Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and Everglide Lightning Silver V3 offer unique features and qualities that cater to different preferences. The Foggy Shadow from Aflion stands out for its light tactile bump, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a gentle feedback while typing. With a medium weight of 63.5g bottom-out force, it strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 from Everglide is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, providing a distinct typing experience. Additionally, its light diffuser enhances RGB illumination, adding a vibrant touch to any keyboard setup. 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
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, both keyboards utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile thanks to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for RGB lighting effects, adding an aesthetic element to the switches. However, the Foggy Shadow's bottom housing is made of nylon, which produces a deeper and fuller sound compared to the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound profile.
While both switches have polycarbonate top housings, the difference in bottom housing materials between the Foggy Shadow and the Lightning Silver V3 leads to distinct typing experiences. The nylon bottom housing of the Foggy Shadow contributes to a deeper sound profile when typing, creating a unique tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains a sharper and crisper sound profile, enhancing the overall typing experience. The combination of different housing materials for the top and bottom of each switch results in a balance of qualities that impact both the sound and feel of typing.
Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 comes down to personal preference in sound and feel. While both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, the contrasting bottom housing materials of nylon and polycarbonate provide distinct typing experiences. Whether you prefer a deeper and fuller sound profile with the Foggy Shadow's nylon bottom housing or a sharper and crisper sound with the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate bottom housing, both keyboards offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
In comparing the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, it is evident that there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Foggy Shadow has an actuation force of None grams, making it lighter in terms of initial force required to register a keystroke, whereas the Lightning Silver V3 has an actuation force of 48 grams, slightly heavier in comparison. When it comes to bottom out force, the Foggy Shadow requires 63.5 grams, which is medium-heavy, while the Lightning Silver V3 requires 60 grams, placing it in the medium range. Ultimately, the Foggy Shadow offers a lighter actuation force but a heavier bottom out force, providing users with a distinct typing experience. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 strikes a balance between the two forces, offering a more consistent feel throughout the keystroke. Depending on individual preferences, users can choose between a lighter initial feel or a more substantial typing experience when selecting between these two switches.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm standard. Gamers who prioritize fast response times may prefer the Lightning Silver V3 with its slightly shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more profound key press experience may lean towards the Foggy Shadow with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the difference of 0.1 mm between the two switches may not be significant to most users, and they are likely to provide similar results in terms of key travel 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 Everglide Lightning Silver V3 has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lightning Silver V3 for $4.10.
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 tactile switch offers a low-pitched sound profile, providing a mellow and bass-heavy tone that appeals to users looking for a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound that is sharp, bright, and percussive, adding a distinctive flair to typing sessions. When it comes to feel, the Foggy Shadow's tactile bump, coupled with a 63.5g bottom-out force, delivers a balanced and responsive typing experience. In contrast, the Lightning Silver V3's silky smooth feel ensures an exceptionally seamless typing experience, minimizing resistance and enhancing overall comfort. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, with the Foggy Shadow focusing on a softer sound and tactile feedback, while the Lightning Silver V3 prioritizes a clacky sound and smooth feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a light tactile bump and medium weight, the Aflion Foggy Shadow would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a clacky and high-pitched sound signature, along with a smooth typing experience, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 would be more suited to your preferences. Consider your typing style, sound preference, and overall typing experience when choosing between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences, so choose based on what best suits your needs and preferences.
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