Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. HMX Jammy
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the HMX Jammy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the HMX Jammy offer distinct tactile experiences. The Foggy Shadow, a tactile switch from Aflion, is characterized by its light tactile bump and medium weight, providing a balanced performance for users. On the other hand, the HMX Jammy, a linear switch, boasts a softer and glittery nylon housing, offering a typing experience that is both muted and deeply satisfying. While the Foggy Shadow may appeal to those looking for a tactile bump during typing, the Jammy might attract users seeking a smoother and more consistent key press. 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
57g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Foggy Shadow and the HMX Jammy both feature nylon bottom housings, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This similarity in bottom housing materials means that both switches will provide a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel, with a focus on creating a more muffled and rounded sound profile compared to switches with harder bottom housings.
In contrast, the Foggy Shadow utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for users who prefer a more distinct and precise typing experience. On the other hand, the Jammy features a nylon top housing, which, like its bottom housing, contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon in the top housing creates a sound that is more muted and less sharp compared to the polycarbonate top housing of the Foggy Shadow.
Overall, while the housing materials of the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the HMX Jammy differ in their top housing compositions, both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their respective materials. The Foggy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound, while the Jammy's nylon top housing delivers a deeper and fuller sound. However, both switches share the characteristic of having nylon bottom housings, resulting in a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the user's preference for sound characteristics and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the HMX Jammy linear switch, it is evident that the Jammy is the lighter of the two with an actuation force of 57 grams, while the Foggy Shadow has an unknown actuation force. Both switches have a bottom out force of 63.5 grams for the Foggy Shadow and 63 grams for the Jammy, making them quite similar in that aspect. The actuation force of a switch is crucial for determining the force required to trigger a keystroke, while the bottom out force measures the pressure needed to press the key all the way down. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods may lean towards the Jammy, while individuals seeking a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Foggy Shadow's heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing habits.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the HMX Jammy linear switch, we find that the Foggy Shadow has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm compared to the Jammy's 3.7 mm. While both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances preferred by gamers for faster response times, the slight difference in travel distance may result in a slightly quicker actuation for the Foggy Shadow. However, for those who prefer a deeper key press feel, the Jammy's slightly longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for travel distance and key press 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 HMX Jammy has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jammy for $2.99.
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 is known for its low-pitched and neutral sound profile. These switches provide a bass-heavy and mellow tone, making them suitable for various environments and preferences. On the other hand, the HMX Jammy linear switch's sound characteristics are unknown, but it's important to note that switch sound is influenced by factors like the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Foggy Shadow switch offers a very light tactile bump with a 63.5g bottom-out force, striking a balance between tactile feedback and medium weight. This provides a satisfying typing experience for users looking for a tactile response without excessive resistance. As for the HMX Jammy linear switch, the feel is also unspecified, so it's difficult to compare directly with the Foggy Shadow in this aspect.
Overall, both the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the HMX Jammy linear switch have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Foggy Shadow excels in offering a low-pitched sound and a light tactile bump for a balanced typing experience, the Jammy switch's sound and feel characteristics remain unknown, making it a bit more unpredictable in terms of user experience. Depending on your personal preferences and typing style, both switches have the potential to provide a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience, ensuring that you'll get similar results in terms of quality performance with either option.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between Aflion's Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the HMX Jammy linear switch, you should consider your preference for a light tactile bump and medium weight in the Foggy Shadow, compared to the softer and glittery nylon housing with a muted and satisfying typing experience in the Jammy. If you value a low-pitched sound and a neutral switch suitable for various purposes, the Foggy Shadow may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a different sound profile and are looking for a unique typing experience with a linear switch, the Jammy might be the switch for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your individual preferences for feel, sound, and overall typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
