HMX Cheese vs. Aflion Foggy Shadow
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the Aflion Foggy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the HMX Cheese and the Aflion Foggy Shadow. The HMX Cheese is a linear switch that is celebrated for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience. With a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, these ultra-light switches are in a class of their own, being lighter than 90% of all switches. On the other hand, the Aflion Foggy Shadow is a tactile switch that boasts a very light tactile bump. With a 63.5g bottom-out force, these switches hit the sweet spot of medium weight, showcasing Aflion's commitment to balanced performance in their lineup. Choosing between these switches ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style. 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
43g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
46g
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
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Cheese and the Aflion Foggy Shadow offer different sound profiles due to the use of nylon and polycarbonate. The Cheese's nylon top housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Foggy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound. In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Foggy Shadow allows for RGB lighting due to its translucency, while the Cheese's nylon top housing offers a more classic look.
Both the Cheese and the Foggy Shadow use nylon for their bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches allows for a consistent sound quality, creating a duller and rounder tone. This similarity in housing material ensures a uniform typing experience for users of both switches, as the qualities brought by nylon are consistent throughout.
While the top and bottom housings of the Cheese and the Foggy Shadow are made of different materials, the impact on sound and feel is split between the two parts of the switch. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing has more influence on the sound when a key is released. This division of housing materials allows for a balanced typing experience, with the unique qualities of nylon and polycarbonate being evident in both switches.
Weight
The HMX Cheese linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. The Cheese also has a lighter bottom out force of 46 grams, while the Foggy Shadow has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams. For those who prefer lighter switches, the Cheese would be a more suitable option for longer typing sessions or gaming. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a heavier push feel, the Foggy Shadow may be a better choice. Both switches provide different typing experiences due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of both the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch is 3.5 mm, making them both equal in this aspect. The distance each switch travels from the top to the bottom is the same, providing a consistent feel and feedback when typing or gaming. With both switches offering a travel distance of 3.5 mm, users can expect similar results in terms of keypress depth and experience, regardless of which switch they choose. Both switches cater to those who prefer a moderate travel distance for comfortable and efficient typing or gaming performance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cheese has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cheese for $3.99.
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
The HMX Cheese linear switch offers a unique typing experience with its smooth and light actuation, accompanied by a clacky, poppy, and crispy sound profile. On the other hand, the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch provides a light tactile bump and a 63.5g bottom-out force, striking a perfect balance between tactile feedback and typing comfort. While the Cheese focuses on delivering a smooth and light typing experience, the Foggy Shadow prioritizes a tactile bump with a medium weight design.
When it comes to sound, the Cheese switch offers a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. On the other hand, the Foggy Shadow switch provides a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard you are using and the keycaps installed.
Regarding feel, the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch both offer a unique typing experience that caters to different preferences. While the Cheese switch focuses on smoothness and lightness, the Foggy Shadow switch prioritizes a light tactile bump and medium weight design. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for typing feel and sound profile.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you value a light and smooth typing experience with a satisfying clacky sound, the Cheese switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light tactile bump and a medium-heavy bottom-out force for a balanced performance, the Foggy Shadow switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing feel and sound profile.
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