Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. Durock Mamba
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Durock Mamba switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Aflion Foggy Shadow and Durock Mamba are two distinct mechanical keyboard switches offering unique experiences for users. The Foggy Shadow by Aflion is a tactile switch known for its light tactile bump and 63.5g bottom-out force, providing a balanced performance. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba pays tribute to Kobe Bryant and offers a smooth linear typing experience with a rich auditory sensation. While the Foggy Shadow is best suited for those who prefer a tactile feedback with medium weight, the Mamba is ideal for users who enjoy a gliding typing sensation and a polished sound profile. 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
60g
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
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
In terms of housing materials, the Aflion Foggy Shadow utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, while the Durock Mamba uses a unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE. The polycarbonate in the Foggy Shadow creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, ideal for those who enjoy a crisp and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the Mamba's blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE offers a sound profile that is bright but not particularly sharp. This difference in sound profiles between the two switches can cater to different preferences in typing sound.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the Foggy Shadow features a nylon bottom housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. In contrast, the Mamba utilizes a POM bottom housing which creates a unique and pleasing sound profile that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted. The choice of bottom housing material can have a significant impact on the overall sound and feel of the switch, with nylon offering a fuller sound while POM produces a deeper and more subdued sound.
When comparing the top and bottom housing materials of the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Durock Mamba, it is clear that each switch offers a distinct typing experience. The split between the polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in the Foggy Shadow allows for a combination of sharpness and depth in sound, catering to different preferences. On the other hand, the unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE in the Mamba provides a bright yet pleasant sound profile, complemented by the deeper and more muted sound of the POM bottom housing. Ultimately, both switches offer users a variety of sound profiles to choose from based on their individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, it is evident that the Foggy Shadow has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Mamba with a bottom out force of 60 grams. While the actuation force for both switches is unknown, it can be inferred that the Mamba may have a lighter actuation force based on its slightly lighter bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time, the Mamba may be the more suitable option. However, for individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel, the Foggy Shadow with its heavier bottom out force may be the preferred choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing experience and desired force feedback.
Travel distance
Both the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.5 mm, providing users with a consistent typing experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. This means that whether you choose the Foggy Shadow or the Mamba, you can expect similar results in terms of keypress feel and travel distance. The identical travel distance of 3.5 mm for both switches ensures that users will not notice a difference in the physical feedback of the keys when typing.
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 Durock Mamba has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mamba for $5.17.
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 it comes to sound, the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch offers a low-pitched and neutral tone, providing a bass-heavy and mellow sound profile that is suitable for various purposes. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba linear switch also features a neutral sound profile but adds a thocky element, resulting in a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed. Both switches provide a pleasant auditory experience, with the Mamba switch offering a slightly more unique and satisfying thocky sound.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch does not have specific descriptors provided, but with its light tactile bump and medium weight, users can expect a responsive and balanced typing experience. In contrast, the Durock Mamba linear switch is described as providing a mild and polished typing experience. The mild characteristics offer a gentle typing sensation suitable for most users, while the polished finish ensures smooth key travel and reduced friction for a sleek typing experience.
Considering all available information, both the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Foggy Shadow switch provides a low-pitched sound and a balanced typing experience, the Mamba switch stands out with its thocky sound and polished feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound and typing sensation, as both switches offer high-quality performance in their respective categories.
Conclusion
To sum up, when it comes to choosing between the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a light tactile bump with a medium weight feel, the Foggy Shadow would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a smooth and gliding typing experience with a moderate actuation force, the Mamba switch may be more to your liking. Additionally, if you appreciate a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, the Foggy Shadow is a good option, while if you prefer a thocky and neutral sound with a polished feel, the Mamba could be the switch for you. Ultimately, the decision will come down to personal preference and typing style, so consider these factors carefully before making your choice.
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