Gateron Beer vs. Aflion Foggy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Aflion Foggy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Beer and the Aflion Foggy Shadow mechanical keyboard switches, it is clear that they both offer unique features for different preferences. The Beer switch, inspired by the sparkly allure of a Tsingtao beer bottle, is known for its translucent green color and refreshingly lightweight feel. It provides a stepped tactility that is subtler than the continuous curve of round tactility, giving it a distinctive clacky sound. On the other hand, the Foggy Shadow switch by Aflion boasts a very light tactile bump and a medium weight of 63.5g bottom-out force, highlighting Aflion's dedication to balanced performance. While the Beer switch is more 'clacky' and 'easy-to-press', the Foggy Shadow switch is 'low-pitched' and 'neutral'. 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
38g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Beer and the Aflion Foggy Shadow utilize polycarbonate top housings, which result in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through the housing. In terms of aesthetics and sound profile, both switches offer similar benefits with their polycarbonate top housings.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Gateron Beer features a polycarbonate bottom housing, while the Aflion Foggy Shadow utilizes a nylon bottom housing. The polycarbonate in the Beer's bottom housing continues the trend of creating a sharper and crisper sound profile, but the nylon in the Foggy Shadow's bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature. This means that typing on switches with nylon bottom housings may result in a duller and rounder sound compared to the stiffer polycarbonate bottom housings.
Overall, the Gateron Beer and the Aflion Foggy Shadow showcase how different housing materials can impact the sound and feel of mechanical switches. While both switches share the benefits of polycarbonate top housings in terms of sound clarity and resonance, they diverge in the material used for their bottom housings. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Beer provides a continuation of the sharp sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing of the Foggy Shadow offers a deeper and fuller sound experience. Whether you prefer a sharper or rounder sound profile may influence your choice between these two switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch, we can see significant differences. The Beer has a light actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, whereas the Foggy Shadow's actuation force is unknown, and its bottom out force is 63.5 grams, making it medium-heavy. The Beer switch would be preferred by those who enjoy a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Foggy Shadow switch would cater to individuals who prefer a more substantial typing feel with a heavier bottom out force. Overall, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preference for typing force - whether they prefer a lighter touch for extended use or a heavier press for a more tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Foggy Shadow has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Beer. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those who prioritize quick response times, such as gamers. However, the slight difference in travel distance may result in a slightly different typing experience between the two switches. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding travel distance and keypress feel. For those who prefer a slightly deeper keypress, the Aflion Foggy Shadow may be the preferred option, while the Gateron Beer may offer a slightly quicker typing experience for those who prioritize speed and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Beer has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Beer for $4.59.
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 Gateron Beer tactile switch is known for its characteristic clacky sound, which produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, giving it a crisp, bright, and percussive tone. On the other hand, the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch is described as having a low-pitched sound profile, which tends to be more bass-heavy and mellow compared to higher-pitched switches. Its neutral sound makes it suitable for various purposes, catering to both beginners and advanced users alike. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is known for being easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, it features a stepped tactility that provides a subtler feel compared to the continuous curve of round tactility, offering a unique typing experience with a two-stage key press sensation. On the other hand, information on the tactile feel of the Aflion Foggy Shadow switch is currently unavailable.
In conclusion, the Gateron Beer tactile switch offers a distinct typing experience with its light actuation force, stepped tactility, and characteristic clacky sound. On the other hand, the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch aims to provide a balanced performance with a medium weight and a neutral sound profile. Both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles, so choosing between them will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. If you prefer a light and clacky switch, the Gateron Beer may be more suitable for you, while if you lean towards a medium-weight switch with a neutral sound, the Aflion Foggy Shadow could be a better fit. Ultimately, experimenting with both switches will provide a clearer understanding of which one aligns best with your preferences.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when choosing between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and enjoy a unique clacky sound with stepped tactility, the Gateron Beer switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and appreciate a low-pitched, neutral sound profile, along with a light tactile bump, then the Aflion Foggy Shadow switch could be more suitable for your typing preferences. Both switches offer their own distinct characteristics, so it ultimately comes down to your personal typing style and preferences.
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