Bsun Pine vs. Aflion Foggy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Bsun Pine 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 BSUN Pine and the Aflion Foggy Shadow both offer unique features catered towards different preferences. The BSUN Pine switches are recognized for their sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out, providing a direct and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Foggy Shadow switches offer a lighter tactile bump and a medium weight bottom-out force, focusing on balanced performance. While the Pine switches lean towards a more snappy and invigorating typing experience, the Foggy Shadow switches provide a more neutral and low-pitched 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
45g
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
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Pine and Aflion Foggy Shadow both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal. While both switches share this top housing material, they differ in their bottom housing material.
On the other hand, the Bsun Pine and Aflion Foggy Shadow both utilize a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Despite having the same bottom housing material, the switches may have different overall sound profiles due to varying combinations of top and bottom materials. The bottom housing material has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when typing on the switch.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for a switch can greatly influence the sound and feel of typing on the keyboard. While both the Bsun Pine and Aflion Foggy Shadow feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharper sound profile and nylon bottom housings for a deeper sound profile, the specific combination of these materials can lead to subtle differences in the overall typing experience. Understanding how each housing material affects sound and feel can help keyboard enthusiasts make an informed decision when choosing a switch for their setup.
Weight
The Bsun Pine tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Aflion Foggy Shadow switch, which has an unknown actuation force. Both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Bsun Pine requiring 65 grams and the Aflion Foggy Shadow requiring 63.5 grams. The Pine switch offers a slightly lighter typing experience due to its lower actuation force, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Foggy Shadow switch provides a more substantial push feel with its higher bottom out force, catering to users who prefer a more robust typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Bsun Pine tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both of these switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular. Gamers particularly enjoy the faster response times that come with shorter travel distances. However, those who prefer a more substantial key press may find the longer travel distance of the Foggy Shadow more appealing. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference - whether you prioritize speed and responsiveness or a more satisfying key press depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Pine has an MSRP of $4.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $3.70.
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 Bsun Pine tactile switch is often described as having a sharp and distinct click due to its unique design, while the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch is noted for producing a low-pitched and mellow tone. The Pine switch offers a more pronounced auditory feedback, making it satisfying for those who prefer a noticeable sound while typing. On the other hand, the Foggy Shadow switch provides a softer and more neutral sound profile, catering to users who prefer a quieter typing experience. Ultimately, the sound produced by both switches will also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard housing and keycap material chosen.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Pine tactile switch offers a range of descriptors such as accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, highlighting its intense tactile feedback and quick key response. These qualities create a dynamic and engaging typing experience, making it a favorite among users who appreciate a tactile switch with a strong tactile bump. In comparison, information on the specific feel of the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch is not available. However, with its light tactile bump and medium bottom-out force, the Foggy Shadow switch is likely to offer a more subtle and gentle tactile feel compared to the sharp tactility of the Pine switch.
Overall, the Bsun Pine tactile switch and the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch each offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Pine switch is known for its sharp tactile bump and distinct feedback, appealing to users seeking a tactile switch with a strong and immediate response. In contrast, the Foggy Shadow switch provides a lighter tactile bump and balanced performance, creating a more subdued typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing style. Both switches offer quality options for those looking to enhance their mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
Therefore, when deciding between the BSUN Pine tactile switch and the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a sharp and direct tactile feedback with a quick bottom-out, the Pine switches would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter tactile bump with balanced performance and medium weight, the Foggy Shadow switches would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on personal typing preferences and the type of experience you want to have while using your mechanical keyboard.
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