Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. Gateron Jupiter Brown
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Gateron Jupiter Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to explore are the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Gateron Jupiter Brown, both tactile switches that offer unique features to enhance your typing experience. The Foggy Shadows from Aflion are renowned for their light tactile bump and medium weight, making them ideal for those seeking balanced performance in their key switches. On the other hand, the Jupiter Browns by Gateron combine tradition with innovation, featuring a single-stage spring for a classic keystroke feel at a medium-heavy weight. While the Foggy Shadow is categorized as 'Low-pitched' and 'Neutral', the Jupiter Brown is classified as 'Mild', 'Polished', and 'Stepped', each offering its own distinct characteristics. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences and typing style. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
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
Spring steel
Housing materials
Both the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Gateron Jupiter Brown feature polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer nature. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. This similarity in housing material ensures that users can expect a consistent sound profile and aesthetic appeal from both switches when it comes to their top housings.
On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Gateron Jupiter Brown differs slightly. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. This difference in bottom housing material may result in a subtle variation in the sound and feel of typing on the two switches, with the nylon bottom housing of each switch contributing its unique qualities to the overall typing experience.
When considering the impact of the housing materials on the overall performance of the switches, it is important to note that the bottom housing has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, while the polycarbonate top housing ensures a consistent sharp and crisp sound profile across both the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Gateron Jupiter Brown, the differences in their nylon bottom housings may lead to subtle variations in the typing experience for users of the two switches.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, it is evident that the actuation force and bottom out force vary slightly between the two. The Foggy Shadow has an actuation force of None grams, making it unknown, and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. On the other hand, the Jupiter Brown has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, also falling into the medium-heavy category. While the Jupiter Brown requires a slightly lighter actuation force, it has a higher bottom out force compared to the Foggy Shadow. In terms of weight, both switches offer a similar typing experience, making them suitable for individuals who prefer a medium to heavy key press. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference regarding actuation force and bottom out force for the desired typing or gaming experience.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Foggy Shadow offers a more responsive typing experience, ideal for gamers seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the Jupiter Brown provides a deeper key press feel, which may be preferred by those who enjoy more substantial key travel. Both switches offer distinct advantages based on their travel distance, with the Foggy Shadow being the shorter option and the Jupiter Brown being the longer option for those seeking a specific key press feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for 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 Gateron Jupiter Brown comes in at $2.80 per 10 switches.
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 and neutral sound profile, resulting in a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for a wide range of users. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch does not have specific information provided about its sound characteristics. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch does not have specific information available about its tactile feel. However, the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch is described as offering a mild, polished, and stepped feel. This indicates that the Jupiter Brown switch provides a gentle typing experience with a smooth and refined finish, allowing for reduced friction and smooth key travel. The stepped feel of the Jupiter Brown switch offers a more subtle tactile feedback compared to switches with a more pronounced bump.
In conclusion, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switches each offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel. While the Foggy Shadow provides a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, the Jupiter Brown offers a mild, polished, and stepped tactile feel. Depending on personal preferences, users may gravitate towards the bass-heavy sound of the Foggy Shadow or the refined typing experience of the Jupiter Brown. It is important to consider these subjective qualities when selecting a mechanical keyboard switch to ensure it aligns with your individual preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for a light tactile bump versus a traditional keystroke feel. If you prefer a lighter tactile bump and a more bass-heavy and mellow sound, the Aflion Foggy Shadow would be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more classic keystroke feel with a medium-heavy weight and a switch that offers a gentle typing experience with a polished and stepped feel, then the Gateron Jupiter Brown would be the ideal option. Consider your typing preferences, sound preferences, and desired typing experience in order to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Mentioned in this article
