Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. Cherry MX Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for a mechanical keyboard switch, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Cherry MX Silent Red offer unique features to cater to different preferences. The Aflion Foggy Shadow, a tactile switch, showcases a light tactile bump and a 63.5g bottom-out force, providing a balanced performance with a medium weight. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red, a linear switch, maintains the classic characteristics of the MX Red but operates silently, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. While the Foggy Shadow offers a light tactile feedback, the MX Silent Red provides a quieter typing experience. 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
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 terms of the housing materials used in the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Cherry MX Silent Red, both switches feature nylon in their bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. The main difference between the two switches lies in their top housing material, with the Foggy Shadow using polycarbonate and the MX Silent Red using nylon. The Foggy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, ideal for those who prefer a clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the MX Silent Red's nylon top housing elicits a deeper sound, providing a different typing experience for users.
While both the Foggy Shadow and MX Silent Red utilize nylon in their bottom housing, the different top housing materials result in distinct sound profiles. The Foggy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound, enhanced by its translucency that is ideal for RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, the MX Silent Red's nylon top housing generates a deeper and fuller sound, emphasizing a more rounded and muffled typing experience. These differences in sound profiles can greatly impact the overall typing feel and sound quality of each switch. Despite the variations in top housing materials, the nylon used in the bottom housing of both switches ensures a consistent deep and full sound when typing, providing a certain level of similarity in their performance.
Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Cherry MX Silent Red comes down to personal preference regarding sound profiles and typing experiences. The polycarbonate top housing of the Foggy Shadow appeals to those seeking a sharper and crisper sound, while its nylon bottom housing maintains a deep and full sound during typing. In comparison, the MX Silent Red's nylon top housing produces a deeper and rounder sound, complemented by its nylon bottom housing for a consistent typing experience. Whether you prefer a clear and resonant sound or a deeper and fuller sound, both switches offer unique characteristics based on their housing materials that cater to different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, there are notable differences. The Aflion Foggy Shadow has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is considered medium-heavy, while the actuation force is not provided. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it lighter compared to the Foggy Shadow, and the bottom out force is not available. The lighter actuation force of the MX Silent Red may be preferred by those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, as it can reduce finger fatigue. In contrast, the heavier bottom out force of the Foggy Shadow may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, we can see that the Foggy Shadow has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the MX Silent Red has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that the MX Silent Red has a longer distance for the switch to travel from top to bottom compared to the Foggy Shadow. For those who prefer a shorter travel distance for faster response times, the Foggy Shadow may be the better option. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more substantial keypress depth, the MX Silent Red may be more suitable. Both switches offer different travel distances, allowing users to choose based on their preferences for keypress feel. Ultimately, selecting the switch with the preferred travel distance will enhance the overall typing or gaming experience.
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 Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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 offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone suitable for various environments. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch produces a muted, thocky, and low-pitched sound, offering a quieter typing experience ideal for noise-sensitive settings. Both switches deliver unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Foggy Shadow providing a more neutral tone while the MX Silent Red offers a richer, deeper sound.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Foggy Shadow does not have specific descriptors available for its tactile feel. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch is described as textured, indicating that it offers noticeable friction when pressed. This textured feel may cater to users who prefer a tactile sensation while typing, providing additional feedback and control during keystrokes.
Overall, Aflion's Foggy Shadow tactile switch and Cherry's MX Silent Red linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Foggy Shadow provides a light tactile bump with a medium weight, offering a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, while the MX Silent Red delivers a silent operation with a slightly textured feel for enhanced feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. However, it is essential to consider that personal typing habits and the keyboard setup can also influence the overall typing feel and sound of these switches, ensuring that you achieve the desired result based on your specific needs and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch or the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preferences and needs. If you value a light tactile bump and a medium-heavy bottom-out force, the Foggy Shadow may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a silent typing experience and do not mind the lack of tactile feedback, the MX Silent Red could be the better option. Both switches offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, so take into account what matters most to you when making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on what you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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