Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. Outemu Dustproof Green
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Outemu Dustproof Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Outemu Dustproof Green offer unique characteristics to consider. The Foggy Shadow, a tactile switch from Aflion, stands out for its light tactile bump and medium weight with a 63.5g bottom-out force. On the other hand, the Dustproof Green from Outemu is a clicky switch that doesn't have much information available about it. The Foggy Shadow provides a satisfying typing experience with its tactile feedback, while the Dustproof Green's clicky nature might appeal to those who enjoy auditory feedback. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
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
Aflion's Foggy Shadow and Outemu's Dustproof Green both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate. The translucency of polycarbonate is especially beneficial for switches intended to be used with RGB lighting. However, the difference lies in the bottom housing material. The Foggy Shadow utilizes a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Dustproof Green also uses a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar experience in terms of sound profile compared to the Foggy Shadow.
In terms of sound production and typing experience, the differences between the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Outemu Dustproof Green lie primarily in the bottom housing material. While both switches share the benefits of having a polycarbonate top housing, which enhances sound quality and clarity, the nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to a distinct sound profile. The use of nylon in the bottom housing creates a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper and crisper sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing. This difference in material composition affects the overall typing experience and sound output of each switch.
When it comes to the impact of the housing materials on the typing experience, the split between the bottom and top housing plays a crucial role. The bottom housing material, whether it is nylon or polycarbonate, influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when a key is pressed. On the other hand, the top housing material, in this case, polycarbonate for both the Foggy Shadow and Dustproof Green, affects the sound produced when a key is released. Understanding how the combination of housing materials contributes to the overall sound profile and typing experience can help users choose the switch that best suits their preferences and needs.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch, we see a clear difference in weight. The Foggy Shadow has an actuation force of None grams, making it lighter in terms of initial pressure required to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, the Dustproof Green has an actuation force of 65 grams, making it heavier in this aspect. Both switches have a bottom out force of 63.5 grams and 80 grams, respectively, resulting in the Foggy Shadow being lighter overall compared to the Dustproof Green. This means that typing on the Foggy Shadow may require less effort and be more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming, while the Dustproof Green offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference regarding typing feel and pressure sensitivity.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it shorter than the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Foggy Shadow's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Dustproof Green's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying key press for those who enjoy a deeper feel. Both switches offer unique experiences based on their travel distances, so choosing between them will ultimately depend on individual preference for key press depth.
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 Dustproof Green 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 profile, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. With a neutral feel that appeals to both beginners and advanced users, the Foggy Shadow offers a light tactile bump with a 63.5g bottom-out force, striking a balance between performance and comfort. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch's sound profile is unknown, making it difficult to compare with the Foggy Shadow in this aspect. Similarly, information regarding the feel of the Dustproof Green switch is unavailable for comparison.
Overall, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a low-pitched sound profile and a light tactile bump, the Aflion Foggy Shadow would be a suitable choice. However, if you are intrigued by the Dustproof feature of the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch, keep in mind that the sound and feel of this switch may vary and should be considered based on personal preference and typing style. In either case, both switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences, and experimenting with them in various setups can help determine the best fit for your mechanical keyboard needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a lighter tactile bump and a medium-heavy bottom-out force, the Aflion Foggy Shadow would be a great choice. The Foggy Shadow offers a balanced performance with its 63.5g bottom-out force, making it suitable for a wide range of typing preferences. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavy bottom-out force and a clicky switch, the Outemu Dustproof Green would be more suitable for you. With an 80g bottom-out force, the Dustproof Green provides a satisfying clicky feedback for those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile and audible typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would depend on your personal preference for tactile feedback and bottom-out force.
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