Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. TTC Light Cloud V2
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the TTC Light Cloud V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the TTC Light Cloud V2 offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Foggy Shadow by Aflion boasts a light tactile bump and a 63.5g bottom-out force, striking a balance between tactile feedback and medium weight for a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Light Cloud V2 is recognized for its silent operation and refined typing feel, appealing to those who prefer a delicate and nuanced typing experience. While the Foggy Shadow leans towards a more tactile feel, the Light Cloud V2 stands out for its lightweight and silent operation. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
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 double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Foggy Shadow features a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile compared to the TTC Light Cloud V2's nylon top housing that creates a deeper and fuller sound. The polycarbonate top housing is especially useful for showcasing RGB lighting due to its translucency, while nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. The difference in materials between the top housings of the two switches leads to distinct sound profiles, with the Foggy Shadow offering a crisper sound and the Light Cloud V2 providing a more resonant sound.
Both the Foggy Shadow and the Light Cloud V2 feature nylon bottom housings, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches. Nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of switches ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel, as opposed to the split qualities of top and bottom housings when different materials are used. This similarity in bottom housing material between the two switches may lead to comparable typing experiences in terms of sound and feel.
While the top and bottom housings of the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the TTC Light Cloud V2 differ in material, the impact of each housing material on the overall sound profile is distinct. The split qualities between the top and bottom housings of a switch affect both the bottom-out sound and feel, as well as the sound when releasing a key. Understanding how different housing materials contribute to the sound profile of switches can help enthusiasts make informed decisions based on their preferences for typing experience. Whether opting for a crisper sound from polycarbonate or a fuller sound from nylon, both the Foggy Shadow and the Light Cloud V2 offer unique sound profiles that cater to varying preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch, it is evident that the Foggy Shadow has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams compared to the Light Cloud V2's 58 grams, making the Foggy Shadow the heavier option in terms of bottom out force. However, the actuation force of the Light Cloud V2 is lighter at 45 grams, as the actuation force of the Foggy Shadow is not provided. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Light Cloud V2 would be the better choice due to its lighter actuation force. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Foggy Shadow due to its heavier bottom out force. Both switches offer a medium level of force overall, providing a balance between typing comfort and tactile feedback.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making them equal in that aspect. When comparing the two, their travel distance is the same, so the experience of pressing down on the key will be similar for both switches. This means that users can expect consistency in their typing experience in terms of travel distance between these two switches.
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 TTC Light Cloud V2 has an MSRP of $6.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Cloud V2 for $5.49.
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
In terms of sound, the Aflion Foggy Shadow switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for various settings. On the other hand, the TTC Light Cloud V2 switch produces a muted and neutral sound, ensuring a quieter typing experience ideal for environments where noise is a concern. Both switches cater to different preferences in sound, with the Foggy Shadow leaning towards a deeper tone while the Light Cloud V2 focuses on a softer and quieter sound.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Foggy Shadow switch does not have specific descriptors provided, indicating a lack of detailed information on its tactile feel. In contrast, the TTC Light Cloud V2 switch is described as offering a mild, easy-to-press, and feathery typing experience. This suggests that the Light Cloud V2 switch provides a gentle and light touch during keystrokes, making it effortless and comfortable to type on for extended periods. While the Foggy Shadow's feel remains a bit of a mystery, the Light Cloud V2 clearly emphasizes a comfortable and low-impact typing feel.
Overall, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and TTC Light Cloud V2 switches offer different sound and feel experiences for users to consider. The Foggy Shadow excels in delivering a low-pitched sound with medium weight tactile feedback, while the Light Cloud V2 stands out for its muted sound and gentle typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, keyboard enthusiasts can choose between these two switches to achieve the desired typing experience. While the Foggy Shadow and Light Cloud V2 present distinctive qualities, selecting either switch promises to deliver a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience based on individual preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a light tactile bump with a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 63.5 grams, the Foggy Shadow may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you desire a silent switch with a lighter bottom-out force of 58 grams, the Light Cloud V2 could be a better fit. Additionally, if you appreciate a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, the Foggy Shadow may be more appealing to you, while if you prefer a muted and neutral sound profile, the Light Cloud V2 might be more suitable. Finally, in terms of feel, if you are looking for a switch with a mild, easy-to-press, or feathery typing experience, the Light Cloud V2 offers a more gentle and low-impact typing feel compared to the Foggy Shadow. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for typing experience, sound, and actuation force.
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