Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. Gateron New North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Gateron New North Pole V2 offer distinct qualities catering to different preferences. The Foggy Shadow by Aflion boasts a light tactile bump and a 63.5g bottom-out force, striking a balance between a responsive typing experience and a comfortable feel. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 from Gateron provides a crisper typing experience without a rubber dampener, while maintaining a frictionless and smooth glide characteristic of the North Pole lineup. Both switches have their unique selling points, offering something for every type of user; 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
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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
Ink Housing Material
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated 15.4mm
Housing materials
The main difference between the housing materials of the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Gateron New North Pole V2 lies in their bottom housings. The Foggy Shadow utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature and ability to absorb more sound. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This contrast in bottom housing materials ultimately affects the overall typing experience and the sound feedback of the switches.
In terms of the top housing, both the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Gateron New North Pole V2 use polycarbonate material. This choice results in a similar sound profile for both switches, characterized by a sharper and clearer sound, ideal for those who appreciate a more defined typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing aspect to the switches. Despite their similarities in top housing material, the differences in bottom housing material still influence the overall sound and feel of the switches, providing users with distinct typing experiences.
Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Gateron New North Pole V2 will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing feel. While both switches share a polycarbonate top housing for a sharp and crisp sound, the differing bottom housings provide unique characteristics to each switch. Whether you prefer a deeper and fuller sound from the nylon bottom housing of the Foggy Shadow or a sharper and crisper sound from the polycarbonate bottom housing of the New North Pole V2, both options offer distinct typing experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts to enjoy.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, it is evident that the New North Pole V2 has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Foggy Shadow's unspecified amount. In terms of bottom out force, the Foggy Shadow requires 63.5 grams, making it slightly heavier than the New North Pole V2 which needs 62.5 grams. Both switches offer a medium to medium-heavy tactile typing experience. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming, the New North Pole V2 would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, individuals desiring a more robust and substantial typing feel may lean towards the slightly heavier Foggy Shadow for their keyboard needs. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it shorter than the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Foggy Shadow may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the New North Pole V2 may provide a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired 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 Gateron New North Pole V2 has an MSRP of $6.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the New North Pole V2 for $5.70.
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 offers a low-pitched and neutral typing experience, creating a mellow tone that is suitable for a variety of users and settings. On the other hand, the Gateron New North Pole V2's sound profile is unknown at this time, but it is essential to consider that the sound of a switch can be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Foggy Shadow does not provide specific descriptors at this time. Conversely, the Gateron New North Pole V2 is known for its polished, creamy, and frictionless feel, delivering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and effortless key travel. The absence of descriptors for the Foggy Shadow highlights the importance of trying out switches firsthand to fully understand their feel.
Taking into account the available information, users can expect the Aflion Foggy Shadow switches to offer a light tactile bump with a moderate weight and low-pitched sound, while the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches provide a crisp typing feel with a polished and creamy sensation. Both switches aim to provide a balanced and innovative typing experience, making them suitable choices for individuals seeking a unique and enjoyable mechanical keyboard switch. Ultimately, trying out both switches in person will allow users to determine which one best suits their preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, consider the key differences in their characteristics. If you prioritize a light tactile bump with a medium weight and a low-pitched, neutral sound profile, then the Foggy Shadow may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a crisper typing experience, a frictionless feel, and polished, creamy, or frictionless key travel, then the New North Pole V2 could be the switch to go for. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your individual preferences for typing experience and sound, as both switches offer unique features tailored to different needs.
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