Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. Dareu Holly
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Dareu Holly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Dareu Holly both offer tactile feedback but with unique characteristics that set them apart. The Foggy Shadow, from Aflion, is praised for its light tactile bump and 63.5g bottom-out force, providing a balanced and medium-weight typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Holly stands out with its medium 50g actuation force and a sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, appealing to users seeking a distinctive typing experience. While both switches offer tactile feedback, the Foggy Shadow leans towards a light and neutral feel, while the Holly delivers a chirpy, clacky, and neutral typing sensation. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Dareu Holly use polycarbonate for their top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiff plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. As a result, both switches will likely offer a similar sound experience when it comes to their top housing.
However, the housing materials differ when it comes to the bottom housing. The Foggy Shadow utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer properties that absorb more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing. Similarly, the Holly also uses a nylon bottom housing for a similar typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile.
Ultimately, the differences in housing materials between the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Dareu Holly will impact the overall typing experience. The split qualities between the top and bottom housing mean that the bottom housing will have more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will influence the sound when releasing a key. This distinction in housing materials allows for a nuanced typing experience that caters to different preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and Dareu Holly tactile switch have notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Foggy Shadow has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is medium-heavy, while its actuation force is not specified. On the other hand, the Holly has an actuation force of 50 grams, with an unknown bottom out force. This makes the Holly lighter in terms of actuation force compared to the Foggy Shadow. The Foggy Shadow would provide a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force, while the Holly would be preferred by those seeking a lighter typing feel for longer periods of typing or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on the individual's preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is slightly shorter than the Dareu Holly tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The difference between the two may not be significant to some users, but for those who prefer a more responsive feel, the Foggy Shadow would be the better choice. On the other hand, those who prefer a deeper keypress may lean towards the Holly switch. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, so users can expect a familiar experience with either option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences 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 Dareu Holly has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Holly for $3.76.
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 offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone suitable for various typing environments. On the other hand, the Dareu Holly switch stands out with a combination of chirpy and clacky elements, delivering a distinctive and balanced typing experience that adds a unique flair to your keystrokes. Both switches offer a neutral sound profile, making them versatile options depending on personal preference and the overall keyboard setup.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, unfortunately, specific information about the tactile feel of the Aflion Foggy Shadow and Dareu Holly switches is not available. However, considering the similar actuation forces of 63.5g for the Foggy Shadow and 50g for the Holly, users can expect a comparable tactile feedback experience from both switches. This means that individuals looking for a tactile switch with a medium actuation force will likely get similar tactile responses from either option, allowing for a comfortable typing experience that meets their preferences.
In conclusion, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and Dareu Holly switches offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and likely provide a similar tactile feel due to their medium actuation forces. Users can choose between the low-pitched and neutral sound of the Foggy Shadow or the chirpy and clacky sound of the Holly based on their sound preference, while also benefiting from a consistent tactile experience across both options. Ultimately, both switches cater to individuals seeking a balanced and innovative typing experience, showcasing the diversity and quality available in the mechanical keyboard switch market.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Dareu Holly tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a light tactile bump and a medium-heavy bottom-out force for a balanced typing experience, the Foggy Shadow would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you are looking for a unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, along with a medium actuation force, the Holly switch would be more aligned with your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your individual typing preferences and desired typing experience.
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