Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Aflion Foggy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Aflion Foggy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Aflion Foggy Shadow are two distinct mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique typing experiences. The Aqua King (V3) is a linear switch best known for its frictionless feel, reminiscent of gliding on freshly resurfaced ice. Categorized as 'Subdued', 'Creamy', 'Frictionless', 'Silky', and 'Polished', this switch provides a smooth and effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Foggy Shadow is a tactile switch that features a light tactile bump and a 63.5g bottom-out force, offering a balanced performance. Categorized as 'Low-pitched' and 'Neutral', this switch provides a satisfying tactile feedback without being too heavy. When considering which switch to choose, the Aqua King (V3) appeals to those who enjoy a seamless and frictionless typing experience, while the Foggy Shadow is ideal for individuals seeking a balanced tactile feedback with a medium weight. 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
46g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
Nylon
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Aflion Foggy Shadow feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiff plastic, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. However, while they share this common material for the top housing, they differ in the bottom housing material. The Aqua King (V3) utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which continues the trend of creating a sharp sound profile, while the Foggy Shadow opts for a nylon bottom housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound.
The difference in bottom housing material between the Aqua King (V3) and the Aflion Foggy Shadow results in distinct typing experiences. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Aqua King (V3) contributes to a sharper sound upon bottoming out keys, offering a more defined and impactful typing feel. In contrast, the nylon bottom housing of the Foggy Shadow elicits a deeper and fuller sound, creating a rounder and softer typing experience. This highlights how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Despite the differences in bottom housing material, the similarities in using polycarbonate for the top housing of both the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Aflion Foggy Shadow ensure that they both deliver a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This consistency in material for the top housing means that users can expect comparable results in terms of sound quality and aesthetics when using these switches. Ultimately, the choice between the Aqua King (V3) and the Foggy Shadow may come down to personal preference regarding the type of typing experience desired, whether it be a sharper and more resonant sound or a deeper and fuller sound.
Weight
In comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch, it is clear that the Aqua King is lighter in both categories. The Aqua King requires 46 grams of force to actuate and 62 grams to bottom out, while the Foggy Shadow's actuation force is unknown, and it requires 63.5 grams to bottom out. Both switches fall within the medium range of actuation force, but the Foggy Shadow leans towards the heavier side when it comes to bottom out force. This difference in force may appeal to different preferences, as some users may prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions, while others may prefer a more substantial feel for a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch, it is evident that the Aqua King has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the 3.5 mm travel distance of the Foggy Shadow. The difference of 0.5 mm may not seem significant, but it can impact the overall typing experience. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Foggy Shadow, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may opt for the Aqua King. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) has an MSRP of $7.18 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aqua King (V3) for $5.44.
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.
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
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch is best known for its frictionless and silky typing feel, evoking a sensation akin to skating on freshly resurfaced ice. On the other hand, the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch offers a light tactile bump with a medium weight feel, showcasing Aflion's dedication to balanced performance. When it comes to sound, the Aqua King (V3) produces a subdued and dampened sound, while the Foggy Shadow emits a low-pitched and neutral sound. In terms of feel, the Aqua King (V3) provides a creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished typing experience, emphasizing smooth and effortless key presses. However, details on the tactile feel of the Foggy Shadow switch are not available. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users can find a switch that suits their typing style. Ultimately, whether you prefer the silky smoothness of the Aqua King (V3) or the balanced performance of the Foggy Shadow, both switches promise a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch, consider the typing experience you desire. If you are looking for a smooth and frictionless typing feel that resembles gliding effortlessly on ice, then the Aqua King (V3) is the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light tactile bump and a balanced performance with a slightly heavier bottom-out force, the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch is the way to go. Both switches offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, so weigh your preferences carefully before making your selection. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you wish to achieve.
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