Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. Gateron Luciola
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Gateron Luciola switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular choices that stand out are the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Gateron Luciola. The Aflion Foggy Shadow is a tactile switch that offers a light tactile bump with a 63.5g bottom-out force, providing a balanced performance for typing and gaming. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola is a linear switch that is known for its eye-catching glow-in-the-dark feature and smooth, bouncy typing feel. While the Foggy Shadow is categorized as 'Low-pitched' and 'Neutral', the Luciola is characterized by descriptors such as 'Snappy', 'Clacky', and 'Buttery'. Choosing between these two switches ultimately depends on personal preference and the type of typing experience you are looking for. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 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 INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
22mm double-staged long spring; black-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Gateron Luciola, it is clear that they both offer unique sound profiles based on their top housings. The Foggy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffness that leads to a clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the Luciola's INK blend top housing offers a pointed and high-pitched sound that is described as clacky. While both materials provide distinctive sound profiles, the Luciola's top housing may offer a slightly softer and less sharp sound compared to the Foggy Shadow.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the Foggy Shadow's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. Similarly, the Luciola's proprietary INK blend bottom housing also offers a relatively high-pitched sound profile that is described as clacky. Both bottom housings provide a unique sound experience, but the Foggy Shadow's nylon bottom housing may offer a duller and rounder sound compared to the Luciola's INK blend bottom housing.
Overall, while the top and bottom housings of the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Gateron Luciola offer different qualities, they both play a crucial role in the overall sound profile of the switch. The top housing of each switch impacts the sound when pressing down on a key or letting go of it, while the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel. Despite their differences, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience with their unique housing materials, catering to different preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch differ in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Foggy Shadow has an actuation force of None grams, making it very light, while the Luciola has an actuation force of 55 grams, slightly heavier. On the other hand, the bottom out force of the Foggy Shadow is 63.5 grams, medium-heavy, compared to the Luciola's 60 grams, which is medium. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Luciola would be a better choice due to its lighter actuation force. However, for those looking for a more substantial typing feel, the Foggy Shadow with its heavier bottom out force may be preferable. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for typing force and feel.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Luciola linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those who prefer quick and responsive key presses. Gamers, in particular, may lean towards the Foggy Shadow for its slightly shorter distance, which can lead to faster response times during gameplay. However, those who enjoy a deeper key press experience may find the extra 0.1 mm of travel in the Luciola switch to be more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference and the type of typing or gaming experience you are looking for.
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 Gateron Luciola has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Luciola for $6.50.
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 tactile switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a mellow tone with a moderate actuation force requirement. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola linear switch produces a clacky, chirpy, marbly, and high-pitched sound when pressed, giving a sharp and snappy sound with unique acoustic characteristics. The choice between these switches will depend on whether you prefer a more bass-heavy and mellow tone or a sharp and crisp sound profile.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch's qualities are not specified, while the Gateron Luciola linear switch is known for its snappy, buttery, and polished typing experience. The Luciola switch provides a super responsive typing feel with smooth and fluid keystrokes, creating a seamless and effortless typing sensation. This contrasts with the unknown feel of the Foggy Shadow switch, making the Luciola switch more favorable for those who prefer a lively and refined typing experience.
Considering the available information, a user seeking a keyboard switch with a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, along with a medium weighted tactile bump, may prefer the Aflion Foggy Shadow switch. Conversely, if a user desires a keyboard switch with a clacky, chirpy, marbly, and high-pitched sound profile, coupled with a smooth and responsive typing feel, the Gateron Luciola linear switch would be the more suitable choice. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preference for sound and typing feel, as both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom-out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a light tactile bump with a medium weight bottom-out force of 63.5 grams, along with a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, the Foggy Shadow may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and bouncy typing feel with a bottom-out force of 60 grams, and enjoy a clacky, chirpy, marbly, or high-pitched sound profile, the Luciola linear switch could be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you are looking to achieve.
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