Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. TTC Gold Red
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the TTC Gold Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Aflion Foggy Shadow and the TTC Gold Red are two popular mechanical keyboard switches that cater to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts. The Foggy Shadow, known for its tactile design, provides a light tactile bump with a moderate 63.5g bottom-out force, offering a balanced performance that is ideal for those who enjoy a tactile feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Gold Red from TTC is a linear switch that offers a smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance, accompanied by a snappy sound profile that adds a touch of personality to your keyboard. Both switches have their unique characteristics that make them suitable for different types of users. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the TTC Gold Red, it is clear that they both utilize polycarbonate for the top housing. This choice of material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. With the translucency of polycarbonate, it is especially beneficial for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting. However, despite both switches using polycarbonate for the top housing, the differences may lie in the design and construction of the housing itself.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Foggy Shadow features a nylon bottom housing, while the Gold Red also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer properties that absorb more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use nylon for the bottom housing. Therefore, even though both switches share the same bottom housing material, the specific design and structure of the housing may impact the overall typing experience and sound produced.
Overall, while the Aflion Foggy Shadow and TTC Gold Red may have similarities in their choice of housing materials, differences in their overall design and construction may still lead to variations in sound and typing experience. Both switches benefit from the use of polycarbonate for the top housing, creating a sharp and resonant sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing adds depth and fullness to the sound when typing. Understanding the impact of each housing material on the switch as a whole can help users make informed decisions based on their preferences for sound and feel while typing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch, it is evident that they differ in weight. The Foggy Shadow has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch, while the Gold Red has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. The actuation force of the Foggy Shadow is not specified, while the Gold Red has an actuation force of 43 grams. This means that the Gold Red linear switch requires less force to trigger a keystroke compared to the Foggy Shadow. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Gold Red would be the suitable choice, allowing for longer typing sessions with less fatigue. On the other hand, for individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel, the Foggy Shadow would be the better option with its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on personal preference regarding actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the TTC Gold Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Gold Red switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Foggy Shadow. Typically, a 4.0 mm travel distance is considered more traditional, providing a deeper key press feel, while a 3.0 mm travel distance is shallower. Gamers often prefer switches with shorter travel distances for quicker response times, making the Foggy Shadow a popular choice in that regard. However, some may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt and prefer the more substantial depth offered by a longer travel distance like that of the Gold Red switch. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key feel and responsiveness.
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 Red 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 Red 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, the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch is known for its low-pitched and neutral sound profile. This means that the switches produce a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for most intents and purposes. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red linear switch is described as thocky, low-pitched, and neutral, offering a deep, rich sound when pressed. Both switches provide a satisfying sound profile, but the Foggy Shadow leans towards a more subtle and understated tone compared to the Gold Red's pronounced and deep sound.
Moving on to feel, the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch doesn't have specific descriptors available. On the contrary, the TTC Gold Red linear switch is characterized as mild, silky, subtle, and polished. This means that the Gold Red switch offers a gentle typing experience with exceptionally smooth key travel, minimal resistance, and a refined finish. The switches create a comfortable and pleasant typing feel that falls within a safe middle-ground zone, ensuring an enjoyable typing experience for most users.
In conclusion, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and TTC Gold Red switches both offer distinct sound profiles and tactile feels suitable for various preferences. The Foggy Shadow provides a light tactile bump with a low-pitched and neutral sound, while the Gold Red delivers a buttery smooth typing experience with a thocky, low-pitched, and neutral sound profile. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between the more subtle and mellow Foggy Shadow or the pronounced and silky Gold Red switch for their mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, both switches promise a satisfying typing experience that caters to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force that offers a light tactile bump, then the Aflion Foggy Shadow switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a lighter bottom out force that provides a buttery smooth typing experience, then the TTC Gold Red switch would be more suitable for your needs. Consider your typing preferences, whether you enjoy a light bump or a smooth linear feel, as well as the sound profile that appeals to you - whether it be low-pitched or thocky. Ultimately, the decision between the Aflion Foggy Shadow and TTC Gold Red switches will depend on your personal preference for typing feel and sound.
Mentioned in this article
