Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. Dareu Snow
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Dareu Snow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Dareu Snow present distinct options for enthusiasts seeking different typing experiences. The Foggy Shadow by Aflion boasts a light tactile bump and a 63.5g bottom-out force, providing a balanced and medium-weight typing feel. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow showcases innovation with its POK material construction for both the top housing and stem, resulting in a smoother linear switch with a deeper sound signature. While the Foggy Shadow offers a gentle tactile feedback, the Snow delivers a satisfyingly smooth keystroke. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POK
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
The Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Dareu Snow both feature polycarbonate top housings, providing a sharp, higher-pitched sound profile. The Foggy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing is specifically noted for its clear and resonant sound, perfect for showcasing RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Snow's POK top housing offers a smooth and durable switch experience, with exceptional wear resistance and shock resistance. Despite their differences in material composition, both switches offer high-quality sound profiles, making them excellent choices for discerning users.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Foggy Shadow and the Snow utilize nylon material. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housing results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. This classic switch housing material is known for its softer nature, which contributes to a more satisfying typing experience. While the bottom housing may have a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, the top housing's material also plays a crucial role in determining the overall sound quality and typing experience.
While the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Dareu Snow may differ in their choice of bottom housing material, both switches offer a well-rounded experience for users seeking high-quality sound profiles. The contrast between the polycarbonate top housing of the Foggy Shadow and the POK top housing of the Snow provides unique characteristics to each switch, catering to different preferences in sound and feel. Ultimately, the combination of top and bottom housing materials in these switches contributes to their overall performance and durability, making them both solid choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch have different actuation and bottom out forces, which can affect the typing experience for users. The Foggy Shadow has no specified actuation force, while the Snow has an actuation force of 50 grams, making it lighter than the Foggy Shadow. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Foggy Shadow requires 63.5 grams, which is heavier than the 60 grams required by the Snow. This means that the Foggy Shadow provides a medium-heavy typing experience, while the Snow offers a medium one. Lighter switches like the Snow are favored by those who type for extended periods, while heavier switches like the Foggy Shadow are preferred by users who enjoy a more substantial typing feel. Overall, users can expect different tactile experiences based on the actuation and bottom out forces of these two switches.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Dareu Snow linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the category of shorter travel distances, making them ideal choices for those seeking fast response times, particularly gamers. The slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be noticeable to most users, as both provide a relatively shallow key press. However, for those who prefer a bit more depth to their key presses, the Foggy Shadow with its slightly longer travel distance may be the preferred choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference regarding key press feel and response time.
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 Dareu Snow has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Snow for $5.76.
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, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for various usage scenarios. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow linear switch has a thocky and low-pitched sound signature, emphasizing a deep, rich, and satisfying keypress experience. The choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, as well as factors like the keyboard and keycap setup.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch does not have specific descriptors provided, so it may offer a more straightforward tactile experience without any additional characteristics. In contrast, the Dareu Snow linear switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation during key presses. This bouncy feel can enhance typing comfort and responsiveness for users who prefer a more dynamic typing experience.
In conclusion, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and Dareu Snow switches offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Foggy Shadow excels in providing a balanced and neutral sound profile with a light tactile bump, while the Snow impresses with a deeper and more pronounced thocky sound along with a bouncy key feel. Depending on whether one values a mellow tone and medium tactile feedback or a rich sound and lively key response, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on the user's individual preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, consider your preference for tactile feedback and sound. If you prefer a light tactile bump with a low-pitched sound profile, the Foggy Shadow may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a smooth linear switch with a deeper, thocky sound and a bouncy feel, the Snow switch might be more to your liking. Ultimately, your choice should depend on your personal typing style and the auditory experience you are seeking in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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