Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. KTT Kang White
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the KTT Kang White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Aflion Foggy Shadow and KTT Kang White are both unique mechanical keyboard switches with their own distinct characteristics. The Foggy Shadow, a tactile switch, offers a light tactile bump and a 63.5g bottom-out force, providing a balanced performance for users. On the other hand, the Kang White, a linear switch, stands out for its smooth typing experience due to its self-lubricating material and poppy typing sound. While the Foggy Shadow appeals to those looking for a tactile typing experience, the Kang White caters to users who prioritize smoothness and a satisfying sound while typing. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the KTT Kang White are very similar in terms of their top and bottom housing materials. Both switches have a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more resonant sound. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding to the aesthetic appeal of the switches.
However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing materials. The Foggy Shadow features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the KTT Kang White also has a nylon bottom housing, which means that both switches will provide a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housings and nylon bottom housings in both the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the KTT Kang White results in a unique typing experience for users. The top housing of the switches impacts the sound when a key is released, while the bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. Both switches offer a mix of sharpness and depth in their sound profiles, making them suitable choices for those looking for a balance of clarity and richness in their typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the KTT Kang White linear switch, it is evident that the Foggy Shadow is lighter in terms of actuation force with None grams compared to the Kang White's 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Foggy Shadow requires more pressure at 63.5 grams compared to the Kang White's 58 grams. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range, providing a balance between typing comfort and tactile feedback. Those who prefer a lighter actuation force may lean towards the Kang White for a smoother typing experience, while those who enjoy a more substantial push feel may opt for the Foggy Shadow. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it slightly shorter than the KTT Kang White linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. While both fall within the range of common travel distances for mechanical switches, the Foggy Shadow offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance. This can be advantageous for gamers or those who prefer a more responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Kang White's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying keypress for those who enjoy a deeper actuation feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for travel distance and typing 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 KTT Kang White comes in at $1.99 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
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the KTT Kang White linear switch both feature a low-pitched sound profile, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Additionally, both switches are classified as neutral, offering a moderate actuation force requirement and sound profile suitable for various typing preferences. When it comes to sound, users can expect similar results from both switches, depending on the choice of keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the specific tactile feedback of the Foggy Shadow switch is not mentioned in the provided information. However, the KTT Kang White switch is highlighted for its self-lubricating material, resulting in unparalleled smoothness during typing. This indicates that the Kang White switch offers a unique smooth tactile experience that users may appreciate. If tactile feedback is a significant factor for the user, the Kang White switch may offer a more distinct feel compared to the Foggy Shadow.
In conclusion, both the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the KTT Kang White linear switch present compelling qualities for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While both switches share similarities in their low-pitched sound profile and neutral characteristics, the Kang White switch stands out for its smooth tactile experience due to the self-lubricating material used. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in sound and feel, with users likely to find satisfaction in either option based on their individual typing preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the KTT Kang White linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for tactile feedback and sound profile. If you prefer a light tactile bump with a medium-heavy bottom-out force and a low-pitched, neutral sound, the Foggy Shadow may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a smooth linear typing experience with a medium bottom-out force and a low-pitched, neutral sound, the Kang White switch could be the better option. Consider your typing style and preferences when making your decision between these two switches.
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