HC Studio Crabapple vs. Aflion Foggy Shadow
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Crabapple 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 HC Studio Crabapple and the Aflion Foggy Shadow. The Crabapple is a linear switch crafted entirely from POM, offering an effortlessly frictionless typing experience with a distinct dry smoothness and subtle texture. Its sound signature is mild and understated, making it ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Foggy Shadow by Aflion is a tactile switch that features a light tactile bump and a 63.5g bottom-out force, striking a balance between responsiveness and comfort. While the Crabapple is more focused on providing a smooth and textured typing journey, the Foggy Shadow aims for a balanced performance with its tactile feedback. 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
37g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened single-staged spring
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HC Studio Crabapple and the Aflion Foggy Shadow offer contrasting sound profiles due to their composition. The Crabapple's POM top housing provides a deep and muted sound, while the Foggy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. The use of polycarbonate in the Foggy Shadow allows for a more resonant sound profile, especially when paired with RGB lighting. In comparison, the Crabapple's POM bottom housing creates a similarly deep and muted sound, whereas the Foggy Shadow's nylon bottom housing generates a fuller and rounder sound, thanks to its softer composition.
Despite their differences, both the Crabapple and the Foggy Shadow deliver unique sound profiles based on their housing materials. The POM top housing of the Crabapple and the polycarbonate top housing of the Foggy Shadow cater to different preferences in sound, with the former offering a more subdued tone and the latter providing a sharper pitch. Similarly, the POM and nylon bottom housings of the Crabapple and the Foggy Shadow, respectively, contribute to the overall sound experience of each switch. The nylon bottom housing of the Foggy Shadow absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller sound profile, while the POM bottom housing of the Crabapple maintains a deep and rich tone.
In terms of switch functionality, the differences in housing materials between the Crabapple and the Foggy Shadow affect the overall typing experience. The impact of the bottom housing is more prominent when pressing down on a key, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Conversely, the top housing plays a significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Despite these differences, users can still achieve similar results in terms of sound profile by choosing between the POM and polycarbonate options of the Crabapple and the Foggy Shadow, respectively, based on their preferred sound characteristics.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch, it is evident that the Crabapple is lighter in both aspects. The Crabapple has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Foggy Shadow's actuation force is unknown and bottom out force is 63.5 grams. The Crabapple provides a lighter typing experience, making it suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Foggy Shadow offers a medium-heavy feel, which some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Crabapple, while those who like a stronger push feel may lean towards the Foggy Shadow for their keyboard needs. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch is slightly longer at 3.6 mm compared to the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch at 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance for quicker response times, while others may find it too abrupt. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference for either a slightly longer or slightly shorter travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HC Studio Crabapple has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Crabapple for $4.70.
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 HC Studio Crabapple linear switch is known for its subdued and mild sound signature, providing a dampened and understated typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch is characterized by a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, offering a more mellow and balanced tone. Both switches offer a different auditory experience, with the Crabapple being more subtle and the Foggy Shadow having a bit more bass-heavy quality.
In terms of feel, the Crabapple switch stands out for its frictionless and textured characteristics, offering an effortlessly smooth typing journey with a subtle texture felt with each keystroke. The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch, however, lacks specific descriptors for feel. Based on the available information, it is likely that the Foggy Shadow provides a light tactile bump and a medium weight bottom-out force, catering to those seeking a balanced and responsive typing experience.
Overall, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Crabapple provides a quiet and smooth typing experience with a unique dry smoothness, the Foggy Shadow offers a balanced and mellow sound profile with a light tactile bump. Depending on individual preferences, both switches can cater to different typing styles and preferences, providing a diverse range of options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a light bottom-out force and a frictionless typing experience with a subtle sound signature, the Crabapple may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a medium-heavy bottom-out force with a light tactile bump and a balanced performance, the Foggy Shadow could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and force required for key presses. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing preferences.
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