Akko Fairy vs. Aflion Foggy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy 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 Akko Fairy and Aflion Foggy Shadow are two popular options that cater to different preferences. The Akko Fairy, a linear switch, is perfect for office settings due to its refined lubrication that provides a smooth typing experience, making it ideal for extended use without causing fatigue. On the other hand, the Aflion Foggy Shadow, a tactile switch, offers a light tactile bump and medium weight for a balanced performance. While the Fairy is categorized as 'Polished', 'Muted', 'Mild', 'Neutral', 'Subtle', the Foggy Shadow is described as 'Low-pitched' and 'Neutral'. Each switch has its own unique benefits, but ultimately your choice will depend on your personal preferences and typing style. 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
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
17mm stainless steel spring
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Akko Fairy and the Aflion Foggy Shadow both utilize different housing materials for their switches, with the Fairy featuring a nylon top housing and bottom housing, while the Foggy Shadow uses a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing. The nylon top housing of the Fairy creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Foggy Shadow produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile because of its stiffer plastic composition, leading to a more clear and resonant sound.
While the nylon bottom housing of both the Akko Fairy and the Aflion Foggy Shadow offer similar qualities in creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, the difference lies in their top housing materials. The impact of these materials is felt differently when using the switches - the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. This showcases how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience and sound of a switch.
In terms of aesthetics, the material of the top housing also plays a role, with the polycarbonate top housing of the Foggy Shadow offering a translucent and clear appearance that is ideal for RGB lighting effects. This differs from the nylon top housing of the Akko Fairy, which does not offer the same visual transparency. Despite these differences, both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in creating unique sound profiles and typing experiences for users.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Fairy linear switch to the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch, it is evident that there are key differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Fairy has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Foggy Shadow, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Fairy has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 60 grams compared to the Foggy Shadow's 63.5 grams. This means that the Fairy switch offers a lighter typing experience overall, making it more suitable for prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, the Foggy Shadow provides a heavier push feel, catering to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch, it is evident that they both fall within the shorter range of travel distances. The Fairy has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Foggy Shadow has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both of these switches are ideal for those who prefer a more responsive typing experience, such as gamers seeking faster response times. Choosing between the two would depend on personal preference; the Fairy's shorter travel distance may provide a quicker keypress, while the Foggy Shadow's slightly longer distance may offer a more pronounced typing feel. Ultimately, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to traditional switches, catering to individuals who prefer a more compact and responsive typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko Fairy has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Fairy for $3.10.
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 Akko Fairy linear switch offers a muted and neutral profile, making it a great choice for those looking for a quieter typing experience, especially in office settings. On the other hand, the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch provides a low-pitched and neutral sound, giving users a more mellow tone to their typing. Both switches fall within the moderate sound profile range, catering to a wide range of preferences and settings. The final sound outcome will also be influenced by the keyboard chassis and keycaps used in conjunction with these switches.
Moving on to feel, the Akko Fairy switch boasts a polished, mild, and subtle tactile experience, ensuring a smooth and refined typing feel with gentle resistance. This makes them suitable for extended use without causing fatigue. As for the Aflion Foggy Shadow switch, the specific characteristics of feel are unknown, but given the 63.5g bottom-out force and Aflion's reputation for balanced performance, users can expect a tactile bump that hits the sweet spot of medium weight, providing a comfortable typing experience with just the right amount of feedback.
Overall, while the Akko Fairy switch leans towards a quieter and more polished typing experience ideal for office environments, the Aflion Foggy Shadow switch offers a balance between tactile feedback and comfort. Both switches cater to different preferences, showcasing the versatility and innovation present in the world of mechanical keyboard switches. Whether you opt for the Fairy linear switch or the Foggy Shadow tactile switch, you can expect a satisfying typing experience that meets your needs and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Akko Fairy linear switch or the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch, it ultimately boils down to your preferences and needs. If you value a smooth and comfortable typing experience in a quiet office setting, then the Akko Fairy switch with its medium bottom-out force and muted sound profile may be the perfect fit for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light tactile bump and a balanced performance with a medium-heavy bottom-out force, the Aflion Foggy Shadow switch might be more to your liking. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing styles and environments, so it's important to consider what characteristics are most important to you when making your decision.
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