TTC Flaming Purple vs. Aflion Foggy Shadow
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Purple and the Aflion Foggy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch stand out among the options available. The Flaming Purple is favored for its resonant and slightly bassier sound signature, making keystrokes more engaging with a touch of a poppy undertone. With a feathery nature and a low bottom-out force of 47g, it provides a swift and effortless typing experience suitable for both enthusiasts and daily typists. On the other hand, the Foggy Shadow by Aflion offers a light tactile bump and a medium weight bottom-out force of 63.5g, showcasing a balanced performance in their lineup. While the Flaming Purple is characterized by its uniqueness and easy-to-press feel, the Foggy Shadow offers 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
42g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
47g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POK
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the TTC Flaming Purple and the Aflion Foggy Shadow utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced, making it an ideal material for those looking for a more distinct typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually pleasing element to the switches.
In terms of the bottom housings, both the Flaming Purple and the Foggy Shadow feature nylon. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics, as it absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This makes typing on switches with nylon bottom housings a more tactile and satisfying experience, with a noticeable impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the keys.
While both switches share similar housing materials for their top and bottom components, the difference lies in how these materials affect the overall sound and feel of the switches. The split between the top and bottom housings means that the qualities of each material will be felt differently when typing. The bottom housing material will impact the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing material will influence the sound when releasing a key. This nuanced difference allows for a more dynamic typing experience, catering to those who prefer a variety of tactile feedback.
Weight
The TTC Flaming Purple linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 47 grams, making it a good choice for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. In contrast, the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel. While the actuation force for the Foggy Shadow is unknown, the difference in bottom out force suggests that it may require more pressure to activate compared to the Flaming Purple. For those who enjoy a lighter typing experience, the Flaming Purple would be the preferred choice, while the Foggy Shadow would cater more to individuals who prefer a heavier keypress. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The TTC Flaming Purple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both of these switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are often preferred by gamers for faster response times. The Flaming Purple would be considered the longer option between the two, albeit only by a small margin. Those who prefer a more responsive feel may lean towards the Aflion Foggy Shadow, while those who prefer a bit more depth in their keystrokes may opt for the TTC Flaming Purple. Ultimately, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to more traditional options.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flaming Purple has an MSRP of $8.30 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Purple for $4.30.
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
In terms of sound, the Flaming Purple linear switch has a bassy and low-pitched profile, adding a poppy undertone to keystrokes with a resonant character. On the other hand, the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, suitable for various settings due to its moderate actuation force requirement. Both switches provide unique sound qualities that cater to different preferences, with the Flaming Purple leaning towards a deeper and richer tone while the Foggy Shadow maintains a more mellow and versatile sound signature.
Moving on to the feel, the Flaming Purple switch is lauded for its feathery and easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal exertion for swift and effortless typing. This light actuation force reduces finger fatigue and provides a comfortable typing experience, suitable for extended use in various settings. In contrast, information about the tactile feel of the Aflion Foggy Shadow switch is currently unknown. Nevertheless, based on the available details, the Flaming Purple switch stands out for its silky and smooth typing experience, offering an unparalleled level of comfort for users seeking a responsive and low-impact feel during typing sessions.
Overall, both the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Flaming Purple excels in providing a resonant and poppy sound with a feathery light-touch feel, the Foggy Shadow remains a mysterious but promising option with a neutral sound profile and moderate actuation force. Depending on individual preferences and typing preferences, enthusiasts and daily typists can explore these switches to find the perfect match for their mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prioritize a light and effortless typing feel with a touch of auditory flair, the Flaming Purple with its feathery nature and resonant sound profile may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-weight tactile bump with a balanced performance and a neutral sound profile, the Foggy Shadow could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the typing experience you desire, whether it be swift and engaging or balanced and comfortable. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing preferences and enjoy a personalized typing experience tailored to your needs.
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