Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. PH Studio Jacaranda
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the PH Studio Jacaranda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
In the competitive world of mechanical keyboard switches, two standout options are the Aflion Foggy Shadow, a tactile switch, and the PH Studio Jacaranda, a linear switch. The Foggy Shadow from Aflion boasts a light tactile bump with a medium weight of 63.5g bottom-out force, promising a balanced performance. On the other hand, the Jacaranda from PH Studio offers a gentle bottom-out of 43.5g with an extended 22mm spring for a bouncy sensation, perfect for fatigue-free typing with a crisp and clacky sound signature. While the Foggy Shadow leans towards a neutral profile, the Jacaranda is categorized as clacky, high-pitched, silky, and resonant. Each switch has its own strengths and unique features that cater to 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
39g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Housing materials
Both the Aflion Foggy Shadow and PH Studio Jacaranda feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in housings is known for its stiffness, leading to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed for RGB lighting. As a result, both switches will deliver a similar sound profile and aesthetic appeal due to their shared polycarbonate top housing material.
However, the differences between the Foggy Shadow and Jacaranda become apparent in their bottom housing materials. The Foggy Shadow utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Jacaranda also features a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel. The nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes significantly to the overall typing experience.
When comparing the overall typing experience of the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the PH Studio Jacaranda, the differences lie in how the qualities of the housing materials are distributed between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing material has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key. Despite these differences, both switches offer a unique and satisfying typing experience, combining the benefits of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials to create distinct sound profiles.
Weight
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch differ significantly in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Foggy Shadow has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the Jacaranda has a lower bottom out force of 45 grams. The actuation force of the Foggy Shadow is unknown, making it difficult to compare directly to the Jacaranda's actuation force of 39 grams. In general, the Foggy Shadow is on the medium-heavy side when it comes to bottom out force, while the Jacaranda is considered light. This means that the Jacaranda may be preferred by those who enjoy a lighter typing experience, while the Foggy Shadow may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.5mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same travel distance of 3.5mm. Both switches provide a consistent tactile feedback and smooth keystrokes due to their similar travel distances. It is noteworthy that the similarity in travel distance between the two switches contributes to a familiar typing experience for users who may switch between keyboards with these switches. Overall, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the PH Studio Jacaranda offer a comparable typing experience in terms of travel distance.
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 PH Studio Jacaranda has an MSRP of $3.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jacaranda for $3.30.
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
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a mellow and balanced tone with each press. On the other hand, the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch delivers a clacky, high-pitched, and resonant sound, giving a sharp and immersive auditory experience. The Jacaranda's extended 22mm spring also adds a uniquely bouncy sensation to each keystroke, enhancing the overall typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Foggy Shadow's tactile bump combined with its 63.5g bottom-out force provides a balanced and satisfying tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Jacaranda is described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience that minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys.
In conclusion, the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch offer distinctive qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Foggy Shadow excels in providing a low-pitched and neutral sound profile with a light tactile bump, while the Jacaranda stands out with its clacky, high-pitched sound and silky smooth typing experience. Depending on personal preference, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, ensuring an enjoyable and customizable mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch, you should consider your preference for tactility and sound. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom-out force with a light tactile bump and a low-pitched, neutral sound profile, the Foggy Shadow is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom-out force with a distinctive clacky sound profile and a silky smooth typing experience, the Jacaranda would be the better choice for you. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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