HMX EMO vs. Aflion Foggy Shadow
An in-depth look at the HMX EMO and the Aflion Foggy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX EMO, a linear switch, and the Aflion Foggy Shadow, a tactile switch, stand out as popular options. The HMX EMO switch is renowned for its lively, clacky feel and feather-light 46g bottom-out force, providing a satisfying and smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Foggy Shadow offers a light tactile bump and a 63.5g bottom-out force, striking a balance between weight and performance. While the EMO switch promises a bouncy and effortless typing experience, the Foggy Shadow emphasizes balanced performance. 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
40g
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
Polycarbonate
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-stage spring
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the HMX EMO and the Aflion Foggy Shadow feature polycarbonate top housings, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which enhances resonance and clarity. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. The similarities in their top housings suggest that users can expect comparable sound profiles and aesthetics from both switches.
However, the housing materials differ when it comes to the bottom housings. The EMO utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Foggy Shadow's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon's softness absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound that differs from the crisper sound of polycarbonate. This contrast in bottom housing materials gives each switch a unique typing experience and sound signature.
It's important to note that the qualities of each housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. Pressing down on the switch will emphasize the qualities of the bottom housing, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, releasing a key will highlight the qualities of the top housing. This division of characteristics adds complexity to the typing experience and allows users to appreciate the distinct sound profiles of each housing material in the HMX EMO and the Aflion Foggy Shadow.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX EMO linear switch and the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch, it becomes clear that they offer different experiences. The EMO has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, providing a smooth and effortless typing experience. In comparison, the Foggy Shadow has an unknown actuation force but a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, giving users a more substantial and tactile typing feel. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the EMO switch would be the better option, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. Alternatively, the Foggy Shadow switch would be a more suitable choice for those who enjoy a stronger push feel while typing. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces of these switches cater to different preferences, ensuring that users can select the option that best suits their typing style and needs.
Travel distance
Both the HMX EMO linear switch and the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch have a travel distance of 3.5mm, making them equal in this aspect. When pressing down on either switch, users can expect a consistent and uniform travel distance, providing a similar typing experience. The identical travel distance of both switches ensures that users will get comparable results in terms of key press feel and feedback. Whether using the HMX EMO or the Aflion Foggy Shadow, users can expect a smooth and consistent typing experience with a travel distance of 3.5mm.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX EMO has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the EMO for $2.79.
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 EMO linear switch is praised for its lively, clacky sound profile, which can add a satisfying auditory feedback to your typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch is known for its low-pitched sound, contributing to a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Both switches offer a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for a variety of environments and preferences. The EMO switch provides a feather-light 46g bottom-out force, delivering a bouncy and smooth typing experience. In comparison, the Foggy Shadow tactile switch offers a light tactile bump with a slightly heavier 63.5g bottom-out force, striking a balance between feedback and typing comfort. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preference for sound and feel, as both options provide quality performance in their respective categories.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HMX EMO linear switch and the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch, consider the typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a lively, clacky feel with a lighter touch, the EMO switch with its 46g bottom-out force may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a light tactile bump with a medium-heavy bottom-out force for a more balanced typing experience, the Foggy Shadow switch with its 63.5g bottom-out force is a great option. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal preferences for typing feel and weighting.
Mentioned in this article
