Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. Gateron Jupiter Banana

Overview

When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Gateron Jupiter Banana, both tactile switches with their own unique characteristics. The Aflion Foggy Shadow stands out for its light tactile bump and medium weight, making it a great choice for those looking for a balanced performance. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Banana boasts high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, thanks to its two-stage springs that provide a strong return and consistent feel. While these general pointers can help you get started in selecting the right switch for your needs, it's important to delve deeper to truly understand which one would be the best fit for you.

By the numbers

Aflion Foggy Shadow Tactile

Gateron Jupiter Banana Tactile

$5.50

$3.91 per 10

$2.80 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Gateron Jupiter Banana are quite similar, as they both feature a polycarbonate top housing. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. Additionally, the nylon bottom housing in both switches elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, with nylon's softer nature absorbing more sound for a duller and rounder sound. Overall, both switches offer a balance of clear, resonant sound from the polycarbonate top housing and a fuller sound from the nylon bottom housing.

While the top housing of both the Foggy Shadow and Jupiter Banana is polycarbonate, the bottom housing of the Foggy Shadow is made of nylon, while the Jupiter Banana also features a nylon bottom housing. This difference in bottom housing material may affect the overall typing experience, as the qualities of the bottom housing have more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. However, the qualities of the top housing are more noticeable when letting go of a key, showcasing the unique characteristics of each material. Despite this difference, both switches offer a quality sound profile with a mix of sharpness and depth from the polycarbonate and nylon housing materials.

In conclusion, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Gateron Jupiter Banana share similar housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharp and crisp sound, while the nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound experience. The differences in bottom housing material may slightly impact the typing experience, but overall, users can expect a pleasing blend of sound qualities from both switches. Whether it be the Foggy Shadow's clear, resonant sound or the Jupiter Banana's duller, rounder sound, both switches provide quality options for those looking for a unique typing experience.

Weight

In comparing the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch, we can see that the Jupiter Banana is the lighter option with an actuation force of 59 grams, while the Foggy Shadow has an unknown actuation force. However, both switches have a medium-heavy bottom out force, with the Foggy Shadow at 63.5 grams and the Jupiter Banana at 69 grams. In terms of actuation force, the Jupiter Banana requires less force to trigger a keystroke compared to the Foggy Shadow, making it a potentially better option for those who prefer lighter typing experiences. On the other hand, both switches have a similar bottom out force, providing a consistent typing feel regardless of the switch chosen. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force.

Travel distance

The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular among gamers for quicker response times. The 0.1 mm difference in travel distance between the two switches is minimal and may not be noticeable to most users. In terms of which one is shorter and which one is longer, the Jupiter Banana has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Foggy Shadow. Ultimately, both switches offer similar results in terms of travel distance and would be suitable options for those looking for a tactile switch with a shorter travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Aflion Foggy Shadow switch offers a low-pitched and neutral profile, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone that suits a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Banana switch produces a higher-pitched and resonant sound, delivering a sharp and crisp auditory experience with a clean and sharp profile. The choice between the two would depend on personal preference, with the Foggy Shadow offering a more subdued sound while the Jupiter Banana provides a more vibrant and resonant typing experience.

In terms of feel, there is no specific information available for the Aflion Foggy Shadow switch, so it is essential to try them out personally to gauge the tactile feedback and overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Banana switch is described as polished and creamy, offering a smooth and refined finish that reduces friction and provides a buttery typing sensation. With factory lubing and high-precision molds, the Jupiter Banana switches ensure consistent tactile feedback and a luxurious typing experience.

Overall, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and Gateron Jupiter Banana switches offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Foggy Shadow provides a low-pitched and neutral sound with an undisclosed tactile feel, the Jupiter Banana excels in producing a high-pitched and resonant sound with a polished and creamy typing feel. Depending on whether you prefer a mellow and balanced sound or a vibrant and sharp auditory experience, as well as a smooth and refined typing feel, both switches offer distinctive qualities that can enhance your typing experience. Ultimately, trying out both switches firsthand can provide the best insight into which one aligns with your preferences and typing style.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a lighter tactile bump with a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 63.5 grams, and enjoy a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, the Foggy Shadow may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a stronger tactile feedback with a slightly higher bottom-out force of 69 grams, and appreciate a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, the Jupiter Banana could be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style, sound preference, and overall feel that you desire in a mechanical keyboard switch.

Mentioned in this article

Aflion Foggy Shadow Tactile

$5.50

$3.91 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Jupiter Banana Tactile

$2.80 per 10

Learn more