Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. Gazzew LT
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Gazzew LT switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
In the realm of mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Gazzew LT stand out as unique contenders. The Aflion Foggy Shadow, a tactile switch, offers a very light tactile bump with a 63.5g bottom-out force, providing a balanced performance for users who prefer a medium-weight switch. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT, a linear switch, boasts a captivating lilac hue and delivers a deep, resonant thockiness with every keystroke, making it a treat for the auditory senses. While the Foggy Shadow excels in providing a smooth tactile typing experience, the LT shines in offering a satisfying auditory feedback. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Gazzew LT, one key difference is in their top housings. The Foggy Shadow utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. In contrast, the LT features a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing that delivers a rich and deep sound profile attributed to its softness. Despite these differences, both housing materials aim to enhance the overall sound experience of the switch, with polycarbonate focusing on clarity and resonance, while the Gazzew blend emphasizes depth and richness.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Foggy Shadow boasts a nylon bottom housing which is renowned for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Its softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT also uses its proprietary Gazzew blend for the bottom housing, contributing to a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. While both bottom housings are softer plastics that aim to enhance the sound experience, the specific material blends used in each switch may result in slight variations in sound quality and feel.
In terms of overall performance, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Gazzew LT offer similar sound benefits through their housing materials, despite the variations in their composition. Whether it's the polycarbonate top housing of the Foggy Shadow creating a clear and resonant sound profile, or the Gazzew blend top and bottom housings of the LT offering a rich and deep sound experience, both switches prioritize enhancing the typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in sound aesthetics, with the Foggy Shadow focusing on sharpness and clarity, and the Gazzew LT emphasizing richness and depth.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Gazzew LT linear switch, it is evident that both switches have the same actuation force of None grams. However, the bottom out force of the Foggy Shadow is lighter at 63.5 grams, while the LT has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 65 grams. This means that the Foggy Shadow would be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the LT would be better suited for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would 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 Gazzew LT linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those who prioritize faster response times. Gamers may appreciate the shorter travel distance of the LT switch for quick key presses during intense gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Foggy Shadow switch offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a bit more depth in their typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference for travel distance and how it impacts typing or gaming performance.
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 Gazzew LT comes in at $6.50 per 10 switches.
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 and neutral sound profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone during key presses. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT linear switch delivers a bassy and thocky sound, with a deep, rich, and satisfying tone that resonates with each keystroke. When it comes to feel, the specifics of the Foggy Shadow and LT switches are unknown. However, based on the sound descriptions, the Foggy Shadow may offer a lighter tactile bump, while the LT may provide a seamless glide with each key press.
Overall, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and Gazzew LT switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The Foggy Shadow's low-pitched and neutral sound provides a calming typing experience, while the LT's bassy and thocky tones create a more immersive auditory feedback. Both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience, but the choice between them ultimately depends on individual preferences for sound and feel. Ultimately, by selecting the right combination of board and keycaps, users can achieve similar results in terms of sound and feel with either switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Gazzew LT linear switch, consider the following guidelines based on your preferences. If you are looking for a light tactile bump with a medium weight bottom-out force, the Foggy Shadow may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a slightly higher bottom-out force and enjoy the auditory symphony of deep thockiness with a bassy sound profile, the Gazzew LT could be the perfect fit for your typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and desired typing experience.
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