Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. KTT Mallo
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the KTT Mallo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Aflion Foggy Shadow with the KTT Mallo mechanical keyboard switches, both tactile switches offer a unique typing experience. The Foggy Shadow, introduced by Aflion, boasts a light tactile bump and a 63.5g bottom-out force, providing a balanced performance for users. On the other hand, the KTT Mallo switches focus on subtlety and finesse with a gentle tactility and medium-light typing feel. While the Foggy Shadow is categorized as 'Low-pitched' and 'Neutral', the Mallo is described as 'Feathery', 'Mild', 'Neutral', 'Stepped', 'Subdued', and 'Subtle'. Each switch has its own strengths and appeals, making them ideal choices for different preferences and typing styles. 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
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Aflion Foggy Shadow and the KTT Mallo both feature polycarbonate top housing, which offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate plastic contributes to a more clear and resonant sound, making it a popular choice for switches that prioritize sound quality. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding an aesthetic appeal to the switches. This similarity in material choice ensures that both switches will provide a similar sound experience and visual effect when used.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Foggy Shadow utilizes nylon while the Mallo also opts for nylon. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound that may appeal to users looking for a different auditory experience. Despite the differences in bottom housing materials, both switches will still provide a unique typing sound and feel due to the split qualities between the top and bottom housings.
In terms of construction, the impact of each housing material becomes evident when pressing down on the switch and releasing a key. The bottom housing material will have a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing material will affect the sound when releasing a key. This division of qualities between the top and bottom housings ensures that users will experience a balanced combination of sharp, clear sound from the polycarbonate top housing and a deep, full sound from the nylon bottom housing in both the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the KTT Mallo switches.
Weight
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch differ in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Foggy Shadow has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it medium-heavy, while the Mallo has a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. Both switches have an actuation force of None grams, indicating a light initial press to trigger a keystroke. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Mallo, as it requires less force to bottom out, allowing for longer typing or gaming sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the heavier bottom out force of the Foggy Shadow provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches depends on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the KTT Mallo tactile switch. The shorter travel distance of the Foggy Shadow may provide a quicker response time, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for speedy input. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Mallo may offer a more satisfying depth to the key press, appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced feedback. Both switches provide a different tactile experience based on their travel distances, so choosing between the two ultimately depends on personal preference for responsiveness and key 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 KTT Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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
When comparing the sound qualities of the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the KTT Mallo tactile switches, both switches offer a neutral sound profile that suits a variety of typing environments. The Foggy Shadow has a low-pitched sound, providing a mellow tone conducive to a relaxing typing experience. On the other hand, the Mallo has a subdued sound, offering a more dampened and subtle sound signature that is suitable for shared spaces. Both switches strike a balance between providing feedback without being overpowering, ensuring a pleasant auditory experience for users.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Foggy Shadow is not described in detail, while the Mallo is known for its feathery and mild tactile feel. The feathery actuation of the Mallo switch offers a light and comfortable typing experience that reduces finger fatigue, making it ideal for extended typing sessions such as gaming or work. Additionally, the mild characteristics of the switch provide a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. Overall, the Mallo switch offers a subtle and comfortable typing feel that caters to a wide range of typists.
In conclusion, both the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the KTT Mallo tactile switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Foggy Shadow emphasizes a low-pitched sound signature and a balanced typing experience, the Mallo excels in providing a subdued sound and a feathery, mild tactile feel. Depending on individual preferences, both switches offer versatile options that can enhance the typing experience for users. Ultimately, whether you choose the Foggy Shadow or the Mallo, you can expect a satisfying typing experience with nuanced sound and feel characteristics.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch, consider the following guidelines based on your preferences. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom-out force and a very light tactile bump, the Foggy Shadow may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom-out force with a gentle tactility that provides subtle feedback, the Mallo might be more suitable for your typing style. Additionally, if you prefer a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, the Foggy Shadow is a good option, while the Mallo offers a neutral and subdued sound signature. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your desired typing experience and sound preference.
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