Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. Outemu Blue Jade
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Outemu Blue Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
In the world of mechanical keyboards, two standout switches to consider are the Aflion Foggy Shadow, a tactile switch, and the Outemu Blue Jade, a clicky switch. The Foggy Shadow by Aflion is making waves with its light tactile bump and medium weight of 63.5g, striking a perfect balance between performance and comfort. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue Jade is praised for its satisfying clicky sound. While the Foggy Shadow is categorized as 'Low-pitched' and 'Neutral', the Blue Jade doesn't fall into any specific category. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences, making them appealing choices for keyboard enthusiasts. 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Outemu Blue Jade both feature nylon bottom housings, which result in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switches. This is due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. However, the Foggy Shadow stands out with its polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency.
In terms of housing materials, the Foggy Shadow and Blue Jade differ in their top housings, with the Foggy Shadow featuring polycarbonate while the Blue Jade uses nylon. While nylon top housings create a deeper and fuller sound profile, the polycarbonate top housing of the Foggy Shadow produces a more sharp and clear sound. This difference in material affects not only the sound profile but also the overall aesthetics, as clear housings are more likely to be made of polycarbonate. The use of different materials in the top housings showcases the impact that housing material can have on the sound and feel of a switch.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches such as the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Outemu Blue Jade can significantly impact the typing experience. The split between nylon bottom housing and either polycarbonate or nylon top housing allows for a combination of qualities in terms of sound profile and feel. The bottom housing will have a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will influence the sound when releasing a key. Understanding the characteristics of different housing materials is crucial for customizable keyboard enthusiasts looking to tailor their typing experience to their preferences.
Weight
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch both fall into the medium-heavy category when it comes to bottom out force. However, the Blue Jade is slightly lighter, with an actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Foggy Shadow's unknown actuation force. Both switches provide a satisfying push feel for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. The Foggy Shadow may offer a slightly lighter touch due to its unknown actuation force, making it potentially more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. Meanwhile, the Blue Jade's slightly heavier actuation force may appeal to individuals seeking a more deliberate keystroke. Overall, both switches are capable of delivering optimal performance, but the slight differences in actuation force may cater to different preferences in typing feel.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it a slightly shorter option compared to the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch with a 4 mm travel distance. While both switches provide a satisfying feel when pressed, the Foggy Shadow offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, perfect for gamers looking for speed and efficiency. On the other hand, the Blue Jade's longer travel distance allows for a more substantial keypress, ideal for those who prefer a more tactile and deliberate typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and typing style. Both switches offer unique advantages depending on individual needs, ensuring a satisfying typing experience regardless of the option chosen.
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 Outemu Blue Jade comes in at $3.10 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 tactile switch is known for its low-pitched and neutral sound profile. The low-pitched nature of these switches provides a bass-heavy and mellow tone, which can be pleasant for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch does not have any specific sound descriptors provided, so it is difficult to directly compare the sound qualities between the two switches. However, clicky switches like the Blue Jade are generally known for producing a crisp and audible click with each keystroke.
In terms of feel, unfortunately, there isn't specific information available for either the Aflion Foggy Shadow or the Outemu Blue Jade switches. However, based on the fact that the Foggy Shadow is a tactile switch with a light tactile bump and a 63.5g bottom-out force, it can be inferred that this switch may offer a gentle and responsive typing experience. Clicky switches like the Blue Jade typically provide tactile feedback as well, with an audible click confirming each key press.
Overall, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and Outemu Blue Jade switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and potentially feel. While the Foggy Shadow boasts a low-pitched and neutral sound profile with a light tactile bump, the Blue Jade is a clicky switch known for producing audible clicks with each keystroke. Depending on personal preference and typing style, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, with the Foggy Shadow offering a quieter option compared to the potentially louder Blue Jade. Experimenting with different switches on various boards and keycaps can further customize the typing experience to suit individual needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth typing experience with a balanced tactile bump and medium weight, the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a clicky switch with a slightly higher bottom-out force and a more pronounced tactile feedback, the Outemu Blue Jade switch might be the better option for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preference in terms of typing feel and sound profile. Consider trying out both switches to see which one suits your typing style and preferences best.
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