Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. KTT Miaowu
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the KTT Miaowu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the KTT Miaowu offer distinct experiences for users. The Foggy Shadow from Aflion boasts a light tactile bump and a 63.5g bottom-out force, striking a balance between tactile feedback and actuation force. In contrast, the Miaowu switch from KTT focuses on enhanced stem stability and smoother keystroke action, thanks to its POK stem material. The Foggy Shadow is categorized as low-pitched and neutral, while the Miaowu is classified as bouncy and clacky. Each switch caters to different preferences, with the Foggy Shadow providing a gentle tactile feel and the Miaowu offering a more pronounced keystroke sound and feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences and typing requirements; however, let's delve deeper beyond generalities so you can decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
POK
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
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the KTT Miaowu, it is clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed for RGB lighting. Despite having the same material for the top housing, the bottom housing sets them apart. The Foggy Shadow boasts a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound with its softer plastic composition. Conversely, the Miaowu also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a similar effect on sound but with its own unique characteristics.
While both switches share similarities in their top housing material, the differences in their nylon bottom housing contribute to distinct sound profiles. The softer nature of nylon in the bottom housing of the Foggy Shadow creates a duller and rounder sound, emphasizing a deeper typing experience. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Miaowu also enhances the sound, but with its own nuances, resulting in a unique typing feel. This showcases how the choice of bottom housing material can greatly impact the overall sound and feel of a switch, even when paired with a common material for the top housing.
In conclusion, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and KTT Miaowu demonstrate how different housing materials can influence the sound and feel of mechanical switches. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings for a clear and resonant sound, their distinct nylon bottom housings offer varying levels of sound absorption and typing experience. Understanding the impact of each housing material on the switch's overall performance is essential for enthusiasts looking to customize their keyboard to their preferences. Whether prioritizing a sharper sound profile or a deeper typing experience, the choice of housing materials plays a crucial role in achieving the desired outcome.
Weight
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it medium-heavy, while the actuation force is not specified. On the other hand, the KTT Miaowu linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. The Miaowu switch is lighter overall, making it easier to type for extended periods of time, which is ideal for work or gaming. In contrast, the Foggy Shadow switch provides a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force. Both switches provide different typing feels based on the weight preference of the user, with the Miaowu being lighter and the Foggy Shadow being heavier. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference for typing experience.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the KTT Miaowu linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either switch, you will experience a similar amount of travel distance. The travel distance of a switch is important as it directly affects the typing experience and the overall feel of the keyboard. In this case, both switches offer a consistent travel distance, ensuring a uniform typing experience regardless of the switch used. Whether you prefer a tactile or linear switch, you can expect a similar travel distance with both the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the KTT Miaowu.
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 Miaowu has an MSRP of $4.32 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Miaowu for $3.71.
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 tactile switch and the KTT Miaowu linear switch, it is evident that the Foggy Shadow offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, which tends to be more bass-heavy and mellow in tone. On the other hand, the Miaowu switch is characterized as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. Depending on personal preference and the keyboard setup, users may choose between a more subdued sound with the Foggy Shadow or a more pronounced and bright sound with the Miaowu.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Foggy Shadow lacks specific descriptors in terms of feel, leaving it to the user's interpretation based on the known characteristics of being a light tactile switch. In contrast, the Miaowu switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like and lively feedback sensation with keys that offer rebound when pressed. This suggests that the Miaowu may offer a more dynamic and responsive typing experience compared to the Foggy Shadow.
Taking into account the available information on the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the KTT Miaowu linear switch, users can expect distinct differences in both sound and feel when selecting between these two options. The Foggy Shadow offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile with a light tactile bump, while the Miaowu provides a clacky sound and a bouncy feel with enhanced stem stability. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the KTT Miaowu linear switch, consider your preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force with a light tactile bump and a low-pitched, neutral sound profile, the Foggy Shadow may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, a smoother keystroke action with a POK stem, and a clacky sound profile, the Miaowu might be more suited to your taste. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what feels most comfortable for you as you type.
Mentioned in this article
