Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. TKC Kiwi
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the TKC Kiwi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that come to mind are the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the TKC Kiwi. The Foggy Shadow by Aflion is a tactile switch that boasts a light tactile bump and a 63.5g bottom-out force, providing a balanced performance that is perfect for those who prefer medium weight switches. On the other hand, the TKC Kiwi is also a tactile switch that offers a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press. What sets the Kiwi apart is its satisfyingly snappy sound profile and factory lube for a smooth typing experience right out of the box. Both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, 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
43g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Foggy Shadow uses a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharp, high-pitched sound profile compared to the TKC Kiwi's UHWMPE top housing, which offers a bright sound signature with resonant clacks. In terms of aesthetics, polycarbonate is translucent and ideal for RGB lighting, while UHWMPE is a newer material known for its unique sound characteristics. On the other hand, the Foggy Shadow's nylon bottom housing produces a deep and full sound profile due to its softer plastic, absorbing more sound. Contrary to this, the Kiwi's UHWMPE bottom housing also provides a bright sound signature with resonant clacks, showcasing the newer material's sound qualities.
Although the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the TKC Kiwi both feature top and bottom housing materials with distinct sound profiles, they both aim to enhance the overall typing experience. The polycarbonate top housing of the Foggy Shadow offers a clear, resonant sound, while the UHWMPE top housing of the Kiwi provides a bright and sharp sound signature. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Foggy Shadow contributes to a deep and fuller sound, while the UHWMPE bottom housing of the Kiwi maintains a bright sound with resonant clacks. Despite the differences in materials, both switches prioritize sound quality and aim to provide an enjoyable typing experience.
In the grand scheme of things, the choice of housing materials in a switch can greatly impact the overall sound and feel when typing. Each material, whether it be polycarbonate, UHWMPE, or nylon, offers unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in sound profiles. While the Foggy Shadow and the Kiwi feature different housing materials, they both aim to provide a satisfying typing experience through their distinct sound signatures. Whether it's the sharper, crisper sound of the polycarbonate top housing or the resonant clacks of the UHWMPE housing, each material contributes to the overall feel and sound profile of the switch, ultimately enhancing the user's typing experience.
Weight
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch both fall into the medium-heavy category in terms of bottom out force. However, when it comes to actuation force, the Kiwi is lighter at 43 grams compared to the Foggy Shadow, which has an actuation force of None grams. The Foggy Shadow requires 63.5 grams to bottom out, while the Kiwi has a slightly higher bottom out force of 67 grams. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the TKC Kiwi, as its actuation force is lower. On the other hand, the Aflion Foggy Shadow may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial push feel while typing. Both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, with the choice ultimately coming down to personal preference between a lighter or heavier force.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it shorter than the TKC Kiwi tactile switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. In general, a shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance provides a more satisfying tactile feedback. Both switches offer a different typing experience due to their respective travel distances, with the Foggy Shadow offering a quicker actuation and the Kiwi offering a slightly deeper keypress. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for typing feel and responsiveness.
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 TKC Kiwi comes in at $8.00 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
When it comes to sound, both the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the TKC Kiwi switches offer a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a satisfying typing experience without being too loud or distracting. The choice between the two will ultimately come down to personal preference and the overall setup of your keyboard.
In terms of feel, the Kiwi switch stands out with its stepped, accented, and polished design, offering a tactile typing experience that is both noticeable and smooth. On the other hand, details about the feel of the Foggy Shadow switch are not provided, so it is difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect. However, given the medium weight and light tactile bump of the Foggy Shadow, it may provide a comfortable and responsive typing feel similar to that of the Kiwi switch.
In conclusion, both the Aflion Foggy Shadow and TKC Kiwi switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience. They both provide a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, while the Kiwi switch specifically offers a stepped, accented, and polished feel. If you are looking for a switch with a light tactile bump and medium weight, the Foggy Shadow may suit your preferences. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a more pronounced tactile feel and smoother key travel, the Kiwi switch could be the better option for you. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your personal typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
Therefore, when deciding between the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch, you should consider a few key factors. If you prefer a lighter tactile bump and a slightly lower bottom-out force, the Foggy Shadow may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more pronounced bump at the top of each key press and a slightly higher bottom-out force, the Kiwi switch might be the right fit. Additionally, if you are looking for a switch with a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, both switches offer a similar acoustic experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for tactile feedback and typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
