Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. SP-Star Meteor Orange
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the SP-Star Meteor Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Aflion Foggy Shadow and SP-Star Meteor Orange are two tactile mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique features for users seeking a satisfying typing experience. The Foggy Shadow, from Aflion, is recognized for its light tactile bump and medium weight of 63.5g bottom-out force, showcasing Aflion's dedication to balanced performance. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor Orange switches stand out for their gentle and seductive tactility, along with a neutral sound profile. While the Foggy Shadow is categorized as 'Low-pitched' and 'Neutral', the Meteor Orange is labeled as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', and 'Polished'. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal, making them suitable options for different preferences. 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
57g
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
Nylon
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 SP-Star Meteor Orange both feature nylon bottom housings, which create a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer plastic's ability to absorb more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to switches with harder plastic bottom housings. However, the Foggy Shadow stands out with its polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a clear and resonant sound, especially beneficial for switches intended for use with RGB lighting.
While both switches share a nylon bottom housing that influences the overall sound profile, the difference in their top housing materials sets them apart. The Foggy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing enhances the switch's sound upon key release, providing a unique and distinct auditory experience. In contrast, the Meteor Orange's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound while typing, showcasing a more subdued and rounded sound profile. The contrasting characteristics of their top housings contribute to the overall feel and sound of each switch, catering to different preferences and needs.
Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the SP-Star Meteor Orange will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel. The Foggy Shadow's combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials provides a balance of sharpness and depth in sound, making it ideal for those seeking a versatile switch experience. On the other hand, the Meteor Orange's consistent use of nylon throughout its housing promotes a more uniform sound profile with a focus on depth and fullness. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, showcasing the importance of housing materials in determining the overall sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it medium-heavy, while the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch has a bottom out force of 57 grams, making it medium-light. Both switches have an unknown actuation force. The Foggy Shadow would provide a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force, ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In contrast, the Meteor Orange's lighter bottom out force would be preferred by those who want a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. Overall, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces, with the Foggy Shadow being heavier and the Meteor Orange being lighter.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Meteor Orange has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Foggy Shadow. A travel distance of 4.0mm is more traditional, while 3.0mm is considered more shallow. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance for quicker response times, while those who prefer a more substantial feel may opt for the switch with the longer travel distance. Both switches offer a good balance between responsiveness and keypress feel, so you can expect similar results in terms of keypress experience.
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 SP-Star Meteor Orange has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Meteor Orange for $5.00.
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, giving a more bass-heavy and mellow tone suitable for most environments. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor Orange also provides a neutral sound profile but with a thocky characteristic, emitting a deep and rich sound when pressed. Both switches offer a pleasant typing experience, with the Foggy Shadow being more on the low-pitched side and the Meteor Orange delivering a satisfying thocky sound.
In terms of feel, there is no specific information available for the Aflion Foggy Shadow, but the SP-Star Meteor Orange is described as providing a mild and polished typing experience. The mild tactility of the Meteor Orange creates a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users, while the polished finish ensures smooth and refined key travel. Combining these qualities, the Meteor Orange switch offers a comfortable and enjoyable typing sensation that is well-balanced and versatile for various typing preferences.
Overall, both the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Foggy Shadow focuses on a light tactile bump and a low-pitched sound profile, the Meteor Orange switch provides a gentle tactility and a satisfying thocky sound. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer a balanced performance that can enhance the typing experience for newcomers and experienced users alike. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for key feel and sound characteristics.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch, consider the bottom out force and sound profile that best suits your typing preferences. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a low-pitched, neutral sound profile, the Foggy Shadow may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a neutral, thocky sound profile, the Meteor Orange could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what factors are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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