Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. Durock Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Durock Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Durock Light Tactile are both tactile switches that offer unique typing experiences. The Foggy Shadow by Aflion boasts a light tactile bump with a 63.5g bottom-out force, providing a balanced and medium-weight feel. On the other hand, the Durock Light Tactile switch stands out for its gentle tactility, offering a softer and more pleasant typing experience compared to other tactile switches. While the Foggy Shadow is categorized as low-pitched and neutral, the Light Tactile switch is classified as neutral, mild, and polished. Overall, those looking for a tactile switch with a light bump may prefer the Aflion Foggy Shadow, while those seeking a gentler and softer typing experience may opt for the Durock Light Tactile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
52g
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
The Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Durock Light Tactile both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiff plastic that produces a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. However, while both switches share this material for their top housing, they may differ in terms of their bottom housing material.
In contrast, the Foggy Shadow features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Light Tactile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This difference in bottom housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience and sound of the switch. While the top housing may contribute to the sound upon key release, the bottom housing plays a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for both switches plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile and typing experience. The combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Aflion Foggy Shadow creates a unique balance of sharpness and depth in sound, while the Durock Light Tactile's consistent use of polycarbonate throughout offers a sharper and crisper sound profile. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users may favor one housing material over the other based on their typing style and preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch, there are some noticeable differences. The Aflion Foggy Shadow has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the Light Tactile has a slightly higher bottom out force of 67 grams. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category in terms of bottom out force. However, in terms of actuation force, the Aflion Foggy Shadow does not specify a particular force, while the Durock Light Tactile has an actuation force of 52 grams. This makes the Light Tactile slightly lighter, which may appeal to users who prefer a lighter feel when typing for extended periods. On the other hand, the Foggy Shadow's unspecified actuation force may result in a similar typing experience in terms of actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it shorter than the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Foggy Shadow offers a slightly shallower keypress, which may be preferred by individuals looking for a quicker response time, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Light Tactile switch provides a bit more depth during key presses, which can be appealing to those who prefer a more substantial feel. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Light Tactile being slightly longer. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for keypress depth 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 Durock Light Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Tactile for $4.25.
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, both the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Durock Light Tactile switches are known for having a neutral sound profile. This means that they offer a moderate and versatile sound experience suitable for various environments and preferences. The Foggy Shadow is described as having a low-pitched sound, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Light Tactile is known for its jelly-like sound signature, which adds to the overall gentle tactility experienced while typing on them. Keep in mind that the actual sound produced will also depend on factors like the keyboard chassis and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Foggy Shadow is noted for offering a very light tactile bump, providing a subtle feedback without being too pronounced. However, details on the specific feel of the Foggy Shadow switch are not provided. On the other hand, the Durock Light Tactile switch is described as being mild and polished. The mild tactility of the Light Tactile switch offers a gentle typing experience that can be enjoyed by a wide range of users, while the polished finish ensures smooth key travel with reduced friction. These qualities make the Light Tactile switch a comfortable and approachable option for typists looking for a balanced tactile feel.
Considering the available information, both the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Durock Light Tactile switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Foggy Shadow focuses on a light tactile bump and low-pitched sound, the Light Tactile switch stands out with its gentle tactility and polished feel. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you are seeking. If you enjoy a more neutral sound profile and a mild tactility, either of these switches can provide a satisfying typing experience with similar results.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch, consider the type of tactile bump you prefer. If you enjoy a very light tactile bump, the Foggy Shadow with its 63.5g bottom-out force may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more gentle tactility, the Light Tactile with its angelic tactile feel and jelly-like sound signature could be more to your liking. Both switches offer a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various environments and preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for the level of tactile feedback and typing experience you desire.
Mentioned in this article
