SP-Star Ayara vs. Aflion Foggy Shadow
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the Aflion Foggy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the SP-Star Ayara linear switch to the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch, there are distinct differences that cater to various preferences. The Ayara switch is known for its medium heftiness, providing a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and clacky sound profile, making it ideal for those who enjoy a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Foggy Shadow switch by Aflion offers a very light tactile bump and a 63.5g bottom-out force, striking a balance between smooth typing and tactile feedback. While the Ayara switch is categorized as 'High-pitched' and 'Polished', the Foggy Shadow switch falls under 'Low-pitched' and 'Neutral'. These characteristics provide a general idea of what each switch offers, but diving deeper into their specific features and performance will help in choosing the best switch for individual preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
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
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
Two-stage
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the SP-Star Ayara and the Aflion Foggy Shadow, it is evident that they both use nylon for the bottom housing. This material is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound overall when typing on switches that use nylon for the bottom housing. However, the top housing of the Ayara is made of nylon, while the Foggy Shadow utilizes polycarbonate. This leads to a contrast in sound profiles, with the polycarbonate top housing creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound compared to the nylon top housing of the Ayara.
As mentioned, the use of nylon for the bottom housing in both the Ayara and the Foggy Shadow results in a similar typing experience characterized by a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon helps in absorbing more sound, creating a rounded sound when typing on switches using nylon for the bottom housing. On the other hand, the difference lies in the top housing material, where the Ayara's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the Foggy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing generates a sharper and clearer sound profile. This contrast highlights the impact of housing materials on the overall sound and feel of a switch.
When considering the impact of housing materials on the sound and feel of a switch, it is important to note that the qualities of each material are split between the top and bottom housing. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing has a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key. This means that the use of different materials for the top and bottom housing, such as nylon and polycarbonate, can result in distinct typing experiences in terms of sound profile and tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between nylon and polycarbonate housing materials depends on personal preference for sound characteristics and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star Ayara linear switch to the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch, we can see that both switches have an actuation force of None grams, meaning they both require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Ayara is lighter at 62 grams, while the Foggy Shadow is slightly heavier at 63.5 grams. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Ayara may be the better choice, as it allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue. On the other hand, the Foggy Shadow provides a more substantial typing experience with its slightly heavier bottom out force, which some users may prefer for a more tactile feel. Ultimately, both switches offer similar actuation forces, but the slight difference in bottom out force may be the deciding factor for users looking for a specific typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch, it is evident that the Ayara has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Foggy Shadow has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Ayara with its 4.0mm travel distance provides a more traditional key press feel, offering a deeper press compared to the shallower 3.5mm travel distance of the Foggy Shadow. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Foggy Shadow, while those who enjoy a more tactile and deep key press may opt for the Ayara. Both switches offer different travel distances, catering to individual preferences in terms of key press feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Ayara has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ayara for $5.40.
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
In terms of sound, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch offers a clacky and neutral sound profile, best suited for those who enjoy a moderate and sharp sound when typing. On the other hand, the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch provides a low-pitched and neutral sound, creating a more bass-heavy and mellow tone when pressed. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the crisper sound of the Ayara or the mellower sound of the Foggy Shadow.
Moving on to the feel, the Ayara switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Meanwhile, information on the feel of the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch is not provided. For those who appreciate a polished and sleek typing experience, the Ayara switch would be a suitable choice.
In conclusion, both the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Ayara provides a clacky and polished typing experience with a medium actuation force, the Foggy Shadow offers a mellow and neutral sound profile with a light tactile bump. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience. If you prefer a neutral sound profile and a polished feel, the Ayara would be a great choice, while the Foggy Shadow would be ideal for those who prefer a low-pitched sound with a light tactile bump.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the SP-Star Ayara linear switch or the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a medium-bottom out force and enjoy a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and clacky sound profile, then the Ayara linear switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a light tactile bump with a slightly heavier bottom-out force, the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch may be more suited to your typing preferences. Both switches offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, so be sure to consider what qualities are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch before making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your individual typing preferences and the experience you seek from your mechanical keyboard.
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