Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. Cherry MX Red
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Cherry MX Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Aflion Foggy Shadow, a tactile switch, and the Cherry MX Red, a linear switch. The Foggy Shadow from Aflion is gaining recognition in the market for its light tactile bump and medium weight of 63.5g, highlighting Aflion's dedication to balanced performance in their lineup. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red is a well-known classic switch with a slightly heavier feel and deeper sound profile, providing a robust typing experience that combines responsiveness with a satisfying auditory depth. Each switch offers unique qualities that cater to different preferences, with the Foggy Shadow providing a light tactile feedback and balanced weight, while the MX Red offers a heavier feel and deeper 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
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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 Cherry MX Red, it is clear that the Foggy Shadow utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, while the MX Red utilizes nylon. The polycarbonate top housing of the Foggy Shadow creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the MX Red produces a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This results in a more dull and round sound compared to the crispness of polycarbonate.
When it comes to the bottom housings, both the Foggy Shadow and the Cherry MX Red utilize nylon. This means that typing on switches from both keyboards will elicit a similar deep and full sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound for both keyboards. However, the impact of the bottom housing material is more prominent when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches. This indicates that despite the different top housing materials, the bottom housing material in both keyboards plays a significant role in the overall typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Foggy Shadow and Cherry MX Red have different top housing materials (polycarbonate and nylon, respectively), they both share the use of nylon for their bottom housing. This results in a similar sound profile for typing on both keyboards, with the bottom housing material having a more significant impact on the overall experience. Whether you prefer the sharper, higher-pitched sound of polycarbonate or the deeper, fuller sound of nylon, both the Foggy Shadow and Cherry MX Red offer unique typing experiences due to their housing materials.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch, it is clear that they offer different experiences to the user. The Foggy Shadow has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy option, while the actuation force is not provided. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red has an actuation force of 45 grams, offering a lighter touch compared to the Foggy Shadow, with an unknown bottom out force. The lighter actuation force of the MX Red may appeal to those who prefer a softer touch for extended typing sessions, while the heavier bottom out force of the Foggy Shadow may be favored by those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it the shorter option compared to the Cherry MX Red linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Foggy Shadow's shorter travel distance may appeal to those looking for faster response times, such as gamers, while the MX Red's longer travel distance might provide a more satisfying keystroke depth for some users. Both switches offer a different typing experience due to their travel distances. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on individual preference for key feel and responsiveness.
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 Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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 tone, providing a bass-heavy and mellow sound profile suitable for various settings. In comparison, the Cherry MX Red linear switch produces a thocky, low-pitched sound that gives a deep, rich, and satisfying auditory experience. While both switches have a low-pitched quality, the Foggy Shadow's neutral sound and the MX Red's thocky sound cater to different preferences, allowing users to choose based on their sound preference.
Moving on to feel, the Aflion Foggy Shadow switch is known for its light tactile bump but the specific feel descriptors are currently unknown. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red switch is described as textured, providing noticeable friction when pressed. This textured feel may appeal to users who prefer a bit of feedback and resistance when typing, enhancing the typing experience by offering a slightly tactile sensation compared to the smoother feel of the Foggy Shadow.
Overall, both the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Foggy Shadow provides a light tactile bump and a neutral, low-pitched sound, the MX Red offers a textured feel and a thocky sound profile. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between these two switches to achieve their desired typing experience, knowing that each switch will provide distinctive characteristics that enhance the overall typing feel and sound.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a light tactile bump and a medium-heavy bottom out force for a balanced typing experience, the Aflion Foggy Shadow would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heftier feel and a deeper sound profile that offers a robust typing experience, the Cherry MX Red would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for the tactile feel and sound profile that best suits your typing style and preferences.
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