Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. TTC Iron
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the TTC Iron switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Aflion Foggy Shadow and the TTC Iron are two distinct mechanical keyboard switches that cater to different preferences in typing experience. The Foggy Shadow by Aflion boasts a light tactile bump with a 63.5g bottom-out force, providing a balanced performance for those who prefer a medium-weight switch. On the other hand, the TTC Iron linear switch offers a pronounced clacky sound signature and swift actuation, making it a great choice for enthusiasts and daily users seeking precision in every keystroke. While the Foggy Shadow is best known for its low-pitched and neutral characteristics, the Iron is characterized as easy-to-press, clacky, mild, and neutral. 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
41g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Foggy Shadow and TTC Iron differ in their choice of housing materials, with the Foggy Shadow featuring a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, while the Iron utilizes a POM top housing and a POM bottom housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Foggy Shadow creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, perfect for those looking for a more distinct typing experience. In contrast, the POM top housing of the Iron produces a deeper and more muted sound, presenting a unique typing experience for users. Both switches aim to deliver a satisfying sound profile, but the choice of materials results in distinct auditory outcomes.
In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Foggy Shadow is translucent, making it ideal for users who want to showcase RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, the POM top housing of the Iron may not offer the same level of transparency, but it delivers a unique sound that appeals to those looking for a deeper tone. While the nylon bottom housing of the Foggy Shadow absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound profile, the POM bottom housing of the Iron contributes to a similar deep and muted sound experience. Overall, both switches provide different tactile and auditory experiences based on their housing materials, catering to a variety of user preferences.
When it comes to typing feel, the choice of housing materials plays a significant role in determining the overall experience. The impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel is more pronounced in switches like the Foggy Shadow with its nylon bottom housing, compared to the Iron with its POM bottom housing. Conversely, the top housing of each switch affects the sound when releasing a key, with the polycarbonate top housing of the Foggy Shadow creating a clearer sound compared to the deeper tone produced by the POM top housing of the Iron. Ultimately, the housing materials of both switches contribute to the overall typing experience, providing users with a range of options to suit their preferences.
Weight
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and TTC Iron linear switch have notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Foggy Shadow has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the Iron has a bottom out force of 50 grams, making the Iron the lighter of the two switches. The actuation force of the Foggy Shadow is unknown, while the Iron has an actuation force of 41 grams. The Foggy Shadow provides a medium-heavy typing experience with its higher bottom out force, which can be preferred by those seeking a more substantial feel. In contrast, the Iron offers a lighter keystroke with a lower bottom out force, appealing to users who prefer a more effortless typing experience. Overall, the choice between the two switches ultimately depends on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the TTC Iron linear switch, it is clear that the Iron switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8mm compared to the Foggy Shadow's 3.5mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular in the keyboard market. Gamers, in particular, tend to favor shorter travel distances for quicker response times. However, some users may find shorter distances to feel too abrupt, preferring switches with more depth like the Iron linear switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness and tactile 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 TTC Iron has an MSRP of $5.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Iron for $4.30.
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, providing a mellow and bass-heavy tone that is suitable for various typing environments. On the other hand, the TTC Iron switch produces a clacky sound that is sharp, snappy, and percussive, enhancing the typing experience with a pronounced and satisfying auditory feedback. The sound of both switches is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen, so customization can further tailor the sound to personal preferences.
When it comes to feel, the Foggy Shadow does not have any specific descriptors provided in the information. In contrast, the TTC Iron switch is characterized as easy-to-press and offering a mild typing experience. With gentle resistance during key presses and a light actuation force, the Iron switch ensures effortless and comfortable typing, reducing strain on the fingers during extended typing sessions. The mild feel of the Iron switch strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort, appealing to a wide range of users.
Overall, both the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the TTC Iron switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Foggy Shadow excels in providing a low-pitched sound and a light tactile bump with a balanced performance, the TTC Iron stands out for its clacky sound signature and easy-to-press, swift actuation that enhances the typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing style, but regardless of the choice made, users can expect a high level of performance and satisfaction from both switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch or the TTC Iron linear switch, your decision may come down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy tactile switch with a light tactile bump and a balanced performance, the Foggy Shadow may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light linear switch with a pronounced clacky sound signature and easy-to-press actuation, the TTC Iron could be the ideal option. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on whether you value tactile feedback or a smooth linear feel, as well as the sound profile that best suits your typing environment. Consider these factors carefully to ensure you select the switch that best enhances your typing experience.
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