Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to Aflion mechanical keyboard switches, the Foggy Shadow and the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring stand out as popular choices among enthusiasts. The Foggy Shadow is praised for its light tactile bump and 63.5g bottom-out force, offering a balanced performance that hits the sweet spot for many users. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is favored for its medium-high tactility, thanks to its unique two-staged spring design, which delivers deep, resonating thocks during typing sessions. While the Foggy Shadow falls under the categories of 'Low-pitched' and 'Neutral', the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is characterized by qualities such as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Sharp', 'Accented', 'Snappy', 'Bouncy', and 'Stepped'. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences, so choosing between them ultimately depends on individual typing style and preferences. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
63g
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
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
20mm dual-stage spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate plastic. This leads to a more clear and resonant sound overall. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches used with RGB lighting, as it allows for the illumination to shine through the top housing. However, the nylon bottom housing of the Foggy Shadow provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring's polycarbonate bottom housing, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. This difference in bottom housing material can significantly impact the typing experience on these switches.
While both switches share the benefits of using polycarbonate in their top housings, the differences lie in the bottom housing materials. The nylon bottom housing of the Foggy Shadow offers a softer typing experience with a deeper sound profile, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring provides a sharper and crisper sound profile. Ultimately, this variation in bottom housing material can affect how each switch feels and sounds when typing. Despite these differences, both switches still offer the benefits of polycarbonate in their top housings, delivering a clear and resonant sound profile that is enhanced by the use of RGB lighting.
In summary, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring showcase the importance of housing materials in creating unique sound profiles for mechanical switches. While both switches share the use of polycarbonate in their top housings for a sharp and clear sound, the difference in their bottom housing materials, nylon versus polycarbonate, results in varying sound profiles and typing experiences. Whether you prefer a deeper and fuller sound or a sharper and crisper sound, these housing materials play a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience on these switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, there are some key differences to consider. The Foggy Shadow has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it medium-heavy, while the actuation force is not specified. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, which is a more balanced medium weight. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring would be the better choice due to its lower actuation force. However, for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a heavier push, the Foggy Shadow may be more suitable. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. While both switches offer a tactile experience, the difference in travel distance may impact the feel and response of the keys. Gamers seeking faster response times may prefer the Foggy Shadow with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more profound keystroke may opt for the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and typing style when choosing between switches with varying travel distances.
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 Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring for $3.57.
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 offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone suitable for various environments and user preferences. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring produces a clacky and high-pitched sound, characterized by a sharp and crisp tone that is bright and percussive. The choice between the two switches depends on whether you prefer a softer, more neutral sound or a sharper, clackier sound experience.
Moving on to feel, the Aflion Foggy Shadow's tactile bump is described as light, but specific details on the feel are not available. In contrast, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring offers a sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped tactile experience. This means that the Double Spring switch provides a strong, crisp tactile bump that is distinct with each keypress, along with a lively and responsive feel due to its dual-staged springs. The decision between the two switches comes down to whether you prefer a more subtle and light tactile feedback or a more intense and pronounced tactile sensation.
In conclusion, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches offer distinct sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. The Foggy Shadow provides a low-pitched and neutral sound with a light tactile bump, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring offers a clacky and high-pitched sound with a sharp and accented tactile feel. Both switches excel in their own unique way, providing users with options based on their sound and feel preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a softer, mellower typing experience or a sharper and more intense tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a lighter tactile bump and a more low-pitched, neutral sound profile, the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch with its 63.5g bottom-out force would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-high level of tactility with a clacky, high-pitched sound profile, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch with its 63g bottom-out force would be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision between these two switches will depend on your desired tactile feel and sound profile when typing.
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