Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. Kailh NovelKeys Cream
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the Aflion Foggy Shadow, a tactile switch, and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream, a linear switch. The Foggy Shadow by Aflion is praised for its light tactile bump and medium weight of 63.5g bottom-out force, demonstrating Aflion's focus on balanced performance. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream offers a heftier linear typing experience with a deep sound profile. While the Foggy Shadow is categorized as 'Low-pitched' and 'Neutral', the NovelKeys Cream is described as 'Buttery', 'Low-pitched', 'Textured', 'Resonant', and 'Invigorating'. Choosing between the two switches ultimately depends on personal preferences, but diving deeper into their characteristics can help you make the best decision for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
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 Kailh NovelKeys Cream, one notable difference is in the top housing material. The Foggy Shadow utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. In contrast, the Cream features a POM top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound. While both materials contribute to unique sound profiles, the polycarbonate in the Foggy Shadow offers a clearer and more resonant sound, while the POM in the Cream provides a different, deeper tone.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the Foggy Shadow uses a nylon bottom housing, which is recognized for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is softer and absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. In contrast, the Cream also utilizes POM for its bottom housing, similarly producing a deep and muted sound profile. Both switches benefit from the qualities of their respective bottom housing materials, offering a unique typing experience that is characterized by a fuller sound. Despite the difference in material, both the Foggy Shadow and the Cream provide a pleasant typing sound that is distinct to their housing composition.
Overall, the choice of housing material plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and feel of a mechanical switch. While the Foggy Shadow and the Cream differ in their top and bottom housing materials, they both offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The polycarbonate top housing of the Foggy Shadow contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound, while the POM top housing of the Cream produces a deeper and more muted tone. Similarly, both switches benefit from the qualities of their respective bottom housing materials, resulting in a typing experience that is characterized by a fuller sound.
Weight
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch have differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Foggy Shadow has a lighter actuation force, while the Cream has a slightly heavier actuation force. Both switches have a medium-heavy bottom out force, with the Cream being slightly heavier than the Foggy Shadow. The actuation force of the Foggy Shadow is None grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, while the Cream has an actuation force of 55 grams, providing a slightly more substantial push feel. In terms of bottom out force, the Foggy Shadow requires 63.5 grams, while the Cream requires 70 grams. Both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, with the Foggy Shadow being lighter and the Cream being slightly heavier. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. While both switches fall within the standard range of travel distances, the slight difference in length may have an impact on the typing experience. Those looking for a quicker response time may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Foggy Shadow, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the longer travel distance of the NovelKeys Cream. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Kailh NovelKeys Cream has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the NovelKeys Cream for $6.25.
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 Kailh NovelKeys Cream switches fall under the category of low-pitched switches, offering a deeper and more bass-heavy tone compared to higher-pitched switches. The Foggy Shadow is noted for its neutral sound profile, suitable for a variety of settings and users, while the Cream switch is described as resonant, providing a clean and sharp sound experience. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the information provided for the Foggy Shadow switch does not include any specific descriptors, so it is unknown how they compare in tactile feel to the NovelKeys Cream switch. The Cream switch, on the other hand, is described as buttery, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, as well as textured, providing noticeable friction when pressed. Additionally, the Cream switch is labeled as invigorating, offering a firm actuation force and reactive feel for an immersive typing sensation.
Overall, while the sound profile of the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switches may be similar due to their low-pitched nature, their tactile feel differs significantly. The Foggy Shadow is known for its light tactile bump, whereas the Cream switch offers a linear typing experience. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel, users can choose between the light tactility of the Foggy Shadow or the smooth, textured feel of the Cream switch. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences and styles.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when considering whether to choose the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch or the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch, you should first think about your preference for tactile feedback. If you enjoy a light tactile bump and a medium weight feel, the Foggy Shadow switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heftier linear typing experience with a deep sound profile, then the NovelKeys Cream switch would be more suitable. Additionally, if you prefer a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, the Foggy Shadow would be ideal, whereas if you appreciate a low-pitched and resonant sound profile along with a buttery, textured, and invigorating feel, the NovelKeys Cream switch would be a better fit. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you are looking for.
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