Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. Gateron Oil King (V2)
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Gateron Oil King (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Aflion Foggy Shadow, a tactile switch, showcases its signature light tactile bump and 63.5g bottom-out force, offering a balanced and medium weight typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King, a linear switch, provides a smooth and creamy typing experience, with a sound profile likened to the snap of a dark chocolate bar. Both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different preferences - whether you prefer a light tactile bump or a smooth linear feel. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Gateron Oil King both use different materials for their housing components, with the Foggy Shadow featuring a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, while the Oil King utilizes a nylon top housing and a proprietary INK blend bottom housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Foggy Shadow creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, ideal for those looking for a clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Oil King produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, offering a more rounded and duller sound.
When it comes to the bottom housings, both switches use a softer material to absorb sound, with the Foggy Shadow's nylon bottom housing providing a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the Oil King's proprietary INK blend bottom housing results in a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, described as clacky. While the top housing material influences the sound when pressing down on a key, the bottom housing material affects the bottom-out sound and feel. Overall, both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their choice of housing materials.
In terms of aesthetics, the Foggy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing is translucent, making it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. In comparison, the Oil King's nylon top housing does not offer the same translucency but provides a classic look. Both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in influencing the sound profile and overall feel of a mechanical keyboard switch. Whether you prefer a sharper, higher-pitched sound or a deeper, fuller sound, each switch offers a distinct auditory experience based on their housing materials.
Weight
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has an actuation force of None grams, while the Gateron Oil King linear switch has an actuation force of 55 grams. Both switches have a bottom out force of 63.5 grams and 65 grams, respectively, making them both medium-heavy switches. In terms of weight, the Oil King is lighter in terms of actuation force compared to the Foggy Shadow. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Oil King for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may enjoy the heavier actuation force of the Foggy Shadow for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and weight.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Oil King linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Oil King has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Foggy Shadow. The difference may not be significant, but for those who prefer a bit more depth in their keypress, the Oil King might be the preferred choice. On the other hand, the Foggy Shadow's slightly shorter travel distance could cater to those looking for a quicker response time, especially in gaming scenarios. Both switches offer a good balance between travel distance and key feel, ensuring that users will get a satisfying typing experience regardless of their 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 Gateron Oil King (V2) comes in at $6.50 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, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and Gateron Oil King both fall into the category of low-pitched switches, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone during key presses. However, the Oil King is described as having a bassy sound profile, providing a deeper and richer tone compared to the more neutral sound of the Foggy Shadow. Depending on other factors like the keyboard and keycaps used, the sound of these switches may vary slightly, but overall, you can expect a similar low-pitched tone from both.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Foggy Shadow is not described in the provided information, while the Gateron Oil King is praised for its creamy, silky, buttery, and polished typing experience. These descriptors indicate that the Oil King offers a smooth and effortless keystroke sensation, making typing feel pleasant and friction-free. Without specific descriptors for the Foggy Shadow, it is difficult to directly compare the tactile feel of these switches, but based on the information available, users can likely expect a more refined and polished typing experience from the Oil King.
Overall, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and Gateron Oil King switches both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While both switches fall into the low-pitched sound category, the Oil King provides a deeper and richer tone compared to the Foggy Shadow's more neutral sound profile. When it comes to feel, the Oil King stands out for its creamy, silky, buttery, and polished typing experience, emphasizing smoothness and ease of keystrokes. Without specific descriptors for the Foggy Shadow's feel, users can still expect a balanced performance and medium weight with a light tactile bump. Ultimately, both switches are likely to provide a satisfying typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you prefer a light tactile bump and balanced performance, the Foggy Shadow with its 63.5g bottom-out force might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a buttery smooth typing experience and a sound profile reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping, the Oil King with its 65g bottom-out force could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the typing feel you desire.
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