficult to directly compare its tactile feel with the polished feel of the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch. The polished feel of the Phoenix switch promises a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. While the exact tactile feel of the Foggy Shadow remains unknown, users looking for a sleek, frictionless typing experience may lean towards the Phoenix switch.
Overall, the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch offer diverse sound profiles and tactile feels, catering to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Whether you prefer a low-pitched, neutral sound or a crunchy click, both switches present unique characteristics that can enhance the typing experience based on individual preferences. It is important for users to consider their sound and feel preferences when choosing between these two switches to ensure an optimal typing experience.
Conclusion
Therefore, when choosing between the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a light tactile bump and medium weight with a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, the Foggy Shadow may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you desire a unique click mechanism with a crystalline and sparkling sound profile and a polished feel for smooth key travel, the Phoenix could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for tactile feedback, sound profile, and typing experience.
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