Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at the Aflion Foggy Shadow, a tactile switch, and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3), a linear switch, it's clear they each have their own unique strengths. The Foggy Shadow boasts a light tactile bump and medium weight that appeals to those seeking a balanced performance. On the other hand, the Milky Yellow Pro from Gateron is praised for its smoothness, "thocky" sound, and versatility in gaming and typing scenarios. While both switches have their own merits, it ultimately comes down to personal preferences and how these qualities align with your specific needs. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
Both the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) feature a nylon bottom housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when comparing it to switches with stiffer bottom housings. While both switches share this characteristic, the difference in their top housing material may impact the overall sound profile of the switches.
The Aflion Foggy Shadow stands out with its polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro's nylon top housing. Polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a clear and resonant sound profile, making it ideal for users who prefer a more defined sound when pressing a key. In contrast, the Milky Yellow Pro's nylon top housing may provide a softer typing experience, with a deeper sound that some users may find more pleasant and less harsh.
While the Foggy Shadow and Milky Yellow Pro differ in their top housing material, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The choice between polycarbonate and nylon top housing ultimately comes down to personal preference, as each material brings its own distinct characteristics to the typing experience. However, despite this difference, both switches ultimately provide a satisfying typing experience with their combination of housing materials.
Weight
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Foggy Shadow has a higher bottom out force of 63.5 grams compared to the Milky Yellow Pro's 62 grams, making it slightly heavier. However, the actuation force of the Milky Yellow Pro is 50 grams, while the actuation force of the Foggy Shadow is unspecified. This makes the Milky Yellow Pro lighter in terms of actuation force. Considering weight, lighter switches like the Milky Yellow Pro are preferred for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, while switches with heavier forces, like the Foggy Shadow, provide a more substantial typing experience. In general, the actuation force determines how easily the keystrokes can be triggered, while the bottom out force indicates the force required to press the key fully down. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Milky Yellow Pro has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Foggy Shadow. The shorter travel distance of the Foggy Shadow may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Milky Yellow Pro may provide a more satisfying and tactile typing experience for those who prefer more depth in their key presses. Both switches offer unique benefits and it ultimately comes down to personal preference in choosing which travel distance suits your typing style best.
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 Yellow Pro (KS-3) has an MSRP of $2.33 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milky Yellow 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 switch offers a low-pitched and neutral typing experience, providing a mellow tone that is suitable for various settings. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switch produces a bassy, low-pitched, and thocky sound that is characterized by a rich and deep tone. Both switches cater to different preferences in sound, with the Foggy Shadow focusing on a more balanced and moderate tone, while the Milky Yellow Pro offers a more robust and satisfying auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Foggy Shadow switch does not have specific descriptors available, making it harder to compare directly with the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switch. However, the Milky Yellow Pro switch is known for its buttery and textured feel, indicating a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with noticeable friction. This suggests that the Milky Yellow Pro may offer a more tactile and nuanced typing experience compared to the Foggy Shadow switch.
Overall, both the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Foggy Shadow excels in providing a balanced and neutral sound profile, while the Milky Yellow Pro offers a more bassy and satisfying thocky sound. When it comes to feel, the Milky Yellow Pro's buttery and textured experience suggests a more nuanced typing sensation compared to the Foggy Shadow. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches present compelling options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts looking for a distinct typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch, consider your preference for tactile feedback and bottom out force. If you prefer a light tactile bump with a medium bottom out force, the Foggy Shadow is a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth linear switch with a slightly lower bottom out force, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) is the way to go. Additionally, if you enjoy a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, the Foggy Shadow may be more appealing, while the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) offers a bassy, thocky sound for a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these switches boils down to your personal preference in tactile feedback, sound profile, and typing experience.
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