Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. Cherry Nixie
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Cherry Nixie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and Cherry Nixie stand out as top contenders, each offering unique features to cater to different preferences. The Foggy Shadow, a tactile switch by Aflion, boasts a light tactile bump and a 63.5g bottom-out force, striking a balance between medium weight and responsive feedback. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie, a linear switch, is well-known for its substantial heft and textured typing experience, incorporating updated materials and springs for a modern twist on a classic design. While the Foggy Shadow excels in providing a gentle tactile feel, the Nixie offers a smooth linear action with a satisfying weightiness. 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
63.5g
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
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Cherry Nixie differ in terms of their top housing materials. The Foggy Shadow uses a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. In contrast, the Nixie features a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. While both materials have their advantages, the polycarbonate top housing of the Foggy Shadow is more likely to be used in switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency, providing an aesthetic appeal that the Nixie's nylon top housing may lack.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of both switches utilize nylon as the housing material. This creates a similar deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches, as nylon's softness absorbs sound and produces a duller and rounder sound. The impact of the bottom housing material is felt more when pressing down on the switch, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Therefore, despite the differences in top housing materials between the Foggy Shadow and the Nixie, their shared use of nylon in the bottom housing allows for a comparable typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
Overall, the choice between the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Cherry Nixie may come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and aesthetics. The polycarbonate top housing of the Foggy Shadow provides a sharper and crisper sound, while the nylon top housing of the Nixie offers a deeper and fuller sound. Additionally, the nylon bottom housing of both switches ensures a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel. Whether you prefer a more resonant sound or a softer, rounder sound, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and visual appeal.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch, it is clear that there are differences in the weight of the two switches. The Foggy Shadow has an actuation force of None grams, making it a lighter option compared to the Nixie, which has an actuation force of 63.5 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Foggy Shadow requires 63.5 grams to fully press down, while the Nixie requires 80 grams, making it the heavier option. This means that while the actuation force varies between the two switches, both provide a similar medium-heavy typing experience when it comes to bottoming out. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel, with lighter switches being better for longer typing sessions and heavier switches providing a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Cherry Nixie linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Nixie has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Foggy Shadow. In terms of traditional travel distances, the Nixie falls on the more common 4.0mm side, while the Foggy Shadow is slightly shorter at 3.5mm. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Foggy Shadow, while those who prefer a deeper key press may opt for the Nixie. Both switches offer different tactile experiences based on their travel distances, so choosing between them will depend on personal preference.
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 Nixie has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Nixie for $4.19.
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 mellow and versatile typing experience suitable for various environments. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie linear switch is known for its thocky sound, delivering a deep and satisfying tone with each keystroke. Both switches feature a low-pitched sound, adding a bass-heavy component to the overall typing experience, although the Nixie's thocky sound may offer a more pronounced and distinctive auditory feedback.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch does not have specific descriptions available, so it may provide a smooth and consistent typing experience without any notable texture or friction. In contrast, the Cherry Nixie linear switch is described as textured, potentially offering users a tactile feedback with noticeable friction when pressed. This textural element in the Nixie switch may cater to individuals who prefer a slightly more tactile typing sensation compared to a smoother switch like the Foggy Shadow.
Overall, both the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch have their unique strengths in sound and feel. The Foggy Shadow excels in providing a balanced typing experience with a light tactile bump and a low-pitched, neutral sound, while the Nixie stands out for its substantial heft, textured feel, and thocky sound profile. Depending on personal preferences for typing feedback and overall typing experience, users can choose between these two switches to achieve similar results in terms of quality and performance.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a lighter tactile bump and a medium weight bottom-out force of 63.5 grams, then the Foggy Shadow would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a substantial heft and a heavy 80-gram bottom-out force, along with a traditional textured typing experience, the Nixie would be more suitable. Additionally, if you prefer a low-pitched sound profile, the Foggy Shadow is the way to go, while the Nixie offers a thocky deep sound. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for tactile feedback, bottom-out force, sound profile, and overall typing experience. Choose the switch that aligns best with your personal preferences and typing style.
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