TTC Bluish White vs. Aflion Foggy Shadow
An in-depth look at the TTC Bluish White and the Aflion Foggy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the TTC Bluish White and the Aflion Foggy Shadow mechanical keyboard switches, there are some key differences to consider. The Bluish White offers a tactile typing experience that is especially satisfying for those who enjoy a poppy feel and a snappy sound profile. It is described as 'buttery', 'mild', 'stepped', 'subtle', 'polished', and 'low-pitched'. On the other hand, the Foggy Shadow from Aflion provides a very light tactile bump with a 63.5g bottom-out force, hitting the sweet spot of medium weight. It is categorized as 'low-pitched' and 'neutral'. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that may appeal to different preferences, such as the sound profile and bump feel. 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
42g
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
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Bluish White and the Aflion Foggy Shadow, it is clear that both switches feature polycarbonate top housings. This material is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. Additionally, polycarbonate is beneficial for switches that utilize RGB lighting, as its translucency allows light to shine through. The similarities in top housing material suggest that users can expect similar sound profiles and aesthetics from both switches.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the TTC Bluish White features a nylon bottom housing while the Aflion Foggy Shadow also utilizes nylon. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and duller sound. Despite the differences in top housing material, the use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches suggests that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housings and nylon bottom housings in both the TTC Bluish White and the Aflion Foggy Shadow highlights the importance of housing materials in determining the sound profile and typing experience of a switch. While polycarbonate tops provide a clear and resonant sound, nylon bottoms contribute to a deeper and fuller sound. By understanding how each material affects sound and feel, users can make informed decisions based on their preferences for typing and gaming.
Weight
The TTC Bluish White tactile switch has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch. The Bluish White requires 42 grams of force to actuate and 50 grams to bottom out, while the Foggy Shadow's actuation force is unknown and bottom out force is 63.5 grams. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Bluish White would be more suitable, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Foggy Shadow provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference for typing feel and the desired level of force required for keystrokes.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Bluish White and the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switches have the same travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, users will experience a consistent distance traveled from the top to the bottom. This similarity ensures that users will get similar results in terms of key feel and responsiveness. Despite other differences between the two switches, such as actuation force or sound level, their travel distance remains equal, making them suitable options for those who value a specific key travel experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Bluish White has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bluish White for $4.63.
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, both the TTC Bluish White and Aflion Foggy Shadow switches offer a low-pitched profile, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. This similarity in sound means that users can expect a similar auditory experience when typing on either switch, with slight variations depending on the keyboard and keycaps used. Moving on to feel, the Bluish White switch is described as buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke with gentle resistance and a refined finish. On the other hand, details about the feel of the Aflion Foggy Shadow switch are not provided, leaving us to infer that the typing experience may differ from the Bluish White in terms of tactile feedback and smoothness. In conclusion, while both switches share a low-pitched sound profile, the Bluish White switch stands out for its buttery and polished feel, providing a satisfying typing experience for those who appreciate a comfortable and refined keypress. On the other hand, the Aflion Foggy Shadow switch's light tactile bump and medium weight aim to strike a balance between performance and comfort, appealing to users looking for a versatile switch option.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a lighter bottom-out force and enjoy a poppy typing experience with a snappy sound profile, the Bluish White may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom-out force with a very light tactile bump that hits the sweet spot of medium weight, the Aflion Foggy Shadow could be more suited to your typing preferences. Both switches offer low-pitched sound profiles, but the Bluish White provides a buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished typing experience compared to the Foggy Shadow. Ultimately, the decision boils down to personal preference and typing style. Consider your preferences and needs regarding bottom-out force, tactile feel, and sound profile to determine the best switch for your mechanical keyboard setup. Happy typing!
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