Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. Outemu Dustproof Red
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Outemu Dustproof Red 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 Red offer distinct experiences for users. The Aflion Foggy Shadow, a tactile switch, is known for its light tactile bump and 63.5g bottom-out force, providing a balanced performance that appeals to many typists. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Red stands out as a linear switch with no additional tactile feedback. While the Foggy Shadow offers a 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral' typing experience, the Dustproof Red's categorization is not specified. These differences in tactile feedback and typing experience make each switch unique in its own way. 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
60g
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 Red both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiff plastic that enhances clarity and resonance in the sound produced by the switch. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal to the overall design. While both switches share the same material for their top housing, the design and layout may differ, potentially impacting the sound and feel during keypresses.
In contrast, the bottom housing of the Aflion Foggy Shadow consists of nylon, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to polycarbonate. Similarly, the Outemu Dustproof Red also features a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience with a focus on a deeper sound profile. The use of different materials for the top and bottom housing allows for a unique typing experience that combines the qualities of both nylon and polycarbonate for a well-rounded sound and feel.
While the housing materials of the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Outemu Dustproof Red may differ in terms of their top and bottom components, the overall typing experience is likely to be similar due to the combination of stiffer and softer plastics. The split qualities of the bottom and top housing materials contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switch, with the bottom housing emphasizing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound upon key release. Ultimately, both switches offer a unique blend of materials that cater to different preferences in sound and typing experience.
Weight
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Foggy Shadow has an actuation force of None grams, meaning it may be a lighter touch to trigger a keypress compared to the Dustproof Red's actuation force of 45 grams. On the other hand, the Foggy Shadow has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams compared to the Dustproof Red's 60 grams. This means that the Foggy Shadow may provide a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force, while the Dustproof Red may offer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. Overall, those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Dustproof Red, while those who prefer a heavier typing experience may choose the Foggy Shadow.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it shorter than the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Foggy Shadow may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Dustproof Red may provide a more satisfying depth for those who prefer it. Both switches offer unique experiences based on their different travel distances, so choosing between them will depend on personal preference and what type of typing or gaming experience is desired. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will result in different tactile feelings but will still provide reliable 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 Dustproof Red 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
When it comes to sound, the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch offers a low-pitched and neutral tone, providing a bass-heavy and mellow sound experience suitable for various settings and users. On the other hand, information on the sound qualities of the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch is unknown, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect.
Moving on to feel, details about the tactile feel of the Aflion Foggy Shadow switch are not provided. Similarly, information about the feel of the Outemu Dustproof Red switch is not available. Without this information, it is challenging to compare the two switches based on their tactile feedback and overall typing experience.
Taking into consideration the available information, it is evident that the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch boasts a unique low-pitched sound profile and a light tactile bump, which may appeal to those seeking a balanced and slightly tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch lacks detailed descriptions regarding its sound and feel, making it challenging to directly compare it to the Foggy Shadow in these aspects. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing performance.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch or the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch, you should opt for the Foggy Shadow if you prefer a light tactile bump with a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This switch is ideal for those who value balanced performance and a low-pitched, neutral sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force of 60 grams and a linear switch without tactile feedback, the Dustproof Red may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing feel, sound profile, and actuation force.
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