Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. Gateron Ink Red
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Gateron Ink Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Aflion Foggy Shadows and the Gateron Ink Reds. The Foggy Shadows by Aflion are tactile switches that feature a very light tactile bump, making them ideal for those who prefer a subtle tactile feedback while typing. With a 63.5g bottom-out force, these switches offer a medium weight that strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Reds are linear switches that boast a lower actuation force, catering to typists with a lighter typing style. Known for their smooth and satisfying feel, as well as a crisp and clacky sound profile, the Ink Reds are effortless to type on. While the Foggy Shadows focus on tactile feedback and balanced performance, the Ink Reds excel in providing a smooth typing experience with a lighter actuation force. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
Both the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Gateron Ink Red switches feature a unique combination of housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Foggy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the Gateron Ink Red's proprietary INK blend top housing offers a relatively high-pitched and clacky sound. In terms of aesthetics, the Foggy Shadow's clear polycarbonate housing is ideal for showcasing RGB lighting, while the Ink Red's opaque housing provides a sleek and minimalist look.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Foggy Shadow utilizes a nylon material that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red's proprietary INK blend bottom housing complements the top housing by contributing to its pointed and high-pitched sound profile. While the materials differ between the two switches, both bottom housings play a crucial role in influencing the overall sound and feel of typing on these switches.
Although the top and bottom housings of the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Gateron Ink Red switches offer unique qualities, both switches ultimately aim to provide a satisfying typing experience. The split between the two housing materials allows for different aspects of sound and feel to be emphasized, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound upon releasing a key. Overall, both switches offer a balance of stiffer and softer plastic materials that work together to create distinct and enjoyable typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch, it is evident that the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in how each switch feels to the user. The Aflion Foggy Shadow has no specified actuation force, making it unclear how much force is needed to trigger a keystroke, while the Gateron Ink Red linear switch has an actuation force of 45 grams. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Foggy Shadow requiring 63.5 grams and the Ink Red needing 60 grams. In terms of weight, the Ink Red is lighter due to its lower actuation force, making it easier to type for extended periods of time. On the other hand, the Foggy Shadow provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference regarding actuation force and overall typing feel.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is slightly shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the Gateron Ink Red linear switch. The Foggy Shadow offers a quicker, more responsive typing experience compared to the Ink Red. Gamers might prefer the shorter travel distance of the Foggy Shadow for faster response times in fast-paced games. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial keypress with greater depth might opt for the Gateron Ink Red. Both switches offer different typing experiences based on their travel distances, with the Foggy Shadow being the shorter of the two while the Ink Red provides a bit more travel distance for those who prefer it.
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 Red 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 Red for $7.35.
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 offers a low-pitched sound profile, giving off a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch provides a neutral sound profile that is suitable for most intents and purposes, with a moderate actuation force requirement. Additionally, the Ink Red switches have a unique chirpy quality to them, which sets them apart from other switches. The choice of board and keycaps can also influence the overall sound of the switches.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Aflion Foggy Shadow's tactile bump offers a satisfying typing experience with a 63.5g bottom-out force that hits the sweet spot of medium weight. Specific descriptors for the feel of the Foggy Shadow switch are not available in the provided information. Conversely, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch is described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience. The mild and polished characteristics of the Ink Red switches provide a gentle typing feel that is approachable to most users. The smooth and refined finish of the Ink Red switches results in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Overall, the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Foggy Shadow switch excels in providing a light tactile bump with a balanced medium weight, the Ink Red switch stands out for its smooth and effortless typing experience with a lower actuation force. Depending on personal preference for sound profile and typing feel, both switches offer a high-quality experience that caters to different typing styles. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch, you should consider your typing style and preference. If you prefer a light tactile bump and medium weight with a slightly lower actuation force, the Foggy Shadow may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth linear switch with a slightly lighter actuation force and a crispy sound profile, the Ink Red may be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision should be based on how each switch will enhance your typing experience and match your personal preferences.
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