Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. Gateron Ink Box Pink
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Gateron Ink Box Pink offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Foggy Shadow from Aflion is a tactile switch renowned for its light tactile bump and 63.5g bottom-out force, striking a balance between medium weight and responsive feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink is a linear switch known for its smoothness and lighter typing feel, producing a higher-pitched clack during usage. While the Foggy Shadow leans towards a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, the Ink Box Pink is described as clacky, high-pitched, silky, and polished. Each switch has its strengths and appeals to different users based on their typing 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
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Aflion Foggy Shadow uses a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, while the Gateron Ink Box Pink utilizes a proprietary INK blend for both the top and bottom housings. The polycarbonate top housing of the Foggy Shadow creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile compared to the Ink Box Pink's INK blend, which is characterized as pointed and relatively high-pitched but not overly sharp. The Foggy Shadow's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, while the Gateron Ink Box Pink's INK blend bottom housing offers a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound described as clacky.
In terms of aesthetics, the Foggy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing is translucent, making it ideal for use with RGB lighting. The INK blend top housing of the Gateron Ink Box Pink does not offer this feature. However, both switches have unique sound profiles attributed to their respective housing materials. The Foggy Shadow produces a clearer and resonant sound due to the stiffer polycarbonate, while the Ink Box Pink creates a clacky sound that is not overly sharp. Despite the differences in housing materials, both switches offer distinct sound experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
The impact of the housing materials is also felt during key press and release. The qualities of the bottom housing, whether polycarbonate or nylon, influence the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. In contrast, the top housing, whether polycarbonate or INK blend, has a greater impact on the sound when a key is released. While the Aflion Foggy Shadow and Gateron Ink Box Pink have different housing materials, they both provide unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences and typing styles. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for sound, feel, and aesthetics.
Weight
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch have differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Foggy Shadow has an actuation force of None grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Ink Box Pink which has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. The Foggy Shadow provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force, while the Ink Box Pink offers a lighter actuation force for quicker keystrokes. Both switches have their advantages, as lighter switches like the Ink Box Pink are ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming, while heavier switches like the Foggy Shadow provide a more satisfying tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Ink Box Pink has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Foggy Shadow. Both switches fall within the shorter travel distance range, making them more suitable for gamers looking for faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may be noticeable to some users, with the Ink Box Pink offering just a touch more depth to each keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
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 Box Pink has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Box Pink for $7.65.
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 tactile switch offers a low-pitched and neutral typing experience, creating a mellow and balanced tone suitable for various settings. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch provides a clacky and high-pitched sound, delivering a sharp and crisp sound profile that may be preferred by those looking for a more vibrant typing experience. The choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference and the desired sound characteristics you seek in your mechanical keyboard setup.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Aflion Foggy Shadow does not have specific descriptors provided, suggesting a standard tactile feel without any unique feature highlighted. Conversely, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch is described as silky and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. This difference in feel can significantly impact the overall typing comfort and satisfaction, catering to those who prioritize smoothness and refined keypresses.
In conclusion, when comparing the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, it is evident that they offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Foggy Shadow provides a low-pitched, neutral sound with a standard tactile feel, while the Ink Box Pink delivers a clacky, high-pitched sound with a silky, polished feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound profile and typing experience. However, regardless of the choice made, both switches offer innovative features that can elevate your mechanical keyboard setup to new heights of performance and satisfaction.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom-out force and a light tactile bump, the Foggy Shadow is the way to go. These switches offer a balanced performance with a low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom-out force and a smooth typing feel, the Ink Box Pink may be more suited to your preferences. These switches provide a higher-pitched clacky sound and a silky, polished typing experience. Ultimately, your choice should be based on your personal preferences for feel, sound, and typing experience.
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