Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. Durock Ice King Linear
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Durock Ice King Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular choices are the Aflion Foggy Shadow, a tactile switch, and the Durock Ice King Linear, a linear switch. The Foggy Shadows from Aflion are gaining attention in the market for their light tactile bump and medium weight of 63.5g, showcasing Aflion's commitment to balanced performance. On the other hand, the Ice King Linears from Durock offer a silky smooth typing experience with their full nylon construction and factory lube. While the Foggy Shadows are known for their neutral low-pitched feel, the Ice King Linears are described as silky, frictionless, subdued, creamy, and polished. Both switches have their unique advantages, making them attractive options for different preferences. 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
52g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Foggy Shadow's housing materials consist of a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, while the Durock Ice King Linear features a nylon top and bottom housing. This means that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's sound absorption properties. However, the Foggy Shadow stands out with its polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the Ice King Linear's nylon top housing, which generates a duller and rounder sound.
In terms of aesthetics, the Foggy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing allows for translucency, making it ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Linear's nylon top housing does not offer this feature but instead contributes to a deeper sound profile. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics based on their respective top housing materials, with the Foggy Shadow providing a clearer and resonant sound while the Ice King Linear delivers a fuller and rounder sound. Overall, the choice between the two switches may come down to preference for either a sharper sound profile or a deeper sound profile.
While the housing materials of the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Durock Ice King Linear differ in their top housing material, both switches share the use of nylon for their bottom housing. This means that the qualities of the nylon bottom housing, such as sound absorption properties and a deeper sound profile, are consistent between the two switches. However, the distinction in their top housing materials results in contrasting sound profiles, with the polycarbonate top housing of the Foggy Shadow creating a sharper sound compared to the duller sound produced by the nylon top housing of the Ice King Linear. Ultimately, both switches offer unique sound characteristics based on their housing materials, providing options for users seeking different sound profiles in their mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it medium-heavy in terms of the force needed to fully press the key. In contrast, the Durock Ice King Linear switch requires a slightly lighter bottom out force of 62 grams, making it a medium force switch. The actuation force for the Foggy Shadow is not specified, while the Ice King Linear has an actuation force of 52 grams. The difference in actuation force may result in a slightly more sensitive typing experience with the Ice King Linear switch. For those who prefer a lighter key press, the Ice King Linear may be a better option, as it offers a slightly lower bottom out force compared to the Foggy Shadow. However, both switches provide a medium level of resistance, so users can expect similar results in terms of typing fatigue and overall typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Afion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that both switches offer a consistent travel distance for users looking for a specific typing experience. When comparing the two switches, users can expect similar results in terms of keypress feel and overall typing experience due to their identical travel distances. The 3.5 mm travel distance on both switches ensures that users will receive a consistent typing experience whether using the Foggy Shadow or the Ice King Linear, making them both reliable options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
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 Durock Ice King Linear has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice King Linear for $4.20.
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 tactile switch is known for its low-pitched and neutral sound profile, offering a mellow and bass-heavy tone that is suitable for various settings. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch is described as subdued, producing a dampened sound that is more subtle compared to most switches. Depending on factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, both switches can provide a pleasing auditory experience, with the Foggy Shadow leaning towards a lower pitch and the Ice King Linear offering a more subdued sound.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch does not have any specific descriptors mentioned in the provided information. In contrast, the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch is described as silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished. These descriptors indicate that the Ice King Linear switch offers an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience, with minimal resistance and friction when pressing the keys. The creamy and polished qualities suggest a buttery and refined typing sensation, further enhancing the overall feel of the switch.
Overall, the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Foggy Shadow excels in providing a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, the Ice King Linear stands out for its subdued and smooth typing experience. Depending on personal preferences, either switch can provide a satisfying performance for typing enthusiasts. If one enjoys a lighter tactile bump and a mellow sound profile, the Foggy Shadow may be the better choice. On the other hand, if smoothness and effortless typing are a priority, the Ice King Linear would be a suitable option. Both switches are designed to cater to different preferences, ensuring that users can find a switch that meets their specific needs for a mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch or the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and what you prioritize in a keyboard switch. If you prefer a light tactile bump with a medium-heavy bottom-out force and a low-pitched, neutral sound profile, the Foggy Shadow may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer silky smooth typing experience with a medium bottom-out force and a subdued sound profile, the Ice King Linear switch might be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so it's essential to consider what feels most comfortable and enjoyable to you when making your decision.
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