Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. Invyr Holy Panda
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Invyr Holy Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Invyr Holy Panda are both tactile switches that offer unique characteristics for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Foggy Shadow, produced by Aflion, features a light tactile bump with a 63.5g bottom-out force, striking a balance between weight and performance. On the other hand, the Holy Panda, renowned for its sharp tactility and satisfyingly bright clack sound, provides pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance that sets it apart in the tactile switch market. The Foggy Shadow is categorized as low-pitched and neutral, while the Holy Panda is labeled as accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy. Each switch caters to a different preference in terms of feel and sound, but both offer distinct advantages. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Invyr Holy Panda both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal material for those looking for a distinct typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is perfect for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. In terms of aesthetics and sound quality, both switches offer similar experiences due to their shared use of polycarbonate in the top housing.
However, where the switches differ is in their bottom housing material. The Foggy Shadow features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Holy Panda's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon's softer properties allow it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use this material. This contrast in bottom housing materials can significantly impact the overall typing experience on these switches.
Overall, the combination of different housing materials in the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Invyr Holy Panda results in a unique typing experience. While both switches share the benefits of polycarbonate in the top housing, the variation in bottom housing materials adds a layer of diversity to the sound profile and typing feel. Whether you prefer the sharper, crisper sound of polycarbonate or the deeper, fuller sound of nylon, these switches offer different options to cater to individual preferences in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch both fall under the category of medium-heavy switches when it comes to bottom out force. The Foggy Shadow has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, slightly lighter than the Holy Panda's 67 grams. Both switches have an unknown actuation force, indicating a similar lightness in triggering a keystroke. When it comes to weight, some prefer the lighter feel for longer typing or gaming sessions, while others lean towards a heavier push for a more substantial typing experience. Both the Foggy Shadow and Holy Panda offer a balance between actuation force and bottom out force, providing users with a satisfying tactile feedback for their typing needs.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Holy Panda has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Foggy Shadow. The 4.0mm traditional travel distance is considered standard, while the 3.0mm distance is seen as shallow. Gamers tend to prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times, making the Foggy Shadow a good choice for them. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Holy Panda with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preference for travel distance.
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 Invyr Holy Panda has an MSRP of $12.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Holy Panda for $7.17.
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 offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, which provides a mellow tone and moderate actuation force suitable for various typing environments. On the other hand, the Invyr Holy Panda is known for its sharp tactility that produces a satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke. The Holy Panda's unique blend of pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance creates an unmatched auditory experience, making it a favorite among tactile switch enthusiasts.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Foggy Shadow's tactile bump is described as light, offering a balanced typing experience with a 63.5g bottom-out force. Unfortunately, there is no specific description available for the feel of the Foggy Shadow. However, the Invyr Holy Panda is known for its accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy tactile feedback that provides a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming. This makes the Holy Panda a standout choice for users seeking an immersive typing sensation with responsive and crisp keypresses.
In conclusion, while both the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Invyr Holy Panda are tactile switches, they offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Foggy Shadow provides a more neutral sound with a light tactile bump, suitable for a balanced typing experience. On the other hand, the Holy Panda offers a sharp, bright "clack" sound and a pronounced, invigorating tactile feedback that creates an immersive typing sensation. Depending on your preferences, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, with the Foggy Shadow offering a lighter touch and a more neutral sound compared to the Holy Panda's sharp tactility and bright sound profile.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch, consider the characteristics that align with your typing preferences. If you prefer a lighter tactile bump and a medium weight switch, the Foggy Shadow may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you seek a more pronounced feedback with a snappy and sharp tactile feel, the Holy Panda could be the switch that enhances your typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of tactile response and typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
