Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. Outemu Cream Pink
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Outemu Cream Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Outemu Cream Pink offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Aflion Foggy Shadow, a tactile switch, stands out for its light tactile bump and medium weight bottom-out force of 63.5g, striking a balance between performance and comfort. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Pink, a linear switch, provides a smooth keystroke without any tactile feedback, offering a different typing experience. While the Foggy Shadow is categorized as 'Low-pitched' and 'Neutral', the Cream Pink lacks specific categorizations. Choosing between the two ultimately depends on personal preferences and typing style. 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
2.00 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
Both the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Outemu Cream Pink feature nylon bottom housings, which elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics. However, the Foggy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, while the Cream Pink's nylon top housing produces a duller and rounder sound. This contrast in sound profiles between the top housings of the two switches highlights the impact that different housing materials can have on the overall typing experience.
In terms of aesthetics, the Foggy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing is clear and translucent, which is especially useful for showcasing RGB lighting. In comparison, the Cream Pink's nylon top housing does not offer the same level of translucency. While the materials differ in this aspect, both switches still offer unique visual appeal based on their housing materials. Additionally, the use of different top and bottom housing materials in each switch adds to the overall complexity of how they sound and feel during typing, showcasing the importance of housing material selection in switch design.
Overall, the contrasting housing materials of the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Outemu Cream Pink demonstrate the diverse range of sound profiles that can be achieved through different materials. While the Foggy Shadow leans towards a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate top housing, the Cream Pink provides a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon top housing. Both switches offer their own unique typing experience based on the combination of top and bottom housing materials, showcasing how material selection plays a crucial role in switch design and ultimately impacts the user experience.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, it is clear that the Cream Pink is lighter in both aspects. The Foggy Shadow has an actuation force of None grams, making it difficult to determine the exact force required, while the Cream Pink has a defined actuation force of 50 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Foggy Shadow requires 63.5 grams, while the Cream Pink requires 65 grams. Despite the differences in force requirements, both switches fall into the medium-heavy category. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Cream Pink may be the better option. However, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may prefer the slightly heavier actuation force of the Foggy Shadow. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it shorter than the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. While both switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm distance, the Foggy Shadow offers a slightly quicker response time for those seeking a faster typing or gaming experience. On the other hand, the Cream Pink provides a bit more depth and feedback for users who prefer a more pronounced key press sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference regarding travel distance and how it affects typing or gaming performance.
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 Pink 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 is known for its low-pitched sound, offering a mellow and bass-heavy tone that is considered neutral in terms of actuation force requirement and sound profile. This makes it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch's sound qualities are unknown.
When it comes to feel, the specific qualities of both the Foggy Shadow and Cream Pink switches are not provided. However, based on the information available, it can be assumed that the Foggy Shadow's light tactile bump and 63.5g bottom-out force offer a balanced tactile experience, while the Cream Pink's linear design likely provides a smooth and consistent keystroke with no tactile bump.
Overall, the Foggy Shadow and Cream Pink switches offer different tactile and sound experiences. The Foggy Shadow excels in providing a light tactile bump and a low-pitched, neutral sound profile, making it a versatile option for various users. On the other hand, the Cream Pink's linear design may appeal to those who prefer a smooth keystroke without any tactile feedback. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for feel and sound.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a light tactile bump and a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Aflion Foggy Shadow would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a similar bottom out force but no tactile bump, the Outemu Cream Pink might be more suitable for your typing preferences. Consider these factors when deciding which switch would best cater to your typing style and make your mechanical keyboard experience even more enjoyable.
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