Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. KTT Laurel
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the KTT Laurel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the KTT Laurel are two popular options that cater to different preferences. The Foggy Shadow by Aflion stands out for its light tactile bump and medium weight, providing a balanced typing experience for those who enjoy a tactile response. On the other hand, the KTT Laurel offers a smooth linear feel with a short travel distance and a snappy response, making it ideal for users who prioritize quick and effortless typing. Both switches feature a low-pitched sound profile, but each offers a unique typing experience tailored 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
43g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
22m spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the KTT Laurel, one key difference lies in the top housing material. The Foggy Shadow utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. In contrast, the Laurel features a POM top housing that creates a deeper and more muted sound. This contrast in sound profiles showcases how different housing materials can greatly impact the overall typing experience.
Moving on to the bottom housing material, both switches offer unique qualities. The Foggy Shadow's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the Laurel's POM bottom housing contributes to a pleasing and unique sound, also on the deeper side and relatively more muted. Despite the differences in material, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience with their distinct sound profiles.
Overall, the choice between the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the KTT Laurel ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. The Foggy Shadow's combination of a polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housing creates a sharp and resonant sound, while the Laurel's POM top and bottom housing offer a deeper and more muted sound. Whether you prefer a crisper typing experience with the Foggy Shadow or a more subdued sound with the Laurel, both switches showcase how housing materials play a crucial role in shaping the overall feel and sound of a mechanical keyboard.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the KTT Laurel linear switch, it is evident that they differ significantly in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Foggy Shadow switch has an actuation force of None grams, making it unknown, and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, classifying it as medium-heavy. On the other hand, the Laurel switch has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, which is considered light in comparison. This means that the Laurel switch requires a lighter initial force to trigger a keystroke and also less force to fully press down compared to the Foggy Shadow switch. The difference in actuation and bottom out forces between the two switches highlights the varying preferences that individuals may have when it comes to typing or gaming experiences. Some may prefer the lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Laurel switch for extended typing sessions, while others may gravitate towards the heavier forces of the Foggy Shadow switch for a more substantial and pronounced typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the user's personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the KTT Laurel linear switch is equal, with both switches having a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either switch, the user will experience the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. The similarity in travel distance ensures that users can expect consistent results in terms of key press feel and actuation point regardless of which switch they choose. This makes them both suitable options for those who prefer a standard travel distance in their mechanical keyboards.
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 Laurel has an MSRP of $4.42 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Laurel for $3.95.
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 switch boasts a low-pitched sound profile, which tends to offer a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. In contrast, the KTT Laurel switch also features a low-pitched sound, providing a soothing and subtle auditory experience. When it comes to feel, the Foggy Shadow's tactile bump offers a light and satisfying typing experience, with a bottom-out force of 63.5g for a balanced feel. On the other hand, the Laurel switch is described as snappy, offering a super responsive typing experience that feels lively and engaging. Overall, both switches provide unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, catering to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.Whether you choose the Aflion Foggy Shadow or the KTT Laurel, you can expect top-notch performance and a delightful typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the KTT Laurel linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a light tactile bump, the Foggy Shadow may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a snappy, linear feel, the Laurel could be more to your liking. Additionally, if you enjoy a low-pitched sound profile, both switches offer that feature. Overall, consider how you like your typing experience to feel and sound when making your decision between these two high-quality mechanical keyboard switches.
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