Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. Aflion Foggy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Aflion Foggy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Aflion Foggy Shadow offer unique features catering to different preferences. The Box Mute Jade is ideal for those who enjoy a clicky switch but prefer a more subdued sound profile. With a crunchy feel and a quieter click, it provides a satisfying typing experience categorized as 'Accented', 'Crunchy', 'Stiff', 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Foggy Shadow by Aflion is a tactile switch that boasts a light tactile bump and a 63.5g bottom-out force, striking a balance between weight and performance. Categorized as 'Low-pitched' and 'Neutral', it offers a different typing experience compared to the clicky Box Mute Jade. 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
75g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Aflion Foggy Shadow both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to polycarbonate's relatively stiff nature. This results in a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Box Mute Jade and the Foggy Shadow differ in their bottom housings, with the former using nylon and the latter utilizing polycarbonate. Nylon bottom housings produce a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, contributing to a duller and rounder sound.
Although the top housings of the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Aflion Foggy Shadow are both made of polycarbonate, they may offer slightly different acoustic experiences due to variations in manufacturing processes or other factors. However, the nylon bottom housing of the Box Mute Jade and the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Foggy Shadow play a significant role in shaping the overall sound profile of each switch. The tactile feedback and sound when pressing down on a key will be influenced more by the bottom housing material, while the sound upon key release will be more influenced by the top housing material.
In summary, while both the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Aflion Foggy Shadow share the benefits of polycarbonate top housings, their differing bottom housing materials, nylon and polycarbonate respectively, contribute to distinct sound profiles. The Box Mute Jade offers a deeper and fuller sound due to its nylon bottom housing, ideal for those seeking a more subdued typing experience. Meanwhile, the Foggy Shadow provides a crisper and clearer sound profile with its polycarbonate bottom housing, offering a more resonant typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound and typing feel.
Weight
The actuation force of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch is 75 grams, while the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has an unknown actuation force. The bottom out force of the Box Mute Jade is 82 grams, whereas the Foggy Shadow has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams. The Box Mute Jade is heavier in both actuation and bottom out force compared to the Foggy Shadow. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Foggy Shadow, as it has a lower bottom out force. In contrast, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Box Mute Jade. Both switches have their appeal, with users achieving similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out force depending on their preference for typing force. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal typing style and preference for typing weight.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, slightly longer than the 3.5 mm travel distance of the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for fast and responsive typing experiences. Gamers may prefer the Kailh Box Mute Jade for its slightly longer travel distance, providing a bit more depth to each key press. On the other hand, those who prefer a more immediate key response may lean towards the Aflion Foggy Shadow. Ultimately, the difference in travel distance between the two switches is subtle, and users can expect similar results in terms of key feel and typing experience.
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 Box Mute Jade comes in at $6.50 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
In terms of sound, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch offers a crunchy sound profile reminiscent of autumn leaves crunching underfoot. On the other hand, the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch provides a low-pitched sound with a neutral tone, making it suitable for a wide range of users. While the Box Mute Jade delivers a subdued clicky sound, the Foggy Shadow offers a more mellow and bass-heavy tone. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch provides an accented tactile bump that is not too intense, giving a medium level of feedback. Additionally, it has a stiff feel, requiring more force to actuate and providing a polished typing experience with reduced friction. Meanwhile, details on the feel of the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch are not available. Overall, both switches aim to offer a balanced typing experience, with the Box Mute Jade providing a more refined and clicky feel compared to the Foggy Shadow's light tactile bump.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Mute Jade is best suited for those who enjoy a crunchy feel and subdued clicky sound, while the Foggy Shadow caters to users looking for a light tactile bump with a neutral sound profile. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will come down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you seek. Both switches guarantee a high-quality and satisfying typing experience, ensuring that you will get similar results in terms of overall performance and comfort.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch, consider your preference for a heavier or medium-heavy bottom out force. If you enjoy the crunchy feel and quieter sound profile of clicky switches, the Box Mute Jade would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light tactile bump and a balanced performance with a medium weight bottom-out force, the Aflion Foggy Shadow would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize the sound or the feel of the switch in your typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
