Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. Dareu Master
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Dareu Master switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Dareu Master offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Foggy Shadow, a tactile switch from Aflion, stands out for its light tactile bump and medium weight of 63.5g, making it a balanced choice for those who seek a tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Master, a linear switch made of POM, provides users with a medium weight option, classic clacky sound, and smooth operation. While the Foggy Shadow is categorized as 'Low-pitched' and 'Neutral', the Master falls under 'Clacky', 'Mild', and 'Polished'. Choosing between these two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference and individual typing style. 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Aflion Foggy Shadow uses a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, leading to a clear and resonant sound. The Dareu Master, on the other hand, utilizes a POM top housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound. While both materials offer unique sound profiles, polycarbonate provides a sharper tone compared to the POM's deeper sound.
In terms of bottom housings, the Foggy Shadow features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature helps absorb more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the Dareu Master uses a POM bottom housing, emphasizing a deeper and more muted sound profile. Both housing materials offer a unique typing experience, with nylon providing a fuller sound while POM creates a pleasing depth.
Overall, the differences in housing materials between the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Dareu Master result in distinct sound profiles. While the Foggy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper tone, the Dareu Master's POM top housing creates a deeper sound. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Foggy Shadow produces a fuller sound, while the POM bottom housing of the Dareu Master emphasizes a muted tone. Despite these differences, both switches offer a unique typing experience based on the combination of their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Dareu Master linear switch, it is clear that the actuation and bottom out forces vary between the two. The Foggy Shadow has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the Master has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Foggy Shadow requires more force to fully press the key, providing a more substantial typing experience, while the Master requires less force to trigger a keystroke. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Master switch, as it allows for longer typing periods without fatigue. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial feel to their typing may find the heavier bottom out force of the Foggy Shadow more satisfying. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Dareu Master linear switch, we can see that the Foggy Shadow has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Master has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may result in a slightly faster response time with the Master switch compared to the Foggy Shadow. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding the depth of the key press sensation. Whether you prefer a slightly shorter or slightly longer travel distance, both switches offer a satisfying tactile experience for keyboard users.
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 Master has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Master for $4.76.
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, giving off a mellow and bass-heavy tone, suitable for various environments and users. On the other hand, the Dareu Master linear switch is known for its clacky sound, providing a sharp and snappy tone that is crisp, bright, and percussive. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that can enhance the overall typing experience, depending on personal preference and the setup of the keyboard.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Foggy Shadow switch does not have specific descriptors provided, suggesting a more generalized tactile feel. In contrast, the Dareu Master linear switch is described as mild and polished, offering a gentle typing experience with a smooth and refined finish. The Dareu Master switch's qualities make it approachable to most users, as it falls within a safe middle-ground zone in terms of tactility and smoothness.
Considering all the available information, both the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Dareu Master linear switch offer distinct sound profiles and tactile feels that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. If you prefer a low-pitched and neutral sound with a light tactile bump, the Foggy Shadow switch may be the ideal choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy a clacky sound with a smooth and polished typing experience, the Master switch could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference in sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Dareu Master linear switch, your decision should be based on your preferences for tactile feedback and sound profile. If you value a light tactile bump and a low-pitched, neutral sound, the Foggy Shadow may be the perfect fit for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth linear switch with a clacky sound signature, the Master switch from Dareu might be more appealing. Consider your typing style and the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard to make the best choice for your needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that can cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
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