Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Aflion Foggy Shadow, a tactile switch, and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean, a linear switch. The Foggy Shadow from Aflion stands out for its light tactile bump and 63.5g bottom-out force, offering a balance of medium weight that enhances overall performance. On the other hand, the Dustproof Silent Ocean from Outemu is unique for its silent operation with dustproof properties. While the Foggy Shadow is known for its low-pitched and neutral sound profile, the Dustproof Silent Ocean lacks a specific categorization. Each switch has its own strengths, whether it be the tactile feedback of the Foggy Shadow or the silent operation of the Dustproof Silent Ocean. 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 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 Dustproof Silent Ocean utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through the housing for a visually appealing effect.
In terms of the bottom housing, both switches feature nylon, a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that enhances the typing experience. Despite the differences in the top and bottom housings, the qualities of each material are still present in both switches, contributing to overall sound and feel.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in both the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean plays a significant role in the sound and feel of the switches. While polycarbonate in the top housing creates a clear and resonant sound, nylon in the bottom housing adds depth and fullness to the typing experience. Whether you prefer a sharper sound profile with a crisper feel or a deeper sound profile with a rounder feel, both switches offer unique 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 Silent Ocean linear switch, it is clear that the Dustproof Silent Ocean is the lighter of the two with an actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Foggy Shadow's unknown force. However, both switches have a medium-heavy bottom out force with the Foggy Shadow at 63.5 grams and the Dustproof Silent Ocean at 65 grams. Despite the difference in actuation force, both switches provide a similar typing experience when it comes to bottoming out, making them suitable options for those who prefer a medium-heavy feel. The weight of a switch is a crucial factor to consider based on personal preferences, with lighter switches being favored for longer typing sessions and heavier switches offering a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on whether the user prefers a slightly lighter actuation force or a slightly heavier one for their typing needs.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5mm, while the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for gamers looking for faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may be noticeable to some users. Gamers who prefer a bit more depth in their keystrokes may find the Foggy Shadow more suitable, while those looking for a slightly quicker key press may opt for the Dustproof Silent Ocean. Overall, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to traditional switches, providing a responsive typing experience.
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 Silent Ocean 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 is best suited for those who prefer a low-pitched and neutral tone. The low-pitched sound provides a bass-heavy and mellow experience, while the neutral profile offers a moderate actuation force suitable for various purposes. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch's sound qualities are unknown, so it's difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect.
Moving on to feel, the Foggy Shadow offers a very light tactile bump, which may appeal to those looking for a switch with a subtle tactile feedback. With a 63.5g bottom-out force, these switches provide a balanced medium weight that can enhance typing comfort. Unfortunately, information on the feel of the Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch is unavailable, making it challenging to determine how it compares to the Foggy Shadow in this regard.
In conclusion, the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch stands out for its low-pitched and neutral sound profile, as well as its light tactile bump and medium weight. While the qualities of the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch remain unknown, individuals seeking a switch with these specific qualities may find the Foggy Shadow to be a suitable choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference in sound and feel, as well as any additional features that may sway your decision.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a light tactile bump with a medium weight bottom-out force, the Foggy Shadow may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a slightly higher bottom-out force and a silent operation, the Dustproof Silent Ocean could be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you will be using the keyboard. Happy typing!
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