Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. Outemu Brown
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Outemu Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Outemu Brown, both tactile switches. The Aflion Foggy Shadow, known for its Aflion branding, is gaining recognition in the switch market with its latest release. These switches offer a light tactile bump and a medium weight of 63.5g bottom-out force, showcasing Aflion's focus on balanced performance. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown switch, while not as well-known, offers a tactile typing experience. However, beyond these general distinctions, it's important to delve deeper into the specifics of each switch to determine which one best suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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
Polycarbonate
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Outemu Brown, both switches feature polycarbonate for their top housing, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which creates a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate in the top housing is especially beneficial for RGB lighting. On the other hand, the bottom housing of the Foggy Shadow is made of nylon, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Brown's nylon bottom housing. Nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound.
Despite the differences in bottom housing material, the impact of these materials is split between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the bottom housing will be felt, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. In contrast, the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. Both switches offer unique sound profiles due to their housing materials, with the Foggy Shadow boasting a sharper and crisper sound from its polycarbonate top housing, while the Brown provides a deeper and fuller sound thanks to its nylon bottom housing.
While the Foggy Shadow and Outemu Brown utilize different materials for their top and bottom housing, they both offer distinct advantages in sound quality. The stiffer polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches creates a clear and resonant sound, with the added benefit of translucency for RGB lighting. Conversely, the softer nylon bottom housing of each switch absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Whether you prefer the sharpness of the Foggy Shadow or the deeper tones of the Brown, both switches showcase the impact that housing materials can have on sound output in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, it is evident that the Brown switch is lighter in terms of actuation force at 53 grams compared to the Foggy Shadow's unknown force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, both switches fall into the medium-heavy category with the Foggy Shadow at 63.5 grams and the Brown at 65 grams. For users who prefer a lighter actuation force for longer typing sessions, the Outemu Brown switch may be the preferred choice. On the other hand, for those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a slightly heavier actuation force, the Aflion Foggy Shadow switch could be the better option. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference and the specific typing or gaming needs of the user.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, it is clear that the Foggy Shadow has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Brown has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Foggy Shadow may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Brown may provide a more satisfying depth for those who prefer a greater tactile feedback when typing. 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 Outemu Brown 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 offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, lending a mellow tone that is suitable for a variety of environments. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown tactile switch does not have any specific sound descriptors available, making it a bit more unpredictable in terms of sound output. However, with the right setup including a compatible keyboard and keycaps, users can customize the sound profile to their liking for both switches.
Moving on to feel, the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch doesn't have specific feel descriptors available, which could indicate a more subtle tactile bump that offers a smooth typing experience. Similarly, the Outemu Brown tactile switch also lacks specific feel descriptors, suggesting a general tactile experience without any extreme characteristics. Both switches are designed to provide a comfortable typing experience without unnecessary distractions, catering to users who value consistency and reliability in their mechanical keyboards.
In conclusion, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and Outemu Brown tactile switches both offer a balanced performance with moderate tactile feedback and sound profiles. While the Foggy Shadow leans towards a low-pitched sound with a light tactile bump, the Brown switch provides a neutral sound and general tactile experience. Ultimately, users can expect a comparable typing experience with both switches, ensuring that they can achieve similar results in terms of sound and feel depending on their personal preferences and setup.
Conclusion
Therefore, when choosing between the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a lighter tactile bump with a slightly lower bottom-out force, the Foggy Shadow may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier tactile bump with a slightly higher bottom-out force, the Outemu Brown switch would be more suitable. Additionally, if you prefer a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, the Foggy Shadow is a good choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences in terms of typing feel, sound, and actuation force.
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