Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. Haimu Neo White
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Haimu Neo White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Haimu Neo White offer distinct features that cater to different preferences. The Aflion Foggy Shadow is a tactile switch that features a light tactile bump and a 63.5g bottom-out force, striking a balance between weight and tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Haimu Neo White is a linear switch with a medium weight and reduced total travel, providing a smooth and satisfying typing experience thanks to the rare use of a Ly stem. Both switches are categorized as 'Neutral', but the Foggy Shadow is described as 'Low-pitched' while the Neo White is labeled as 'Mild'. If you're looking for a tactile typing experience with balanced performance, the Foggy Shadow may be the way to go. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Haimu Neo White both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially useful for switches that use RGB lighting. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches ensures a consistent sound profile and adds an aesthetic appeal with its clear properties.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Foggy Shadow and the Neo White feature a nylon bottom housing. This classic switch housing material provides a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound, adding a different dimension to the overall typing experience of both switches. The nylon bottom housing contributes to the tactile feel and sound of pressing down on the switches, enhancing the overall typing experience.
While both switches share similarities in their housing materials, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Haimu Neo White showcase how the qualities of each housing material can be split between the top and bottom of a switch. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing has a more pronounced impact on the sound when releasing a key. This division in housing materials allows for a more nuanced typing experience, with each material contributing distinctive qualities to the overall sound profile and tactile feel of the switches.
Weight
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch both have an unknown actuation force, meaning they require a similar amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, the Foggy Shadow has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams compared to the Neo White's 58 grams, making it slightly heavier. For those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, the Foggy Shadow may be the better choice due to its higher bottom out force. On the other hand, the Neo White may be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer periods of typing without fatigue. Both switches offer a different feel due to their varying bottom out forces, catering to different preferences in typing style.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Haimu Neo White linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm standard. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Foggy Shadow for faster response times, while others may find the slightly longer travel distance of the Neo White to provide a more substantial feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing 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 Haimu Neo White comes in at $2.70 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
When it comes to sound, both the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Haimu Neo White switches offer a neutral profile, making them versatile for various typing environments. The Foggy Shadow provides a low-pitched tone, which tends to be more mellow and bass-heavy, while the Neo White's sound is also described as neutral, fitting well for both beginners and advanced users alike. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Foggy Shadow's tactile bump provides a light and satisfying keystroke experience with a medium weight of 63.5g, offering a balanced performance for users. Meanwhile, the Haimu Neo White switch features a more gentle typing experience, thanks to its use of a Ly stem which contributes to a smooth actuation and a slightly reduced total travel distance. This makes each keystroke smooth and satisfying, ultimately providing a comfortable and approachable typing experience for most users.
Overall, both the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Haimu Neo White switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Foggy Shadow excels in providing a light tactile bump and a low-pitched sound profile, the Neo White stands out with its smooth actuation and slightly reduced total travel, resulting in a mild typing experience. Depending on your preference for tactile feedback and sound profile, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that you'll get similar results in terms of performance and comfort.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force that offers a light tactile bump, the Aflion Foggy Shadow would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a slightly reduced total travel and a smooth actuation thanks to the Ly stem, the Haimu Neo White would be a perfect fit. Both switches have a neutral sound profile, but the Foggy Shadow may offer a more low-pitched tone compared to the Neo White. Ultimately, your decision may come down to whether you prioritize the tactile bump in the Foggy Shadow or the smooth linear feel in the Neo White. Consider your typing preferences and needs to determine which switch will best suit your mechanical keyboard experience.
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