Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. HMX Lotus
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the HMX Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Aflion Foggy Shadow, a tactile switch that boasts a light tactile bump and a 63.5g bottom-out force, offering a balanced performance that emphasizes medium weight typing. On the other hand, we have the HMX Lotus, a linear switch known for its bright, resonant sound and 50g bottom-out force, providing a super bouncy feeling with every keystroke. While the Foggy Shadow presents a low-pitched and neutral typing experience, the Lotus switch offers a different sensation altogether. Considering these general characteristics, both switches have unique qualities that may appeal 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
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
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
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Foggy Shadow and HMX Lotus both utilize different housing materials for their top and bottom housings. The Foggy Shadow features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile compared to the Lotus's nylon top housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This difference in housing materials leads to a contrast in sound characteristics between the two switches. However, both switches use nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a similar experience in terms of sound when pressing down on the switch.
In terms of aesthetics, the Foggy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing offers the advantage of translucency, making it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Lotus's nylon top housing lacks translucency but provides a deeper and fuller sound profile. This contrast highlights the different priorities in design and functionality between the two switches. However, both switches share the use of nylon for their bottom housing, which absorbs sound and contributes to a duller and rounder sound profile when typing.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for the Aflion Foggy Shadow and HMX Lotus plays a significant role in shaping the sound profile and overall typing experience of each switch. The stiffer polycarbonate top housing of the Foggy Shadow creates a clear and resonant sound, while the softer nylon top housing of the Lotus produces a deeper and fuller sound. Despite these differences, the similar use of nylon for the bottom housing ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound characteristics. Ultimately, the unique combination of housing materials in each switch contributes to their distinct sound profiles and overall appeal to different preferences in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch, it is evident that they have significant differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Foggy Shadow has a higher bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it medium-heavy, while its actuation force is unknown. On the other hand, the Lotus has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes the Lotus switch overall lighter in comparison to the Foggy Shadow. The actuation force of the Lotus is lower, allowing for a quicker keystroke activation, while the Foggy Shadow offers a more substantial typing experience with its higher bottom out force. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Foggy Shadow being more suited for those who prefer a heavier push feel, while the Lotus is ideal for users who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods.In this case, choosing the lighter switch may be more suitable for those seeking longer typing sessions, such as for work or gaming, while the heavier switch provides a more solid and tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch, it is evident that both switches have the same travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, the user will experience the same amount of key travel. As a result, the typing experience on both switches will be similar in terms of the distance the keys travel. So, whether you choose the Foggy Shadow or the Lotus, you can expect to get similar results in terms of key travel distance.
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 HMX Lotus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lotus for $2.99.
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
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch is known for its low-pitched sound profile, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone during typing sessions. This makes it a suitable option for users looking for a more subdued auditory experience. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus linear switch offers a bright and resonant sound that enhances the typing experience with a super bouncy feeling. This makes each keystroke a delightful and satisfying experience for users who enjoy a more vibrant sound profile.
When it comes to feel, unfortunately, there is no specific information available about the tactile feedback of the Foggy Shadow or the HMX Lotus switches. However, based on their respective descriptions of providing a light tactile bump and a super bouncy feeling, it can be inferred that the Foggy Shadow offers a more subtle tactile experience compared to the HMX Lotus, which likely provides a more pronounced and springy feel to each keystroke.
Overall, both the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and potentially in feel as well. Users who prefer a low-pitched and mellow sound may lean towards the Foggy Shadow, while those who enjoy a bright and resonant sound with a super bouncy feel may opt for the HMX Lotus. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences and the overall typing experience desired by the user.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch or the HMX Lotus linear switch, it ultimately boils down to personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a light tactile bump and a low-pitched sound, the Foggy Shadow may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a bouncy feel and bright sound, the Lotus switch might be more suitable. Consider your typing preferences, such as bottom out force, tactile feedback, sound, and overall typing experience, to make an informed decision on which switch aligns best with your needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so the decision ultimately lies in what feels best for you.
Mentioned in this article
