KTT Darling vs. Aflion Foggy Shadow
An in-depth look at the KTT Darling and the Aflion Foggy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Darling, a linear switch, stands out for its chewy and substantial typing sensation, combined with a pronounced bounciness that adds a springy responsiveness to each keystroke. Its resonant, high-pitched sound upon bottoming out provides a blend of tactile and auditory feedback, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a clacky and bouncy typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Foggy Shadow, a tactile switch, offers a very light tactile bump and a 63.5g bottom-out force, providing a balanced and medium-weight typing experience. While categorized as low-pitched and neutral, the Foggy Shadow is a solid option for those seeking a more subtle 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
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
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
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 housing materials of the KTT Darling and the Aflion Foggy Shadow are quite similar in terms of their top and bottom housing materials. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is known for being a stiffer plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound profile, making it ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. Additionally, both switches have a nylon bottom housing which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastic materials. The nylon material absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on these switches.
While the top and bottom housing materials of the Darling and Foggy Shadow switches share many similarities, the key difference lies in the distribution of these materials within the switches. The qualities of the top and bottom housing materials are split between the top and bottom of the switch, affecting different aspects of typing experience. The bottom housing material has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when you press down on a key, while the top housing material influences the sound when you release the key. This distribution allows for a nuanced typing experience with a balance of sharpness and depth in sound profile.
In conclusion, both the KTT Darling and the Aflion Foggy Shadow switches offer a unique typing experience with their combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials. While the top housing in both switches contributes to a sharper and clearer sound profile, the bottom housing adds a deeper and fuller tone to the typing experience. The distribution of these materials within the switches allows for a mix of qualities that enhance the overall sound and feel when typing. Whether you choose the Darling or the Foggy Shadow, you can expect a high-quality typing experience with a blend of different sound profiles.
Weight
The KTT Darling linear switch and the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch have distinct differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Darling has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it a medium-light switch. In comparison, the Foggy Shadow has an unknown actuation force but a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, putting it in the medium-heavy category. This means that the Darling switch is lighter in terms of force required for typing, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch to type for extended periods. On the other hand, the Foggy Shadow provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force, suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to individual preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The KTT Darling linear switch and the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch both have a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that both switches provide a consistent tactile feedback and actuation experience for users. The identical travel distance allows for a similar typing experience in terms of key travel and actuation feel. Overall, whether using the KTT Darling linear switch or the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch, users can expect a smooth and consistent typing experience with the same 3.5 mm travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Darling has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Darling for $3.90.
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 KTT Darling linear switch is known for its distinctively clacky and high-pitched sound profile, providing a crisp and resonant auditory experience with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch offers a more neutral and low-pitched sound, creating a mellow tone that caters to different preferences. When it comes to feel, the Darling switch is praised for its bouncy feedback, offering a springy and responsive typing sensation that enhances the overall typing experience. Unfortunately, information on the specific feel of the Foggy Shadow switch is not available at this time.
Overall, while the KTT Darling linear switch provides a unique and satisfying typing experience with its chewy sensation and pronounced bounciness, the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch offers a lighter tactile bump and a balanced performance with a medium weight feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches can deliver an enjoyable typing experience, although users may gravitate towards the Darling for a more tactile and auditory feedback-rich experience, while the Foggy Shadow may appeal to those looking for a more neutral and mellow typing feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and the type of typing experience desired.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch that offers a chewy and substantial typing sensation with a pronounced bounciness and high-pitched sound upon bottoming out, then the KTT Darling linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light tactile bump with a medium-weight bottom-out force and a neutral sound profile, then the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch would be more suitable for your preferences. Consider the typing experience, sound profile, and feedback that best align with your preferences and needs when choosing between these two switches. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what feels best for your typing style.
Mentioned in this article
