Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. TTC Gold Pink
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the TTC Gold Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the TTC Gold Pink offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Foggy Shadow by Aflion boasts a light tactile bump with a 63.5g bottom-out force, providing a balanced and medium-weight typing experience. On the other hand, the Gold Pink by TTC stands out for its incredibly light 37g actuation force, delivering a fast and effortless typing experience with a satisfying level of feedback and clacky sound. While the Foggy Shadow is ideal for those seeking a tactile typing feel, the Gold Pink is perfect for users looking for a smooth and light 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
37g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the TTC Gold Pink, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate in the top housing allows for a more visually appealing experience, especially if RGB lighting is utilized. However, the key difference lies in their bottom housings, where the Foggy Shadow uses nylon while the Gold Pink also opts for nylon. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound overall.
Despite both switches using the same materials for their top housing, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and TTC Gold Pink may provide slightly different typing experiences due to their choice of bottom housing material. The split in qualities between the top and bottom housings means that the sound and feel when pressing down on the switches will be influenced by the nylon bottom housing, while the release sound will be impacted by the polycarbonate top housing. This distinction in housing materials may result in a noticeable difference in typing feel and sound, with the nylon bottom housing likely providing a deeper and fuller sound on both switches.
Ultimately, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and TTC Gold Pink showcase how different housing materials can influence the overall typing experience of a switch. While both switches use polycarbonate for their top housing, the choice of nylon for the bottom housing sets them apart in terms of sound profile. Typing on the Foggy Shadow with its nylon bottom housing may feel slightly different from typing on the Gold Pink with the same nylon material, as the impact of the bottom housing material is more pronounced during key presses. These subtle differences in housing materials highlight the importance of material choice in creating a unique typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the TTC Gold Pink linear switch, their actuation and bottom out forces differ significantly. The Foggy Shadow has no specified actuation force, while the Gold Pink requires 37 grams for actuation. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Foggy Shadow has a heavier 63.5 grams compared to the lighter 45 grams of the Gold Pink switch. This means that the Foggy Shadow would provide a more substantial typing experience due to its higher bottom out force, while the Gold Pink switch would be easier to trigger keystrokes with its lower actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the TTC Gold Pink linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of conventional travel distances, but the Foggy Shadow offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance. Gamers who prioritize speed and responsiveness may prefer the Foggy Shadow, while those who enjoy a more profound key press may lean towards the Gold Pink. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and typing style.
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 Pink has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Pink for $4.28.
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
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch is known for its low-pitched sound profile, which provides a mellow and bass-heavy tone that is quite neutral, making it suitable for various environments and users. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Pink linear switch offers a clacky sound that adds a satisfying level of feedback to the typing experience. When it comes to feel, the Foggy Shadow has a very light tactile bump, providing a balanced performance with a 63.5g bottom-out force. In contrast, the Gold Pink switch is described as buttery, mild, feathery, subtle, and polished, offering a smooth and fluid typing experience with a light 37g actuation force. Overall, both switches offer unique characteristics in sound and feel, catering to different preferences. While the Foggy Shadow provides a more neutral sound and a light tactile bump, the Gold Pink delivers a clacky sound and a buttery typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the TTC Gold Pink linear switch, consider your preferences and needs. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a light tactile bump for balanced performance, then the Foggy Shadow would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a light bottom out force and a smooth and fluid keystroke experience for fast and effortless typing or gaming, the Gold Pink switch would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the type of typing experience you are looking for and the specific characteristics that align with your preferences.
Mentioned in this article
