Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. Dareu Mahjong
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Dareu Mahjong switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Aflion Foggy Shadow, a tactile switch, and the Dareu Mahjong, a linear switch, offer unique features and benefits for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Foggy Shadow stands out for its light tactile bump and 63.5g bottom-out force, providing a balanced and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Mahjong switch by Dareu boasts a distinctive green and white color scheme and a lively, poppy sound signature for an effortless typing experience. Both switches offer different characteristics - the Foggy Shadow being low-pitched and neutral, while the Mahjong is bouncy, mild, neutral, and polished. When choosing between these switches, consider the type of typing experience you prefer - a light tactile bump with the Foggy Shadow or a unique sound signature with the Mahjong. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
POK
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Dareu Mahjong, it is evident that both switches make use of polycarbonate for their top housing. Polycarbonate is known for producing a sharp and crisp sound profile, making it an ideal choice for those looking for a more resonant typing experience. However, the Mahjong's POK material stands out with its exceptional durability and smooth feel, making it a top choice for those who prioritize longevity and smooth keystrokes. Despite both switches utilizing polycarbonate, the Mahjong offers a unique sound and feel due to its POK top housing.
On the other hand, both the Foggy Shadow and the Mahjong feature nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is revered for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, providing a more rounded and duller typing experience compared to other materials. With both switches opting for nylon in their bottom housing, users can expect a similar typing feel in terms of sound depth and resonance. This consistency in bottom housing material ensures that both the Foggy Shadow and the Mahjong deliver a satisfying typing experience with their nylon components.
Overall, while the top housing materials of the Aflion Foggy Shadow and Dareu Mahjong may provide slightly different sound profiles due to polycarbonate and POK, respectively, their shared use of nylon in the bottom housing creates a similar typing experience in terms of sound depth and feel. Whether you prefer the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate or the durability and smoothness of POK, both switches offer a well-rounded typing experience with their complementary housing materials. Ultimately, the choice between the Foggy Shadow and Mahjong may come down to individual preferences in sound and material feel.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, it is clear that the Foggy Shadow is heavier overall. The Foggy Shadow has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is considered medium-heavy, while the Mahjong has an actuation force of 45 grams, which indicates a lighter touch. Both switches have a different approach to force sensitivity, with the Foggy Shadow requiring more force to actuate and bottom out compared to the Mahjong. However, if both switches had the same force specifications, users can expect similar results in terms of typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between a lighter or heavier switch depends on personal preference and how one prefers their typing or gaming experience to feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, we can see that the Foggy Shadow has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm compared to the Mahjong's 3.4 mm. While the difference may seem minimal, it can have a noticeable impact on the typing experience. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Mahjong, while those who enjoy a more robust and deliberate keystroke may lean towards the Foggy Shadow. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming increasingly popular in the market, catering to different preferences among users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel 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 Dareu Mahjong has an MSRP of $8.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mahjong for $5.79.
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 switches have a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, offering a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for various purposes. On the other hand, the Dareu Mahjong linear switches have a neutral sound profile as well, providing a moderate actuation force requirement and a versatile sound signature. Both switches offer a pleasant typing experience without being too loud or distracting, making them great choices for both work and gaming setups.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Foggy Shadow switches have a light tactile bump with a 63.5g bottom-out force, offering a balanced and precise typing experience. Unfortunately, specific descriptors for the feel of the Foggy Shadow switches are not available. On the other hand, the Dareu Mahjong linear switches are described as bouncy, mild, and polished, providing a spring-like feedback, gentle typing experience, and smooth key travel. With these qualities, the Mahjong switches offer a lively and comfortable typing feel that is well-suited for extended typing sessions.
In conclusion, both the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switches and the Dareu Mahjong linear switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Foggy Shadow switches have a low-pitched sound and a light tactile bump, the Mahjong switches have a lively sound signature and a bouncy typing feel. Depending on personal preference and typing style, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience that caters to different needs and preferences. Ultimately, whether you choose the Foggy Shadow or the Mahjong switches, you can expect a high-quality typing experience with either option.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a light tactile bump and medium-heavy bottom-out force for a balanced typing experience, the Foggy Shadow may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a unique green and white color scheme, lively sound signature, and effortless typing experience with a linear switch, the Mahjong could be the perfect fit. Both switches have a neutral sound profile, catering to a variety of preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and preferences to enhance your overall keyboard experience.
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