Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. Bsun Kiki Red
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Bsun Kiki Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch to the BSUN Kiki Red linear switch, both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Foggy Shadow provides a light tactile bump with a 63.5g bottom-out force, perfect for those who enjoy a balanced performance with a medium weight feel. On the other hand, the Kiki Red showcases a high-pitched, clacky nuance with all-POM housings and Ly stems for a smooth actuation experience. While the Foggy Shadow focuses on a light tactile feedback, the Kiki Red emphasizes subtlety in auditory feedback and finesse in performance. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
20.4mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Housing materials
In terms of housing materials, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Bsun Kiki Red both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in sound profiles. The Foggy Shadow utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound compared to the Kiki Red's POM top housing, known for its deeper and relatively more muted sound. While the Foggy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing offers a clear and resonant sound with the added benefit of translucency for RGB lighting, the Kiki Red's POM top housing provides a more subdued and pleasing sound experience.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the Foggy Shadow features a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. Similarly, the Kiki Red's POM bottom housing also creates a deep and pleasing sound that is relatively more muted, complementing the overall sound profile of the switch. Despite the differences in material, both switches offer a unique and enjoyable typing experience with their distinct bottom housing characteristics.
Overall, the choice between the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Bsun Kiki Red ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. While the Foggy Shadow emphasizes a sharper and clearer sound with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, the Kiki Red leans towards a deeper and more muted sound profile with its POM top and bottom housings. Whether you prefer a crisper and resonant typing experience or a more subdued and pleasing sound, both switches offer high-quality housing materials that cater to a variety of sound preferences.
Weight
In comparing the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch, we can see that the actuation force and bottom out force differ between the two. The Foggy Shadow has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it medium-heavy, while the Kiki Red has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. The actuation force of the Foggy Shadow is not specified, but the Kiki Red has an actuation force of 42 grams. This means that the Kiki Red requires less force to trigger a keystroke compared to the Foggy Shadow. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Kiki Red may be the better choice, as it allows for easier typing over extended periods of time. On the other hand, the Foggy Shadow provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch, we can see that the Foggy Shadow has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm compared to the Kiki Red's 3.6 mm travel distance. While both switches are relatively close in terms of travel distance, the Kiki Red is technically the longer option. Depending on personal preference, the shorter travel distance of the Foggy Shadow may be preferred for quicker response times, especially by gamers. On the other hand, the slightly longer travel distance of the Kiki Red may provide a more satisfying depth when pressing down on the key. Ultimately, both switches offer a unique tactile experience that can cater to different preferences.
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 Bsun Kiki Red has an MSRP of $4.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Kiki Red for $3.83.
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 offers a low-pitched and neutral profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone without being too overbearing. On the other hand, the Bsun Kiki Red gives off a clacky, sharp, and percussive sound, adding a crisp and bright element to the typing experience. Ultimately, your choice of board and keycaps will also play a significant role in determining the final sound quality.
In terms of feel, the information provided does not specify the tactile qualities of the Aflion Foggy Shadow. However, the Bsun Kiki Red is described as offering a creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press typing experience. This range of descriptors suggests that the Kiki Red switch aims to cater to a variety of preferences by providing a smooth, responsive, and effortless feel during typing sessions.
Considering all the available information, it's clear that the Aflion Foggy Shadow and Bsun Kiki Red switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Foggy Shadow provides a low-pitched and moderately balanced sound profile, the Kiki Red stands out with its clacky and sharp sound signature. In terms of feel, the Kiki Red offers a range of tactile experiences, from creamy smoothness to snappy responsiveness, catering to different typing preferences. Overall, both switches have unique characteristics that will appeal to users seeking specific sound and feel qualities in their mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering which switch to choose between the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom-out force and a light tactile bump with a balanced performance, the Foggy Shadow may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom-out force and a clacky sound profile with smooth and buttery typing experience, the Kiki Red could be the perfect fit. Both switches offer unique characteristics and qualities, so it's important to consider what factors are most important to you in your typing experience. Ultimately, the decision is yours to make based on what feels best for you.
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