Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. Durock Medium Tactile
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Durock Medium Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Durock Medium Tactile, two tactile switches that offer unique experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Aflion Foggy Shadow stands out for its light tactile bump and 63.5g bottom-out force, striking a balance between weight and performance. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile is praised for its pronounced yet balanced tactility, accompanied by a distinctive jelly-like sound signature. Both switches bring their own strengths to the table, with the Foggy Shadow offering a neutral, low-pitched feel, while the Medium Tactile provides an accented, stepped, mild, and polished typing experience. 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
65g
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
Yes
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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Durock Medium Tactile, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer nature. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. As a result, both switches will likely have similar sound characteristics and aesthetic qualities due to their shared use of polycarbonate in the top housing.
However, where the two switches differ is in their choice of bottom housing material. The Foggy Shadow utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, which is known to elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Durock Medium Tactile also uses nylon for its bottom housing, meaning that both switches will offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel due to their shared use of nylon in the bottom housing.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in a switch can have a significant impact on the overall sound and typing experience. While the top housing material primarily affects the sound when the key is released, the bottom housing material has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. In the case of the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Durock Medium Tactile, the differences between their top and bottom housing materials may lead to subtle variations in sound profile and typing feel, but ultimately, both switches are likely to offer comparable performance due to their shared use of polycarbonate and nylon in their respective housings.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, we see that both have an actuation force of None grams, meaning they require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, the Foggy Shadow has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, whereas the Medium Tactile has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 65 grams. This difference in bottom out force makes the Medium Tactile feel slightly heavier when typing compared to the Foggy Shadow. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Foggy Shadow may be the better option, allowing for longer periods of typing without fatigue. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial push feel may prefer the slightly heavier bottom out force of the Durock Medium Tactile. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and force required.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Durock Medium Tactile switch has a longer travel distance compared to the Aflion Foggy Shadow switch. The difference may seem small, but it can have a noticeable impact on the feel and responsiveness of the key press. If you prefer a shorter travel distance for faster response times, the Aflion Foggy Shadow switch would be the better option. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper key press with more travel, the Durock Medium Tactile switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on 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 Durock Medium Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Medium Tactile for $4.25.
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 offers a low-pitched and neutral profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for a variety of environments. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile has a jelly-like sound signature, which may appeal to those looking for a unique auditory experience. Both switches are likely to produce satisfying sounds, but the Foggy Shadow may offer a more versatile and subdued option compared to the more distinct sound of the Medium Tactile.
As for feel, the Aflion Foggy Shadow's tactile bump is described as very light, offering a subtle tactile feedback with a 63.5g bottom-out force for a balanced feel. Conversely, the Durock Medium Tactile provides a more pronounced and accented tactility that is not overwhelming but still prominent. Additionally, the Medium Tactile is described as stepped, mild, and polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience that may appeal to those looking for a more sophisticated feel.
Overall, both the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Durock Medium Tactile switches have unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Foggy Shadow provides a more neutral sound profile and light tactile feedback, the Medium Tactile offers a pronounced tactile bump and a jelly-like sound signature. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches would depend on the individual's preference for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. However, both switches are likely to deliver a satisfying and enjoyable mechanical keyboard experience for newcomers to the hobby.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a very light tactile bump with a medium weight bottom-out force of 63.5 grams, the Foggy Shadow is the way to go. It offers a low-pitched sound profile and a neutral feel, making it suitable for various preferences and environments. On the other hand, if you enjoy a pronounced yet balanced tactility with a 65-gram bottom-out force, the Durock Medium Tactile is an excellent choice. It features an accented, stepped, mild, and polished feel, providing a smooth typing experience with a jelly-like sound signature. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for tactility, weight, sound, and feel, so choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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