Outemu Crystal vs. Aflion Foggy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal and the Aflion Foggy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options come to mind: the Outemu Crystal, known for its linear feel, and the Aflion Foggy Shadow, a tactile switch. The Crystal switches are praised for their unique linear typing experience, featuring a medium-light weight and a neutral sound profile. On the other hand, the Aflion Foggy Shadow switches offer a light tactile bump with a 63.5g bottom-out force, striking the perfect balance between weight and feedback. While the Crystal switches provide a smooth and elastic feel, the Foggy Shadows deliver a satisfying tactile response. Both switches have their own strengths and characteristics that cater to different preferences. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Crystal and the Aflion Foggy Shadow both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. However, the materials differ when it comes to the bottom housing. The Crystal utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing as well, while the Foggy Shadow uses nylon. Nylon, being a softer plastic, creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the stiffer polycarbonate.
The choice of housing material in a switch can greatly impact the overall sound and feel of the typing experience. With the top and bottom housings of the Outemu Crystal both made from polycarbonate, the switch offers a consistent, sharp, and resonant sound profile throughout the key press. In contrast, the Aflion Foggy Shadow's combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing creates a unique typing experience where the top housing affects the sound when the key is released, while the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel. This variance in housing materials gives the Foggy Shadow a distinctive sound profile compared to the Crystal.
Overall, while both the Outemu Crystal and the Aflion Foggy Shadow utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, they differ in their choice of material for the bottom housing. The Crystal maintains consistency in its sound profile with polycarbonate throughout, while the Foggy Shadow offers a unique combination of sharpness from the top housing and depth from the nylon bottom housing. Depending on personal preference for typing sound and feel, users may choose between the sharper and crisper profile of the Crystal or the deeper and fuller profile of the Foggy Shadow. Regardless of the choice, both switches provide a quality typing experience with attention to detail in housing material selection.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch, it is evident that there are significant differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Crystal switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a medium-light switch. In contrast, the Foggy Shadow switch has an unknown actuation force but a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is medium-heavy. The Crystal switch offers a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming sessions where fatigue may be a factor. On the other hand, the Foggy Shadow switch provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, appealing to those who prefer a heavier force for a tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Outemu Crystal linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Crystal has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Foggy Shadow. For those who prefer a more traditional or deeper key press feel, the Crystal may be the better option due to its longer travel distance. On the other hand, the Foggy Shadow with its shorter travel distance could be the preferred choice for gamers looking for faster response times. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Outemu Crystal comes in at $3.40 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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Crystal linear switch offers a chirpy, high-pitched sound that sets it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch provides a low-pitched, neutral sound profile that is more bass-heavy and mellow. Depending on personal preference, the Crystal may be more suitable for those who enjoy a unique acoustic signature, while the Foggy Shadow appeals to those looking for a more balanced and versatile sound profile.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Crystal switch is known for its polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Unfortunately, there is no available information on the tactile feel of the Aflion Foggy Shadow switch. Given the light tactile bump and medium weight of the Foggy Shadows, it can be assumed that they offer a pleasant tactile feedback that strikes a balance between comfort and responsiveness.
In conclusion, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a unique chirpy and high-pitched sound profile, as well as a polished and smooth typing feel, the Outemu Crystal linear switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a more neutral and low-pitched sound with a light tactile bump and medium weight, the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch is a solid option. Both switches offer a different typing experience, but ultimately provide quality performance depending on your personal preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a unique, linear typing experience with a medium-light weight and a neutral sound profile, the Outemu Crystal linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a very light tactile bump, a medium weight feel, and a balanced performance, the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch would be the perfect fit. Keep in mind that if you enjoy switches with a chirpy or high-pitched sound, the Crystal would be more to your liking, while if you prefer switches with a low-pitched or neutral sound, the Foggy Shadow would be the better option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preference in typing experience and sound profile.
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