Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. Outemu Crystal Brown
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Outemu Crystal Brown both fall under the tactile switch category, offering a satisfying tactile bump for a tactile typing experience. The Aflion Foggy Shadow, known for its rapidly growing popularity in the switch market, features a very light tactile bump and a bottom-out force of 63.5g, providing a medium weight feel that strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown, while lacking in specific renown, also offers a tactile typing experience but lacks detailed information regarding its characteristics. If you are looking for a switch with a light tactile bump and medium weight, the Aflion Foggy Shadow may be the ideal choice. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
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
Both the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Outemu Crystal Brown feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate. This material allows for a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. In terms of aesthetics, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the visual appeal of the switches, giving them a sleek and modern look.
On the other hand, both switches also have nylon bottom housings, a classic switch housing material that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is softer than polycarbonate, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound. This material is essential for contributing to the overall typing experience, as it impacts the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.
Despite the differences in top and bottom housing materials between the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Outemu Crystal Brown, the qualities brought by each material are essential for achieving the desired sound profile and typing experience. While the top housing affects the sound when pressing down on a key, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel. Ultimately, both switches provide unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in terms of sound and typing feedback.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, we can see significant differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Foggy Shadow has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is considered medium-heavy, while its actuation force is unknown. On the other hand, the Crystal Brown has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is medium-light. This means that the Crystal Brown requires less force to trigger a keystroke compared to the Foggy Shadow. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Crystal Brown would be the ideal choice, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. However, for users who prefer a more substantial and tactile feel when typing, the Foggy Shadow with its heavier bottom out force could provide a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is slightly shorter than the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. While both switches offer a decent amount of travel distance for tactile feedback, the Foggy Shadow provides a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, the Crystal Brown offers a bit more depth for those who prefer a more traditional key press feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference in terms of travel distance and key press responsiveness.
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 Crystal 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
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch is praised for its low-pitched sound profile, providing a mellow and bass-heavy tone that many users find appealing. Additionally, its neutral actuation force requirement makes it suitable for a wide range of users and purposes. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch does not have any specific information available regarding its sound profile.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, there is currently no information available for either the Foggy Shadow or the Crystal Brown tactile switch. Without this information, it is challenging to make a direct comparison between the two in terms of tactile feedback and typing experience.
Overall, while the sound qualities of the Aflion Foggy Shadow switch are known to be low-pitched and neutral, there is limited information on the sound and feel of the Outemu Crystal Brown switch. In terms of feel, without specific details on either switch, it is difficult to make a comprehensive comparison based on objective qualities. For those seeking a light tactile bump and medium weight in a switch, the Aflion Foggy Shadow may be a suitable choice. However, for those interested in the Outemu Crystal Brown, further research or personal experience may be necessary to determine its suitability for individual preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, consider your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Foggy Shadow with its 63.5 grams would be a good choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force, the Crystal Brown with its 55 grams would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and typing style, so choose the switch that aligns best with your needs for a satisfying typing experience.
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