Durock Blue Lotus vs. Aflion Foggy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Aflion Foggy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Durock Blue Lotus and the Aflion Foggy Shadow mechanical keyboard switches, the decision ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. The Blue Lotus from Durock boasts a tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, making it a great choice for those who appreciate a marked tactile feel. With features such as a slightly reduced travel distance and a detachable light column for RGB illumination, the Blue Lotus offers both performance and visual appeal. On the other hand, the Aflion Foggy Shadow is known for its light tactile bump and medium weight, making it a balanced option for users looking for a comfortable typing 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
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
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 long spring
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock Blue Lotus and Aflion Foggy Shadow both feature top housings made of different materials, with the Blue Lotus using a Modified PC & UPE Blend while the Foggy Shadow utilizes polycarbonate. The Blue Lotus's housing creates a premium and unique feel, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Foggy Shadow produces a sharper and crisper sound profile. Both materials offer their own advantages, with the Blue Lotus providing a softer typing experience and the Foggy Shadow offering a more resonant sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate in the Foggy Shadow allows for RGB lighting effects, adding to the visual appeal of the switch.
In terms of bottom housings, both the Blue Lotus and Foggy Shadow use nylon as their material of choice. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature and ability to absorb sound more effectively. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. Despite both switches using the same housing material for the bottom, the impact of the bottom housing is felt predominantly during bottom-out sound and feel when typing on the switch. The nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a more comfortable and less harsh typing experience.
Overall, the combination of different housing materials in the Blue Lotus and Foggy Shadow switches showcases how each material can affect the sound and feel of a switch. While the Blue Lotus offers a premium feel with its Modified PC & UPE Blend top housing, the Foggy Shadow provides a crisper sound profile with its polycarbonate top housing. Both switches benefit from the nylon bottom housing's ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile, adding to the overall typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference regarding sound, feel, and aesthetics.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch, we see that the Blue Lotus is lighter in terms of actuation force at 55 grams compared to the Foggy Shadow's unknown force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Foggy Shadow is slightly heavier at 63.5 grams compared to the Blue Lotus's 65 grams. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category, providing a tactile typing experience that some users may find satisfying. Those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions may lean towards the Blue Lotus, while those who prefer a more substantial push feel may opt for the slightly heavier Foggy Shadow. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, slightly longer than the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch's travel distance of 3.5 mm. While both switches fall within the category of shorter travel distances, with the Blue Lotus being longer by a small margin, they can still offer similar results in terms of responsiveness. Gamers looking for a faster response time may prefer the slightly shorter travel distance of the Foggy Shadow, while those who enjoy a bit more depth in their keystrokes may lean towards the Blue Lotus. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing or gaming experience desired.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Blue Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Blue Lotus for $4.57.
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
When it comes to sound, the Blue Lotus switch offers a bassy tone, providing a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses. On the other hand, the Foggy Shadow switch emits a low-pitched sound, with a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. The neutral characteristic of the Foggy Shadow also makes it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. It’s important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the Blue Lotus switch is characterized by its accented tactile feedback, providing a medium level of tactility that is neither too strong nor too weak. With its snappy and stepped feel, the typing experience with the Blue Lotus switch is responsive and engaging. On the other hand, information about the specific feel of the Foggy Shadow switch is not available, but based on the description of a light tactile bump and medium weight, it may offer a more subtle and smoother tactile experience compared to the Blue Lotus.
In conclusion, the Durock Blue Lotus switch stands out for its intense tactile feedback, snappy response, and bassy sound profile, making it a great choice for those who prefer a more pronounced tactile feel. On the other hand, the Aflion Foggy Shadow switch offers a lighter tactile bump and a neutral sound profile, catering to users looking for a balanced and versatile typing experience. Depending on personal preferences and typing style, both switches provide unique qualities that can enhance the overall mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To summarize, when deciding between the Durock Blue Lotus and the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switches, consider your preference for tactile intensity and snappiness. If you enjoy a marked tactile feel with swift responsiveness and vibrant RGB illumination, the Blue Lotus may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter tactile bump with a balanced performance and medium weight, the Foggy Shadow could be more suitable. Additionally, take into account the sound profile you prefer, whether it be the bassy tone of the Blue Lotus or the low-pitched and neutral sounds of the Foggy Shadow. Ultimately, choose the switch that aligns best with your typing experience and preferences.
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