Durock Anubis vs. Aflion Foggy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Durock Anubis and the Aflion Foggy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Durock Anubis and Aflion Foggy Shadow mechanical keyboard switches, both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Anubis is renowned for its deep and resonant sound profile, providing a satisfying tactile feedback with a pronounced bump that adds intensity to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Foggy Shadow by Aflion stands out for its light tactile bump and medium weight bottom-out force, showcasing a balanced performance approach. While the Anubis excels in sharp tactility, the Foggy Shadow offers a more subtle tactile 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock Anubis and the Aflion Foggy Shadow both feature nylon top housings, which offer a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softness of the material. This makes typing on these switches produce a duller and rounder sound compared to switches with harder plastics. On the other hand, the Foggy Shadow stands out with its polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of the polycarbonate material contributes to a more clear and resonant sound when typing.
In terms of bottom housings, both the Anubis and the Foggy Shadow utilize nylon material. This results in a similar experience for users when typing on these switches, as the softer plastic absorbs more sound, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Despite both switches sharing the same bottom housing material, they offer distinct differences in sound due to their top housings. The Anubis's nylon top housing contributes to a duller and rounder sound, while the Foggy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing enhances a sharper and crisper sound profile.
While the top housings of the Durock Anubis and the Aflion Foggy Shadow vary in material, the qualities each housing material brings to the switch are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Both switches provide unique sound profiles and typing experiences based on the combination of materials used in their top and bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch, it is clear that both switches have the same actuation force of None grams. However, the Anubis has a bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Foggy Shadow has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it slightly lighter. This means that the Anubis offers a slightly heavier typing experience compared to the Foggy Shadow. For those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Anubis may be the better option due to its heavier bottom out force. On the other hand, those looking for a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time may prefer the slightly lighter bottom out force of the Foggy Shadow. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Durock Anubis tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Anubis offers a more traditional travel distance, while the Foggy Shadow provides a slightly shallower feel. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Foggy Shadow for faster response times, while those looking for a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Anubis. Overall, both switches offer their own unique travel distances, catering to different preferences in typing or gaming experiences.
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 Durock Anubis comes in at $8.00 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
When it comes to the sound profile of the Durock Anubis tactile switch, it offers a deep and resonant sound with a more pronounced tactile bump, providing a satisfying and intense typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a low-pitched sound with a very light tactile bump, creating a more mellow and bass-heavy tone. The Anubis switch falls under the category of a neutral sound profile, suitable for a wide range of users, while the Foggy Shadow also falls under the neutral sound category but with a distinct low-pitched tone. Ultimately, the sound of these switches will also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the Anubis switch is described as having an accented tactile feel, providing a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming but still noticeable, along with a polished finish for a smooth typing experience. However, information regarding the tactile feel of the Aflion Foggy Shadow switch is currently unknown. Based on the provided details, it can be inferred that the Anubis switch offers a more pronounced and refined tactile experience compared to the Foggy Shadow switch.
In conclusion, the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Anubis switch provides a deep sound profile with a pronounced tactile bump and a polished tactile feel, suited for users looking for a more intense typing experience. On the other hand, the Foggy Shadow switch presents a low-pitched sound with a light tactile bump, offering a more mellow tone and medium tactility. Depending on personal preferences and typing style, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience with different levels of tactility and sound.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for typing experience. If you are looking for a switch with a more pronounced and intense tactile feedback, along with a deeper and resonant sound profile, then the Anubis would be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter tactile bump with a more balanced performance and a medium weight feel, then the Foggy Shadow would be the ideal option. Consider your typing style and preferences when choosing between these two switches to ensure you get the best mechanical keyboard experience suited to your needs.
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