Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. TTC Gold Red Pro
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the TTC Gold Red Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the TTC Gold Red Pro offer distinct features catering to different preferences. The Foggy Shadow, a tactile switch from Aflion, stands out for its light tactile bump and 63.5g bottom-out force, striking a balance between weight and responsiveness. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch boasts versatility with its effortless press and neutral sound signature, making it suitable for various settings. While the Foggy Shadow excels in providing a tactile typing experience, the Gold Red Pro shines in its adaptability and seamless performance. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
NPI
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
18.5mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the TTC Gold Red Pro are quite similar, as they both feature polycarbonate top housings. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharp, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiff nature, making it ideal for switches intended for RGB lighting. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches results in a resonant and clear sound profile, providing users with a satisfying typing experience. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate adds to the aesthetic appeal of the switches, further enhancing their overall look.
While both switches share a polycarbonate top housing, they differ in their choice of bottom housing material. The Aflion Foggy Shadow utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Gold Red Pro's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that feature it. This contrast in bottom housing materials may impact the overall typing experience for users, with the nylon bottom housing providing a different feel and sound compared to the polycarbonate top housing.
When considering the impact of different housing materials on switch performance, it is important to recognize that the qualities of each material are divided between the top and bottom housings. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when keys are pressed, while the top housing affects the sound when keys are released. This division allows for a balance of characteristics in the overall sound profile of the switch, with the materials used in each housing contributing to the tactile experience of the user. Both the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the TTC Gold Red Pro showcase how the combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials can create a unique typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch, it is evident that the Foggy Shadow has a higher bottom out force of 63.5 grams compared to the Gold Red Pro's unknown bottom out force. However, the Gold Red Pro has a lower actuation force of 43 grams, while the actuation force of the Foggy Shadow is unknown. This means that the Gold Red Pro is lighter in terms of the force needed to trigger a keystroke, making it more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. On the other hand, the Foggy Shadow provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference, with lighter switches being favored for longer typing sessions and heavier switches preferred for a more pronounced push feel.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch, we can see that the Foggy Shadow has a shorter travel distance at 3.5 mm compared to the Gold Red Pro's 3.8 mm. The Foggy Shadow would provide a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, which is preferred by gamers looking for speed and precision. On the other hand, the Gold Red Pro offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial key press. Both switches fall within the range of common travel distances, with the Foggy Shadow being slightly shorter. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference for keypress depth 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 Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red Pro for $2.90.
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 Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, giving off a mellow tone that is suitable for various environments. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch is described as thocky, low-pitched, and neutral, producing a deep and satisfying sound when pressed with a moderate actuation force requirement. Both switches provide differing sound experiences, with the Foggy Shadow catering to a bass-heavy and mellow tone, while the Gold Red Pro offers a deep and rich "thock" sound that is pleasing to the ears.
Moving on to feel, the Aflion Foggy Shadow's tactile feel is not explicitly described in the provided information. In contrast, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch is polished, silky, mild, and subtle, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and minimal resistance when pressing keys. The Gold Red Pro's characteristics make it approachable to most users, providing a gentle and light typing feel that is suitable for shared spaces.
In conclusion, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and TTC Gold Red Pro switches each bring unique qualities to the table. The Foggy Shadow excels in its low-pitched and neutral sound profile, while the Gold Red Pro offers a thocky and satisfying sound with versatile characteristics suitable for a range of users. Both switches provide a balanced performance in their respective sound and feel attributes, ensuring an enjoyable typing experience tailored to individual preferences. Ultimately, whether choosing the Aflion Foggy Shadow or TTC Gold Red Pro, users can expect similar results in terms of overall quality and performance.
Conclusion
To sum up, when you're choosing between the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch, consider your preferences and typing environment. If you prefer a light tactile bump and a medium-weight feel, the Foggy Shadow may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and versatile typing experience with a neutral sound profile, the Gold Red Pro could be the ideal option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what feels most comfortable and suits your typing needs best.
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