Kailh Berry vs. Aflion Foggy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Kailh Berry and the Aflion Foggy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Kailh Berry and Aflion Foggy Shadow are two popular mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique typing experiences. The Berry, a linear switch, is characterized by a hefty typing feel, springy response, and a chalk-like texture when typing. It produces a deep sound profile and is categorized as 'Textured', 'Low-pitched', and 'Bassy'. On the other hand, the Aflion Foggy Shadow, a tactile switch, boasts a light tactile bump and a 63.5g bottom-out force, striking a balance between weight and performance. It is categorized as 'Low-pitched' and 'Neutral'. Both switches have their strengths and appeal to different typing preferences, but a deeper dive into their characteristics is necessary to make the best decision for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Berry and the Aflion Foggy Shadow, it is clear that they both feature a polycarbonate top housing. This means that both switches will offer a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of these switches also allows for the incorporation of RGB lighting, due to its translucent properties. This feature makes both switches aesthetically pleasing and versatile for users who value customizable lighting options.
However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing material. The Berry utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Foggy Shadow's nylon bottom housing. This difference in bottom housing material highlights the impact that the bottom housing has on the overall sound and feel of a switch. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound than the stiffer plastic used in the top housing.
Overall, while both the Kailh Berry and the Aflion Foggy Shadow share a polycarbonate top housing, their differing bottom housing materials provide unique sound characteristics. The split in housing materials leads to a combination of sharp, crisp tones from the polycarbonate top housing and deeper, fuller sounds from the nylon bottom housing. This blend of materials offers users a dynamic typing experience, with varying sound profiles depending on whether you are pressing down on a key or releasing it.
Weight
The Kailh Berry linear switch and the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch both have similar medium-heavy bottom out forces, with the Berry being slightly heavier at 70 grams compared to the Foggy Shadow's 63.5 grams. However, the actuation force for both switches is unknown. When comparing the two, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Foggy Shadow switch due to its lower bottom out force, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Berry switch may be more suited for those looking for a more substantial typing experience with its slightly heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and the desired weight of the switch.
Travel distance
The Kailh Berry linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm distance. Gamers may prefer the Berry switch for its slightly shorter travel distance, which can lead to faster response times. On the other hand, the Foggy Shadow switch with a slightly longer travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial key press feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and keypress feedback.
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 Kailh Berry comes in at $6.25 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 sound, the Kailh Berry linear switch offers a low-pitched and bassy tone, providing a deep and rich sound profile during key presses. On the other hand, the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch also produces a low-pitched sound, but with a more neutral profile suitable for various purposes. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to feel, the Berry switch is textured, giving a chalk-like feel when typing on them, which some users may enjoy for the added friction. Unfortunately, there is no specific information available regarding the tactile feel of the Aflion Foggy Shadow switch. However, based on its light tactile bump and medium weight, it can be inferred that the Foggy Shadow offers a smoother typing experience compared to the textured Berry switch.
Overall, it is clear that the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a switch with a deep and bassy sound profile and a textured typing experience, the Berry switch may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a more neutral sound profile and a lighter tactile bump for a smoother typing experience, the Aflion Foggy Shadow switch would be a better choice. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences, and choosing between them would depend on your personal typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch, consider the typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a springy feel with a chalk-like texture and a deeper sound profile, the Berry switch with its 70g bottom-out force might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light tactile bump with a 63.5g bottom-out force and a balanced performance, the Aflion Foggy Shadow switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference in typing feel and sound profile. Choose the switch that aligns with your preferences for the best mechanical keyboard experience.
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