Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) offer distinct characteristics to cater to different preferences. The Foggy Shadow by Aflion stands out for its light tactile bump and medium weight, providing a balanced performance for tactile switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Milky Red Pro from Gateron is praised for its smooth linear feel and budget-friendly price point, offering a buttery keystroke experience with a pleasing "thock" sound. While the Foggy Shadow caters to those seeking a tactile typing experience, the Milky Red Pro appeals to those looking for smoothness and affordability. 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
52g
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3), it is clear that they both utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This means that both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. However, the top housing of the Foggy Shadow is made of polycarbonate, giving it a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. In contrast, the Milky Red Pro's top housing is also nylon, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the Foggy Shadow's top housing.
Another point of comparison between the two switches is the impact of the housing materials on the overall typing experience. With the bottom housing being nylon in both switches, the qualities of this material will influence the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. The softer nature of nylon allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile in both the Foggy Shadow and the Milky Red Pro. However, the difference lies in the impact of the top housing material when releasing a key. The polycarbonate top housing of the Foggy Shadow will create a more resonant and clear sound profile compared to the duller sound produced by the nylon top housing of the Milky Red Pro.
Overall, while both switches feature nylon bottom housing for a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile, the choice of polycarbonate for the top housing in the Foggy Shadow sets it apart with a sharper and crisper sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) maintains a consistent sound profile across both top and bottom housing with its use of nylon. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel, users can choose between the stiffer polycarbonate top housing of the Foggy Shadow for a more resonant typing experience or the softer nylon housing of the Milky Red Pro for a deeper and fuller sound.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, it is clear that the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) is lighter overall. The Foggy Shadow has a higher bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch, while the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) has a bottom out force of 52 grams, putting it in the medium-light category. The actuation force of the Foggy Shadow is not specified, whereas the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) has an actuation force of 45 grams. In terms of weight, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) would be more suitable for those looking for a lighter typing experience, ideal for extended use during work or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Foggy Shadow would cater to individuals who prefer a heavier keystroke feel, providing a more substantial typing experience. Despite the differences in force, both switches offer a unique typing experience, with the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) providing a lighter touch and the Foggy Shadow offering a heavier push.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The difference in travel distance may result in a slightly quicker keypress with the Foggy Shadow compared to the Milky Red Pro. Gamers who prioritize fast response times may lean towards the Foggy Shadow, while those who prefer a more deliberate keypress may prefer the Milky Red Pro. However, both switches fall within a reasonable range of travel distance, so the overall typing experience may not vary significantly between the two. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) has an MSRP of $2.61 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) for $2.30.
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 profile, providing a mellow tone with a moderate actuation force suitable for a wide range of users. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch produces a bassy and thocky sound, evoking a deep and satisfying sound during key presses. These switches offer a rich sound experience that is pleasant to the ears. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard design and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch is known for its light tactile bump and medium weight of 63.5g bottom-out force, offering a balance of feedback without being too heavy. Meanwhile, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch is described as providing a buttery typing experience, implying a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation that is seamless and effortless. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable typing experience, with the Foggy Shadow offering a light tactile feedback and the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) focusing on a smooth linear keystroke.
In conclusion, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Foggy Shadow provides a low-pitched sound and light tactile feedback, ideal for users looking for a balanced typing experience. On the other hand, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switch offers a bassy sound and buttery feel, catering to those seeking a smooth and satisfying typing sensation. Depending on personal preference for sound and typing experience, both switches can deliver excellent performance and comfort to users, ensuring a pleasant and enjoyable typing session.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch or the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, consider the following guidelines. You'd want to choose the Aflion Foggy Shadow if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams and enjoy a light tactile bump with a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. The Foggy Shadow is a great option for those looking for balanced performance and a smooth typing experience with a moderate actuation force requirement. On the other hand, you'd want to choose the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) if you prefer a medium-light bottom-out force of 52 grams, a buttery and smooth keystroke experience, and a sound profile characterized by a bassy, thocky, and low-pitched tone. The Milky Red Pro switches are budget-friendly and offer a satisfying typing experience with a deeper and richer sound. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your preference for bottom out force, tactile feedback, sound profile, and overall typing feel.
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