Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. Durock Koala
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Durock Koala switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Durock Koala mechanical keyboard switches, the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference and desired typing experience. The Foggy Shadow by Aflion offers a light tactile bump with a 63.5g bottom-out force, providing a balanced and medium-weight feel. On the other hand, the Durock Koala provides a stepped tactility with a pronounced bump, catering to those who prefer a keystroke with a punch but not too overwhelming. While the Foggy Shadow is described as 'Low-pitched' and 'Neutral', the Koala is characterized as 'Polished', 'Low-pitched', 'Accented', 'Neutral', 'Stepped', and 'Stiff'. Both switches have their unique qualities that may appeal to different 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Both the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Durock Koala feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic material. This results in a more clear and resonant sound when typing on switches with these housings. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially useful for switches designed to have RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through easily. Despite these similarities, the specific design and construction of these two switches may result in slightly different sound profiles when typing.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Foggy Shadow and the Koala utilize nylon, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to other plastics. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. This material choice enhances the overall typing experience by providing a more satisfying sound and feel while typing. While both switches use nylon for the bottom housing, any differences in the design of the housings may influence how the sound is ultimately produced.
When the top and bottom housings are different in a switch, the qualities of each housing material will impact different aspects of the typing experience. The bottom housing has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. This means that the use of polycarbonate and nylon in the top and bottom housings of the Foggy Shadow and Koala switches, respectively, will result in a unique combination of sound profiles for each switch. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches may come down to personal preference regarding the desired sound and feel while typing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch, it is evident that both switches have a similar level of actuation force, as this information was not provided for either. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Foggy Shadow requires 63.5 grams, while the Koala requires 67 grams. This makes the Koala slightly heavier in terms of bottom out force. The Foggy Shadow provides a medium-heavy typing experience, while the Koala offers a slightly heavier feel. Some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Foggy Shadow for longer typing sessions, while others may opt for the heavier bottom out force of the Koala for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and weight.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch, the Foggy Shadow has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Koala has a travel distance of 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Foggy Shadow makes it more suitable for those seeking a faster response time, such as gamers who need quick key presses. On the other hand, the Koala's longer travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a deeper and more substantial feeling when typing. Both switches offer different tactile experiences based on their travel distances, so choosing between them will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness and key 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 Durock Koala has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Koala for $4.21.
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 Durock Koala switches are described as low-pitched and neutral, offering a mellow and bass-heavy tone without being overly loud. This makes them suitable for various environments, whether at home or in a professional setting. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard they are mounted on and the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Durock Koala switches are described as polished, accented, stepped, and stiff, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming. On the other hand, the Aflion Foggy Shadow switches have no specific descriptions provided, leaving it unclear how they compare in terms of key feel. However, both switches are known to provide a unique tactile experience that caters to different preferences in typing.
Overall, both the Aflion Foggy Shadow and Durock Koala tactile switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. While the sound profile of both switches is similar, the Durock Koalas provide a more detailed description of their tactile feel, offering a balanced and polished typing experience with a pronounced bump. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference in terms of typing experience and desired sound profile.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a lighter tactile bump and a medium-heavy bottom-out force, the Foggy Shadow may be the ideal choice for you. The Foggy Shadow also offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a more mellow typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a more pronounced tactile bump and a slightly higher bottom-out force, the Durock Koala could be the better option. The Koala offers a stepped tactility and a polished feel, giving you a refined typing experience with just the right amount of feedback. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal preference for tactility, bottom-out force, sound, and feel.
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