Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. Outemu Cream Blue
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Outemu Cream Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Outemu Cream Blue offer distinct options to consider. The Aflion Foggy Shadow, a tactile switch, is gaining recognition for its light tactile bump and 63.5g bottom-out force, striking a balance between responsiveness and comfort. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Blue stands out as a clicky switch but lacks a clear categorization in terms of sound profile. Depending on your preferences, the Foggy Shadow may appeal to those seeking a tactile typing experience, while the Cream Blue could be favored by those who enjoy the audible feedback of a clicky switch. 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
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Outemu Cream Blue both have unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Foggy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the Cream Blue's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound. The contrast between the two materials is evident in the type of sound they produce, with polycarbonate offering a clear and resonant sound, and nylon offering a duller and rounder sound. Despite these differences, both materials have their own advantages when it comes to creating a unique typing experience.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Foggy Shadow and the Cream Blue utilize nylon, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows for more sound absorption, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing on the switches. This consistency in bottom housing material between the two switches highlights the importance of the material in determining the overall sound profile of a switch. While the top housing may have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.
Overall, the choice between polycarbonate and nylon for the housing materials of a switch ultimately depends on the sound profile and typing experience desired by the user. While polycarbonate may offer a sharper and crisper sound, nylon provides a deeper and fuller sound that some may prefer. Both materials have their own unique characteristics that contribute to the overall typing experience, highlighting the importance of housing materials in the customization of mechanical keyboards. Whether opting for the Foggy Shadow or the Cream Blue, users can expect a distinct sound profile based on the housing materials chosen.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch, it is evident that the Cream Blue requires a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Foggy Shadow's unknown force. However, both switches have a similar medium-heavy bottom out force, with the Foggy Shadow at 63.5 grams and the Cream Blue at 65 grams. This means that while the Cream Blue may offer a lighter initial typing experience, both switches provide a similar substantial feel when fully pressed. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on individual preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch, the Foggy Shadow has a travel distance of 3.5 mm while the Cream Blue has a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Cream Blue the switch with a longer travel distance compared to the Foggy Shadow, which has a slightly shorter travel distance. The 0.5 mm difference may not seem significant, but it can impact the overall typing experience. Gamers who prioritize faster response times might prefer the shorter travel distance of the Foggy Shadow, while those who enjoy a deeper key press may lean towards the Cream Blue. Both switches offer a tactile experience, but the slight difference in travel distance can cater to different preferences.
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 Cream Blue 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
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a low-pitched sound profile, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. The switch also has a neutral feel, with a very light tactile bump and a 63.5g bottom-out force, providing a balanced performance for users. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch's sound profile is unknown. However, with clicky switches typically having a distinct and satisfying sound, the Cream Blue is likely to produce a crisp click when actuated.
In terms of feel, since there is no specific information available for either switch, it is recommended to try them out personally to determine which suits your preferences. The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch is likely to offer a light tactile bump, providing a responsive typing experience. The Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch, being a clicky switch, will offer a tactile bump along with an audible click sound upon actuation, making it ideal for users who enjoy auditory feedback while typing.
Overall, both the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences. If you enjoy a low-pitched sound with a light tactile bump, the Foggy Shadow is a great option. On the other hand, if you prefer a clicky switch with a satisfying tactile bump and audible click sound, the Cream Blue is likely to be a better fit. Ultimately, the best way to determine which switch is right for you is to try them out firsthand and see which one feels and sounds the best to you.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch, consider your preference for a light tactile bump with a 63.5g bottom-out force in the case of the Foggy Shadow. This switch is ideal for those looking for a balanced performance and a low-pitched, neutral sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a clicky switch with a slightly higher bottom-out force of 65g, the Cream Blue might be the better option for you. Ultimately, your choice should be based on your personal preference for tactile feedback and sound profile in your mechanical keyboard switches.
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