Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. Bsun Olive
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Bsun Olive switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the BSUN Olive stand out as excellent options in the tactile switch category. The Aflion Foggy Shadow, with its light tactile bump and 63.5g bottom-out force, offers a balanced and medium-weight typing experience that caters to those seeking a comfortable yet responsive key press. On the other hand, the BSUN Olive switches boast an all-POM housing that delivers a deep, resonant sound, coupled with pronounced tactile feedback and a sharp bottom-out feel. While the Foggy Shadow is characterized as 'Low-pitched' and 'Neutral', the Olive switch is labeled as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', and 'Snappy'. Each switch has its own unique selling points, but which one is best for you? 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
45g
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
3.40 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Aflion Foggy Shadow and Bsun Olive both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. While the Foggy Shadow features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper and higher-pitched sound, the Olive utilizes a POM top housing that produces a deeper and more muted sound. This contrast in sound profiles can significantly impact the overall typing experience for users, with the polycarbonate providing a clear and resonant sound and the POM offering a more subdued and pleasing tone.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Foggy Shadow incorporates a nylon bottom housing that enhances the sound profile by creating a deeper and fuller sound. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive also uses POM for its bottom housing, resulting in a similar deep and muted sound. Despite the difference in materials, both switches offer a rich and round sound profile that complements the overall typing experience. The choice between nylon and POM bottom housing ultimately comes down to personal preference and the desired sound profile for the user.
Overall, the combination of different housing materials in the Aflion Foggy Shadow and Bsun Olive switches creates a unique typing experience for users. The split between top and bottom housing materials allows for a balance between impact and sound when pressing down on the switch, as well as when letting go of a key. Whether one prefers the sharper sound of polycarbonate or the deeper sound of POM, both switches offer high-quality housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. Ultimately, the choice between the Foggy Shadow and Olive will come down to individual preferences in sound and typing feel.
Weight
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is medium-heavy, while the Bsun Olive tactile switch has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 65 grams. The actuation force of the Foggy Shadow is not specified, while the Olive has an actuation force of 45 grams. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Olive switch due to its lower actuation force, allowing for more extended typing sessions. However, the Foggy Shadow may appeal to those who desire a more substantial typing experience with a slightly heavier bottom out force. Overall, both switches fall within the medium-heavy range in terms of bottom out force, providing a satisfying keystroke feel for users.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Bsun Olive tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular with gamers for quicker response times. The slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be noticeable to most users, as they both offer a similar experience in terms of key press depth. Those who prefer a slightly deeper key press may opt for the Foggy Shadow with its 3.5 mm travel distance, while individuals seeking an even quicker response time may lean towards the Bsun Olive with its slightly shorter 3.4 mm travel distance. Ultimately, both switches provide a comparable typing experience with minimal variation in travel distance.
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 Bsun Olive has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Olive for $4.70.
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 auditory experience, creating a more bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for a variety of settings. On the other hand, the BSUN Olive switches produce a resonant, deep sound that is unique due to their all-POM housings. The Olive switches stand out with their pronounced tactile feedback, ensuring a satisfying auditory experience during use. Depending on other factors like the keyboard and keycaps, both switches can provide distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
Moving on to feel, the Aflion Foggy Shadow is known for its light tactile bump, but specific descriptors for its feel are not available. In contrast, the BSUN Olive switches offer an accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy tactile experience. The unique design of the Olive switches, combined with the long pole stem, results in a tactile feedback that is prominent and enjoyable, making typing feel immersive and responsive. While the Foggy Shadow's feel is not detailed, users can expect a balanced tactile experience with a light bump, while the Olive's tactile feedback is highlighted by its specific design features for enhanced typing sensation.
In conclusion, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and BSUN Olive switches each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Foggy Shadow provides a light tactile bump and a neutral, low-pitched sound profile, while the Olive switches deliver a deep, resonant sound with an invigorating and sharp tactile feel. Depending on personal preference and the desired typing experience, users can choose between the balanced performance of the Foggy Shadow or the distinct tactile feedback of the Olive switches. Overall, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, with the Foggy Shadow providing a more general, versatile option, while the Olive switches cater to those seeking a pronounced tactile feel and resonant sound.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a light tactile bump, medium-weight actuation force, and a low-pitched sound profile, the Aflion Foggy Shadow may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a pronounced tactile feedback, a deep and resonant sound, and an invigorating typing experience, the Bsun Olive switch with its all-POM housing and unique design might be more appealing. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and overall typing experience.
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