Durock Dolphin vs. Aflion Foggy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the Aflion Foggy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Dolphin and the Aflion Foggy Shadow offer distinct features catered to different preferences. The Durock Dolphin is a linear switch known for its silence, making it ideal for office settings or quiet workspaces. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, it provides a satisfying press with precision, perfect for those who prefer a switch with resistance. On the other hand, the Aflion Foggy Shadow is a tactile switch that offers a light tactile bump, striking a balance between feedback and smoothness. With a 63.5g bottom-out force, it showcases Aflion's dedication to balanced performance in their lineup. While the Dolphin is categorized as 'Polished', 'Muted', 'Low-pitched', the Foggy Shadow falls under 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral'. 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
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Gold-plated spring
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Dolphin and the Aflion Foggy Shadow, both switches feature polycarbonate top housings. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding to the aesthetic appeal of the switches. Despite their similarities in the top housing material, the differences come in the form of the bottom housing material.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Dolphin and Foggy Shadow opt for nylon. This classic switch housing material provides a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switches. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound for both switches. By utilizing nylon for the bottom housing, both the Dolphin and Foggy Shadow are able to enhance the overall typing experience and sound profile of the switches.
Overall, while the Durock Dolphin and the Aflion Foggy Shadow share similarities in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing, as well as nylon for the bottom housing, the placement of these materials creates a unique typing experience for each switch. The split between the qualities of the bottom and top housing materials allows for a nuanced sound profile that is influenced by both materials working in tandem. Whether it be the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel from the bottom housing or the sound when releasing a key from the top housing, both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences in typing experience.
Weight
The Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch both have a similar actuation force of None grams, meaning they both require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Dolphin is lighter with 62 grams compared to the 63.5 grams of the Foggy Shadow, making the Dolphin a slightly lighter option. For some users, the lighter actuation force of the Dolphin may allow for longer typing sessions or more extended gaming periods without fatigue. On the other hand, the slightly heavier bottom out force of the Foggy Shadow may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference regarding the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch, it is evident that the Dolphin has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm compared to the Foggy Shadow's 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for their quicker response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance could potentially result in a different typing experience. The Dolphin may provide a slightly deeper key press, while the Foggy Shadow may feel slightly more abrupt. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Dolphin has an MSRP of $6.87 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Dolphin for $5.41.
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 Durock Dolphin linear switch offers a muted and low-pitched typing experience, perfect for those seeking a quiet yet satisfying keyboard. On the other hand, the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch also provides a low-pitched sound profile, ensuring a pleasant auditory experience during use. While both switches share a low-pitched characteristic, the Dolphin may offer a slightly softer sound due to its linear nature. The sound produced by these switches may also vary depending on the rest of your keyboard setup, including the type of keyboard case and keycaps utilized.
In terms of feel, the Durock Dolphin switch boasts a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. This polished attribute contributes to reduced friction and effortless key travel, enhancing the overall typing feel for users. As for the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch, specific descriptors regarding the feel are not provided. However, being a tactile switch, users can expect a distinct tactile bump during actuation, providing feedback for each key press. The choice between a linear and tactile switch ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style.
Considering the information available, the Durock Dolphin linear switch excels in providing a quiet and polished typing experience, ideal for those working in noise-sensitive environments. Contrastingly, the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch offers a light tactile bump with a balanced medium weight, catering to users looking for tactile feedback during typing. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, but ultimately deliver a satisfying typing experience. Depending on whether you prefer a linear or tactile feel and prioritize sound levels, either switch can provide a rewarding typing experience.
Conclusion
Therefore, when deciding between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch, consider your preference for noise level and actuation force. If you value a quieter typing experience with a medium actuation force, the Dolphin switch would be an ideal choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a light tactile bump with a slightly higher actuation force, the Foggy Shadow switch may be more to your liking. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific environment in which you plan to use the keyboard. Choose wisely based on your priorities and enjoy a customized typing experience.
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