Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. Zuoce Lavender
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Zuoce Lavender switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and Zuoce Lavender stand out as excellent choices for different reasons. The Foggy Shadow by Aflion features a light tactile bump and a 63.5g bottom-out force, striking a balance between responsiveness and comfort. On the other hand, the Zuoce Lavender switch boasts exceptional smoothness and a crisp, clacky sound signature, providing a satisfying typing experience. While the Foggy Shadow is preferred for its tactile feedback and medium weight, the Lavender is known for its smoothness and distinctive sound. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Z1 (Ly blend)
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
21mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Foggy Shadow and Zuoce Lavender both have unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Foggy Shadow features a polycarbonate top housing, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. In contrast, the Lavender utilizes a POM top housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound. While both materials offer their own unique sound characteristics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Foggy Shadow is better suited for RGB lighting aesthetics, whereas the POM top housing of the Lavender creates a more subtle and understated appearance.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Foggy Shadow and the Lavender have different materials with similar sound characteristics. The Foggy Shadow's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic absorbing more sound. Similarly, the POM bottom housing of the Lavender also contributes to a deep and muted sound profile. Despite the difference in material, both housings result in a rounder and more subdued sound compared to the top housing materials of both switches.
Overall, while the top and bottom housing materials of the Aflion Foggy Shadow and Zuoce Lavender differ, they both offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The split qualities of the housing materials allow for a variety of textures and tones to be experienced when typing on these switches. Whether you prefer the crisper sound of the polycarbonate top housing or the muted sound of the POM bottom housing, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience with their complementary housing materials.
Weight
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Zuoce Lavender linear switch have distinct differences in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Foggy Shadow has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it medium-heavy, while the Lavender has a lighter bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. With the Foggy Shadow having a None gram actuation force and the Lavender a 48 gram actuation force, the former requires no specific force to trigger a keystroke, whereas the latter needs a lighter touch. This means that the Foggy Shadow provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier push feel, suitable for those who prefer a stronger tactile response. In comparison, the Lavender offers a lighter touch, ideal for longer periods of typing or gaming sessions where fatigue may be a concern. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Zuoce Lavender linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, indicating that they are designed for users who prefer a more responsive typing experience. The slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be very noticeable in practical use, as both fall within the shorter end of the spectrum. Therefore, whether you choose the Foggy Shadow or the Lavender switch, you can expect similar results in terms of key press 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 Zuoce Lavender has an MSRP of $2.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lavender for $1.99.
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 Shadows are known for their low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for a variety of scenarios, whether you are a beginner or advanced user. On the other hand, the Zuoce Lavender switches offer a distinctively clacky sound signature, producing a sharp and snappy sound that adds a crisp and satisfying element to each keystroke.
Moving on to the feel, the Aflion Foggy Shadows are recognized for their very light tactile bump and 63.5g bottom-out force, offering a balanced and medium-weight typing experience. The Zuoce Lavender switches, on the other hand, are praised for their easy-to-press nature, providing gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This effortless and comfortable typing experience reduces finger fatigue during extended use, enhancing overall typing performance.
In conclusion, the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switches excel in providing a low-pitched and neutral sound profile along with a balanced and medium-weight feel, while the Zuoce Lavender linear switches offer a clacky sound signature and an easy-to-press typing experience. Both switches bring unique qualities to the table, catering to different preferences and typing styles. Ultimately, whether you choose the Foggy Shadows or the Lavender switches, you can expect a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience that aligns with your individual preferences and needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Zuoce Lavender linear switch, consider your preference for actuation force and sound profile. If you prefer a medium-heavy actuation force and a low-pitched, neutral sound profile, the Foggy Shadow may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light actuation force and a clacky sound profile, the Lavender switch may be more to your liking. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you are seeking. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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