Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. Outemu Dustproof Purple
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Outemu Dustproof Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Outemu Dustproof Purple offer distinct features that cater to different preferences. The Foggy Shadow, a tactile switch from Aflion, stands out for its light tactile bump and medium weight of 63.5g bottom-out force. This switch is known for its balanced performance and falls under the categories of 'Low-pitched' and 'Neutral'. On the other hand, the Dustproof Purple by Outemu is a clicky switch that doesn't have much information available. While the Foggy Shadow is ideal for those looking for a moderate tactile feedback, the Dustproof Purple may attract those who prefer a clicky typing experience. 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
55g
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
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
The Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Outemu Dustproof Purple both use polycarbonate for their top housing material, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This makes them ideal choices for switches that will be used with RGB lighting, thanks to their translucency. However, while the materials are the same, the design and construction of the housings may differ slightly, leading to subtle variations in sound and feel.
In terms of bottom housing material, both the Foggy Shadow and the Dustproof Purple utilize nylon, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. Nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. Again, while the material choice is the same for both switches, the specific design and construction of the bottom housing may impact the overall typing experience.
Overall, both the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Outemu Dustproof Purple offer unique sound profiles and typing experiences due to their choice of housing materials. While they both feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharper sound and nylon bottom housings for a deeper sound, differences in design and construction may lead to subtle variations in overall performance. Whether looking for a sharp and crisp sound or a deeper and fuller sound, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch, it is evident that both switches fall into the medium-heavy category in terms of bottom out force. However, the Dustproof Purple switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Foggy Shadow, which has an unknown actuation force. Despite this slight difference, both switches provide a substantial typing experience with a solid push feel. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions, the Dustproof Purple may be the better option. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more pronounced push feel may lean towards the Foggy Shadow. Ultimately, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, with the choice between them coming down to personal preference.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The 3.5 mm travel distance of the Foggy Shadow makes it a better choice for those looking for quicker response times, particularly gamers who value speed in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the 4 mm travel distance of the Dustproof Purple may appeal to individuals who prefer a more substantial key press with a bit more depth. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the type of typing or gaming experience desired.
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 Purple 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
Overall, when comparing the subjective qualities of the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch, we find that the Foggy Shadow offers a light tactile bump and a low-pitched, neutral sound profile. On the other hand, information about the Dustproof Purple switch is not provided, making it difficult to directly compare the two switches in terms of feel and sound. However, based on the known qualities of the Foggy Shadow, it is likely that the Dustproof Purple switch may provide a different tactile experience and sound profile. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific requirements of the user.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a light tactile bump and a medium weight bottom-out force, the Foggy Shadow may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a clicky switch with a slightly higher bottom-out force, the Dustproof Purple could be more suitable. Additionally, if you prefer a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, the Foggy Shadow may be more appealing. Ultimately, it all comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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