Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. KTT Grapefruit
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the KTT Grapefruit switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Aflion Foggy Shadow, a tactile switch, is praised for its light tactile bump and 63.5g bottom-out force, offering a balanced performance for those looking for a medium weight switch. On the other hand, the KTT Grapefruit, a linear switch, stands out for its soft and light feel, accompanied by a unique "baritone" sound profile. While both switches are categorized as 'Low-pitched' and 'Neutral', the Grapefruit also boasts a 'Polished' classification. When considering which switch to choose, the Foggy Shadow may be appealing for those seeking a tactile bump, while the Grapefruit could be favored by those interested in a smoother 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
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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 the KTT Grapefruit feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. The similarities in top housing material indicate that users can expect comparable sound profiles and aesthetic features from both switches.
On the other hand, the Foggy Shadow's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Grapefruit's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is known for its softer nature, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The differences in bottom housing materials between the two switches mean that the bottom-out sound and feel will vary between the Foggy Shadow and the Grapefruit, providing users with distinct typing experiences based on the type of housing material used.
Overall, the choice between the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the KTT Grapefruit may come down to personal preference when it comes to sound profile and typing experience. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharper sound profile, the differences in bottom housing materials, with the Foggy Shadow using nylon and the Grapefruit using polycarbonate, will offer users unique tactile experiences. Whether you prefer a deeper and fuller sound (Foggy Shadow) or a crisper and clear sound (Grapefruit), both switches have their own strengths based on the housing materials used.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the KTT Grapefruit linear switch, it is clear that the Foggy Shadow has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams compared to the Grapefruit's 53 grams. The actuation force of the Grapefruit is 45 grams, while the actuation force of the Foggy Shadow is unknown. The lighter actuation force of the Grapefruit may result in a smoother and lighter typing experience, which could be preferable for extended typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the heavier bottom out force of the Foggy Shadow provides a more substantial typing feel, which some users may prefer for a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing force and feel.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the KTT Grapefruit linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Grapefruit switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Foggy Shadow. A 4.0mm travel distance is more traditional, offering a good balance between responsiveness and depth, while a shorter 3.5mm travel distance may be preferred by those seeking faster response times, such as gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference in terms of travel distance and key feel. Both switches offer a different experience, so choosing the right one for you will depend on your typing or gaming habits.
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 KTT Grapefruit comes in at $3.41 per 10 switches.
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, both the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the KTT Grapefruit switches have a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, offering a bass-heavy and mellow tone suitable for various user preferences. Choosing between the two would likely result in similar auditory experiences based on these descriptions. Moving on to feel, while the Foggy Shadow's tactile bump offers a light and balanced typing experience, the Grapefruit's polished finish promotes smooth key travel and reduced friction. Depending on whether a user prefers a tactile bump or a linear feel, the choice between the two switches will ultimately come down to personal preference. Overall, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles, making them both worthy contenders in the ever-growing mechanical keyboard switch market.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a very light tactile bump, the Aflion Foggy Shadow would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a soft and light feel, the KTT Grapefruit would be more suitable for your preferences. Both switches offer low-pitched sound profiles and neutral feels, making them versatile options for various typing preferences. Ultimately, the decision between the Aflion Foggy Shadow and KTT Grapefruit will come down to your personal preference for switch type and bottom out force.
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