Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. Cherry MX Black
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Cherry MX Black 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 Cherry MX Black offer distinct options for different preferences. The Foggy Shadow, a tactile switch, boasts a light tactile bump and a 63.5g bottom-out force, providing a balanced performance and medium weight. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black, a linear switch, features Cherry's Hyperglide tooling for a smooth, textured feel and a deep sound profile while typing. While the Foggy Shadow is known for its light tactile bump, the MX Black stands out for its smoothness and sound profile. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
No
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 Cherry MX Black, it is evident that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softness and ability to absorb sound. This means that typing on both the Foggy Shadow and the MX Black will have a similar acoustic experience, with a focus on a duller and rounder sound during key presses. However, the specific design and construction of each switch may still result in subtle differences in sound and feel.
On the other hand, the top housings of the two switches differ, with the Foggy Shadow featuring a polycarbonate top housing while the Cherry MX Black utilizes a nylon top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to nylon. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, providing a visually appealing feature that nylon cannot replicate. Therefore, users may notice a more resonant and clear sound when pressing keys on the Foggy Shadow compared to the Cherry MX Black.
It is important to note that the qualities of the housing materials for both switches play a role in the overall typing experience. The bottom housing of a switch, whether nylon or polycarbonate, will impact the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will influence the sound when releasing a key. Despite these differences, both the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Cherry MX Black offer a reliable and satisfying typing experience, each with their own unique acoustic characteristics attributed to their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, it is evident that the MX Black is heavier in both aspects. The Foggy Shadow has an actuation force of None grams, making it difficult to determine the exact force required, but it has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. On the other hand, the MX Black has a defined actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, making it a heavier switch overall. For individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Foggy Shadow may be more suitable, allowing for extended typing or gaming sessions without causing fatigue. In contrast, the MX Black provides a stronger push feel, which some may find more satisfying for a substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces, with lighter weights being better for prolonged use and heavier weights for a more tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch offers a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Cherry MX Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the MX Black has a longer travel distance compared to the Foggy Shadow. The Foggy Shadow's shorter travel distance may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times, while the MX Black's longer travel distance could provide a more robust and satisfying keypress for those who prefer more depth in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and typing experience. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so users can expect different results depending on their choice.
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 Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 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 tactile switch is known for its low-pitched and neutral sound profile, offering a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for various settings. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black linear switch also produces a low-pitched sound, providing a deep and classic typing experience. Both switches offer a pleasing auditory experience, with the choice between them depending on personal preference and the overall setup of the keyboard.
Moving onto the feel of the switches, the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch's specific characteristics in this regard are unknown at this time. In contrast, the Cherry MX Black linear switch is described as having a textured and stiff feel. The textured nature of the MX Black switch may provide a slight friction when typing, offering a different tactile experience compared to smoother switches. Additionally, the stiff nature of the switch requires a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out, which can affect the overall typing comfort for some individuals.
Overall, both the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch have unique qualities that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Foggy Shadow excels in its low-pitched sound profile and light tactile bump, the MX Black offers a classic textured smoothness and a bit more stiffness in feel. Depending on whether one prioritizes sound or feel in their typing experience, either of these switches can provide a satisfying performance for typing and gaming purposes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to individual preferences and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you're looking for a lighter tactile switch with a medium-weight feel, the Aflion Foggy Shadow would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier linear switch with a classic smooth feel, the Cherry MX Black would be more suitable for you. Consider your typing preferences and needs when deciding between these two switches, as both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the decision between the Aflion Foggy Shadow and Cherry MX Black comes down to personal preference and what feels best for you in your typing experience.
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