Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. Gateron Mini i
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Gateron Mini i switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Gateron Mini i are two tactile switches that cater to different needs in the keyboard market. The Foggy Shadow by Aflion is known for its light tactile bump and medium weight, providing a balanced performance for typists looking for a satisfying feel with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i offers a gentle tactility and a muted sound profile, making it a great choice for those who prioritize a quiet typing experience, particularly in an office setting. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Gateron Mini i, one notable difference lies in the top housing material. The Foggy Shadow features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This is ideal for those looking for a clear and resonant sound, especially when paired with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Mini i's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs more sound and produces a duller and rounder sound. Despite these differences, both materials contribute to enhancing the overall sound profile of the switches, albeit in different ways.
Another point of comparison between the two switches is their choice of nylon for the bottom housing material. Both the Foggy Shadow and the Mini i benefit from the use of nylon in the bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The softness of nylon allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, creating a more muted and round sound. This similarity in housing materials suggests that both switches prioritize sound quality and tactile experience, albeit with their unique characteristics based on the stiffness of the top housing material.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile and tactile feedback experienced by users. While the Aflion Foggy Shadow and Gateron Mini i both use nylon for their bottom housing, their differing top housing materials - polycarbonate for the Foggy Shadow and nylon for the Mini i - offer contrasting sound profiles. The stiffer polycarbonate of the Foggy Shadow provides a sharper and clearer sound, ideal for those seeking a more resonant typing experience, while the softer nylon of the Mini i creates a deeper and fuller sound, appealing to those who prefer a mellower typing sensation. Ultimately, the combination of top and bottom housing materials in these switches contributes to their overall performance and user experience, showcasing the importance of material selection in keyboard customization.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, it is evident that the Mini i is the lighter option. The Foggy Shadow has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it medium-heavy, while the Mini i boasts a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. Although the actuation force of the Foggy Shadow is unknown, the Mini i requires 40 grams, suggesting that it may also be lighter in this aspect. Those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Foggy Shadow, while those looking for a lighter typing feel may opt for the Mini i. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, it is clear that the Mini i has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm compared to the Foggy Shadow's 3.5 mm. This may not seem like a significant difference, but in the realm of mechanical keyboards, every millimeter counts. The Mini i's shorter travel distance would make it ideal for gamers looking for quicker response times, while the Foggy Shadow's slightly longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a deeper key press. Ultimately, both switches offer similar results in terms of travel distance, so the choice between them will come down to 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 Mini i comes in at $6.00 per 10 switches.
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
In terms of sound, the Aflion Foggy Shadow offers a low-pitched sound profile, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches, making it ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i also falls into the neutral sound category, with a moderate profile that suits various users regardless of their typing proficiency or environment. Both switches deliver a satisfying sound without being overly loud, ensuring a pleasant typing experience for users.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Foggy Shadow's tactile bump is characterized by a light touch, providing users with a subtle tactile feedback during keystrokes. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i switches are described as bouncy and easy-to-press, offering a spring-like sensation and requiring minimal force for activation. The Mini i switches also fall under the mild and subtle categories, providing a gentle and low-impact typing experience that is comfortable for extended use. Both switches offer a responsive feel that enhances the overall typing experience, catering to users who prefer a lighter touch in their keyboards.
Overall, both the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Gateron Mini i switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. While the Foggy Shadow provides a low-pitched sound and light tactile bump, the Mini i offers a bouncy and easy-to-press feel, ensuring a comfortable and satisfying typing experience for users. Depending on individual preferences for sound and tactile feedback, users can expect similar results in terms of performance and comfort with either switch, making them both viable options for those looking for a balance between typing experience and noise level.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, consider your preference for bottom-out force and typing experience. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom-out force and a light tactile bump, the Foggy Shadow may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom-out force and a gentle tactility with a quiet sound profile, the Gateron Mini i could be more suitable for your typing needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's essential to prioritize what factors are most important to you in a keyboard switch.
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