Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. TTC Gold Brown
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the TTC Gold Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to tactile mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the TTC Gold Brown stand out as solid choices. The Aflion Foggy Shadow offers a light tactile bump with a 63.5g bottom-out force, striking a balance between responsiveness and comfort. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown provides a satisfying bump with a moderate weightiness, coupled with a softer sound profile. While the Foggy Shadow leans towards a more medium weight and low-pitched feel, the Gold Brown is all about achieving a balanced and buttery typing experience. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Aflion Foggy Shadow and TTC Gold Brown utilize polycarbonate in their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the keyboard. However, while both switches share this top housing material, they may differ in other aspects that contribute to the overall typing experience.
In contrast, the Foggy Shadow features a nylon bottom housing which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Gold Brown's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This difference in bottom housing material might affect the overall typing experience and sound signature of the switches, giving users a variety of options to choose from based on their preference for sound and feel.
Understanding the impact of housing materials on switch design is crucial for keyboard enthusiasts looking to customize their typing experience. While both the Aflion Foggy Shadow and TTC Gold Brown offer similar polycarbonate top housings, their differing bottom housing materials provide unique sound profiles and typing experiences. Whether users prefer a sharper and crisper sound profile of polycarbonate or a deeper and fuller sound of nylon, both switches offer distinct qualities that can cater to individual preferences and enhance the overall typing experience.
Weight
Comparing the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch, the actuation force of the Foggy Shadow is None grams, while the Gold Brown has an actuation force of 55 grams. This means that the Gold Brown requires a lighter force to trigger a keystroke compared to the Foggy Shadow. In terms of bottom out force, the Foggy Shadow has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the Gold Brown has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 63 grams. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range in terms of bottom out force. Those looking for a lighter actuation force may prefer the Gold Brown, while those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Foggy Shadow. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it a slightly shorter option compared to the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. While both switches fall within the realm of average travel distances, the Foggy Shadow offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance. Gamers looking for a faster and more responsive typing experience may prefer the Foggy Shadow. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial key press and a deeper feel may lean towards the Gold Brown with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The TTC Gold Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown for $3.28.
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, both the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the TTC Gold Brown switches are described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that they have a moderate actuation force requirement and produce a sound that is suitable for most usage scenarios, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, or whether you are using them at home or in a work setting. The low-pitched sound of the Foggy Shadow offers a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches, while the Gold Brown provides a softer, rounded sound profile that is generally quieter than most switches without being completely silent.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gold Brown is described as having a mild, buttery, accented, and polished feel. These qualities contribute to a gentle typing experience with smooth and fluid keystrokes, providing a seamless and uniform typing sensation. On the other hand, the feel of the Foggy Shadow switch is not specified, so it is difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect. However, given that both switches are tactile, we can infer that they will offer a similar level of tactile feedback and typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Aflion Foggy Shadow and TTC Gold Brown switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Foggy Shadow excels in its light tactile bump and moderate weight, the Gold Brown stands out for its balanced nature and satisfying bump. In terms of sound, both switches have a neutral profile, suitable for a wide range of users and environments. When it comes to feel, the Gold Brown offers a smooth and gentle typing experience with various tactile characteristics, while the feel of the Foggy Shadow remains unspecified. Overall, whether you choose the Foggy Shadow or the Gold Brown, you can expect a high-quality typing experience tailored to your preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when considering whether to choose the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch or the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for the level of tactile feedback. If you prefer a light tactile bump with a slightly heavier bottom out force, the Aflion Foggy Shadow would be a solid choice. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a balanced tactile feel and a slightly lighter bottom out force, the TTC Gold Brown may be more suited to your typing style. Both switches offer a moderate sound profile that is suitable for various environments, making them versatile options for any user. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the tactile feedback that aligns with your typing preferences.
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