Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue offer unique features to cater to different preferences. The Foggy Shadow from Aflion is a tactile switch that boasts a very light tactile bump, providing a subtle feedback with each keystroke. With a 63.5g bottom-out force, it strikes a balance between being responsive and comfortable to use. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue from Everglide is a linear switch known for its deep and thocky sound profile, offering a satisfying typing experience. With a lengthened single-stage spring, it provides a bouncy feel while maintaining an easy-to-press standard spring weight. While the Foggy Shadow emphasizes a light tactile feedback, the Tourmaline Blue focuses on a smooth and satisfying typing experience. 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
59g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This not only enhances the overall sound quality of the switches but also allows for translucency, making them ideal for RGB lighting setups. However, the materials differ when it comes to the bottom housing; the Foggy Shadow utilizes nylon while the Tourmaline Blue sticks with polycarbonate. Nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile, whereas polycarbonate offers a clearer and more resonant sound.
While both the Foggy Shadow and the Tourmaline Blue boast polycarbonate top housings, their differences lie in the bottom housings. The Foggy Shadow's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate bottom housing aligns more closely with the top housing, offering a sharper and crisper sound. This distinction showcases how the choice of housing material can impact the overall typing experience, from the initial key press to the release of the key. Users can expect a different tactile and auditory feedback depending on the composition of the housing materials on these switches.
In the end, whether the housing materials are the same or different, both the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue offer unique sound profiles and tactile experiences. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches creates a consistent high-pitched and crisp sound, perfect for those who enjoy a sharp typing experience. However, the variation in bottom housing materials allows for a deeper or rounder sound profile, catering to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel, whether you prefer the fuller sound of nylon or the sharper sound of polycarbonate.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, we can see that the Foggy Shadow has a lighter actuation force of None grams compared to the Tourmaline Blue's 59 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Foggy Shadow requires 63.5 grams, while the Tourmaline Blue needs 67 grams. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category in terms of bottom out force. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Foggy Shadow, as it has a lower actuation force, making it easier to trigger keystrokes. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial push feel may prefer the Tourmaline Blue for its slightly heavier actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of typical travel distances, with the Tourmaline Blue being on the longer side. The Foggy Shadow may appeal to those looking for a quicker response time, such as gamers, while the Tourmaline Blue may offer a more substantial and satisfying keystroke for those who prefer a deeper press. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
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 Everglide Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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 and Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches both fall under the descriptor of "neutral". This means that they offer a moderate sound profile that is suitable for a wide range of users and environments. The Foggy Shadow switch provides a low-pitched sound, which tends to be more bass-heavy and mellow compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switch offers a deep and thocky sound profile, immersing users in a satisfying typing experience. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Foggy Shadow switch does not have specific descriptors mentioned, so its tactile feel may lean towards a more standard typing experience. In contrast, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch is described as "buttery", providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. It is also noted as "easy-to-press", requiring minimal force to activate, making typing effortless and comfortable. Additionally, its feel is described as "mild", offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users.
In conclusion, while the Aflion Foggy Shadow and Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches differ in sound and feel characteristics, they both aim to provide a balanced and enjoyable typing experience for users. The Foggy Shadow switch offers a low-pitched sound and a light tactile bump, while the Tourmaline Blue switch provides a deep and thocky sound with a buttery and easy-to-press feel. Ultimately, choosing between these switches would depend on personal preference for sound profile and typing feel.
Conclusion
Therefore, when deciding between the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, you should consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a light tactile bump and a low-pitched sound profile, the Foggy Shadow may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery feel, easy-to-press keys, and a neutral sound profile, the Tourmaline Blue could be the better option. Both switches offer a medium-heavy bottom out force, so it ultimately comes down to your individual preferences for typing feel and sound. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and enjoy a satisfying keyboard experience.
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