Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. Gateron Ink Black V2
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Gateron Ink Black V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Aflion Foggy Shadow, a tactile switch, and the Gateron Ink Black V2, a linear switch, there are key differences to consider. The Foggy Shadow by Aflion boasts a light tactile bump and a 63.5g bottom-out force, providing a balanced and medium-weight typing experience. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 from Gateron offers a smooth downstroke and a rich clack sound, making it a classic favorite in the mechanical keyboard community. The Foggy Shadow is best suited for those who prefer a tactile typing feel, while the Ink Black V2 is ideal for those who enjoy a linear switch with a smooth keystroke. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Gateron Ink Black V2, there are distinct differences in their top housing materials. The Foggy Shadow utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate creating a more clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 features a proprietary INK blend top housing, known for its pointed and high-pitched sound profile that is described as clacky. While both offer unique sound profiles, the Foggy Shadow with its polycarbonate top housing is likely to provide a more clear and bright sound, compared to the Ink Black V2's slightly more subdued clacky sound.
When discussing the bottom housing materials of the Foggy Shadow and Ink Black V2, a similar contrast can be seen. The Foggy Shadow utilizes a nylon bottom housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer and sound-absorbing nature. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2's proprietary INK blend bottom housing offers a pointed and high-pitched sound profile that is also described as clacky. While both bottom housing materials provide unique sound characteristics, the nylon bottom housing of the Foggy Shadow is likely to produce a more mellow and rounded sound, compared to the Ink Black V2's more pronounced and clacky sound.
Overall, the different housing materials used in the Foggy Shadow and Ink Black V2 switches contribute to their unique sound profiles. The split between the top and bottom housing materials means that each part of the switch impacts the sound in different ways. The bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down, while the top housing has a greater influence on the sound when a key is released. Therefore, while the Foggy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing may result in a clearer and fuller sound profile, the Ink Black V2's proprietary INK blend top and bottom housings offer a more pointed and clacky sound experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, it is clear that the Ink Black V2 is the lighter of the two with an actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Foggy Shadow's None grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Foggy Shadow requires 63.5 grams while the Ink Black V2 needs 70 grams, making them fairly similar in terms of heaviness. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Ink Black V2 may be the better choice, while those seeking a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Foggy Shadow. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it shorter than the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Foggy Shadow's shorter travel distance may appeal to those looking for a faster response time, such as gamers, while the Ink Black V2's longer travel distance might provide a more satisfying key press for some users. Both switches offer unique benefits based on their travel distances, so choosing between them will depend on individual preferences for key press 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 Gateron Ink Black V2 has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Black V2 for $7.24.
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, both the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Gateron Ink Black V2 switches offer a low-pitched tone. The Foggy Shadow provides a more neutral sound profile, suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 offers a bassy and chirpy sound, adding a unique flair to the typing experience. While both switches have a low-pitched sound, the Ink Black V2 stands out with its deeper and richer tones, making each keystroke more pronounced.
When it comes to feel, the details of the Foggy Shadow's tactile experience are not provided. However, the Ink Black V2 switch is described as mild and polished, offering a gentle typing experience with a smooth and refined finish. This ensures reduced friction and a sleek key travel, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. The Foggy Shadow's feel remains unknown, but based on the information provided for the Ink Black V2, users can expect a comfortable and polished typing experience with the Aflion switch.
In conclusion, while both the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Gateron Ink Black V2 switches offer low-pitched tones, their sound profiles and typing experiences differ. The Foggy Shadow provides a neutral sound with a light tactile bump, emphasizing balanced performance, while the Ink Black V2 offers a bassy and chirpy sound with a smooth linear feel. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preferences for sound and typing sensation, but both switches promise a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a light tactile bump and a medium weight with a bottom-out force of 63.5 grams, the Foggy Shadow may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a smooth linear switch with a slightly higher bottom-out force of 70 grams and a classic rich clack sound, the Ink Black V2 could be more suitable for your typing preferences. Additionally, if you prefer a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, the Foggy Shadow may be more appealing, while the Ink Black V2 offers a low-pitched, bassy, and chirpy sound experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences in terms of both feel and sound. Consider these factors carefully to choose the switch that best suits your needs.
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