Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. Bsun Guyu
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Bsun Guyu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Aflion Foggy Shadow, a tactile switch, and the BSUN Guyu, a linear switch, offer unique features that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. The Foggy Shadow stands out for its light tactile bump and medium weight, providing a balanced performance for users seeking a comfortable typing experience. On the other hand, the Guyu linear switches boast a distinctive auditory experience with their all-POM housings and UPE stem, resulting in smooth keystrokes and a bright, crisp sound. While the Foggy Shadow leans towards a neutral feel, the Guyu offers a clacky, creamy, and polished 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
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
UPE
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
21mm spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Bsun Guyu both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Foggy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the Guyu's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. While both materials have their own benefits, the polycarbonate top housing of the Foggy Shadow is more likely to be used with RGB lighting due to its translucency, adding an aesthetic element to the switch.
On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Foggy Shadow elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the POM bottom housing of the Guyu also produces a deep and muted sound. Despite their different materials, both housing types contribute to creating a unique typing experience. The softer nylon material of the Foggy Shadow absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile, whereas the POM material of the Guyu creates a more pleasing sound that is on the deeper side.
Overall, the choice of housing material in a switch can significantly impact the typing experience. Whether it be the stiffer polycarbonate top housing or the softer nylon bottom housing, each material brings its own set of qualities to the switch. While the Foggy Shadow and the Guyu have different housing materials, they ultimately aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with their unique sound profiles. Whether you prefer a sharper and crisper sound or a deeper and more muted sound, both switches offer distinct characteristics for users to enjoy.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Bsun Guyu linear switch, it is evident that they have significant differences in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Foggy Shadow lacks an actuation force specification, whereas the Guyu has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it lighter in comparison. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Foggy Shadow requires 63.5 grams, which is heavier than the Guyu's 50 grams. The Foggy Shadow offers a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force, while the Guyu provides a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. In summary, while the actuation force and bottom out force of these switches differ, users can choose according to their preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Bsun Guyu linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those looking for quick and responsive keystrokes. The slight difference of 0.1 mm between the two may not be noticeable to most users, but those who are particular about the feel of their switches may prefer the Guyu for its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, both switches offer similar results in terms of travel distance, providing a satisfying typing experience for users who appreciate tactile feedback and smooth keystrokes.
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 Bsun Guyu has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Guyu for $3.70.
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 switch is characterized by a low-pitched and neutral profile, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone suitable for a variety of purposes. In contrast, the Bsun Guyu switch is known for its clacky sound, producing a sharp and snappy noise when pressed, creating a crisp and percussive typing experience. Depending on your choice of keyboard and keycaps, the sound produced by each switch will be further influenced by these external factors.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Aflion Foggy Shadow's tactile bump provides a comfortable typing experience, offering a light tactile feel without additional descriptors provided. On the other hand, the Bsun Guyu switch is described as creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, and snappy, providing a smooth and effortless typing sensation with minimal resistance and a refined finish. For those who prefer a more buttery and responsive typing experience, the Guyu linear switch may be the preferred choice.
In conclusion, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and Bsun Guyu switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel, catering to different preferences and typing styles. While the Foggy Shadow provides a balanced sound profile with a light tactile feel, the Guyu switch delivers a unique auditory experience with a smooth and frictionless typing experience. Depending on whether you value a mellow tone and neutral feel or a clacky sound with a creamy and responsive feel, you can achieve satisfying results with either switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch or the Bsun Guyu linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a light tactile bump, the Foggy Shadow may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a lighter bottom out force and a unique auditory experience with a clacky sound profile, the Guyu linear switch could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your preference for tactile feedback, sound profile, and typing feel. Consider what factors are most important to you in a switch and choose accordingly.
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