Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. Outemu Lotus
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Outemu Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are endless options to choose from, each offering a unique typing experience. Two popular choices in the market are the Aflion Foggy Shadow, a tactile switch, and the Outemu Lotus, a linear switch. The Foggy Shadow by Aflion stands out for its light tactile bump and 63.5g bottom-out force, providing a balanced performance for users who prefer medium weight switches. On the other hand, the Lotus by Outemu is known for its linear actuation, offering a smooth keystroke without any tactile bump. While the Foggy Shadow is categorized as 'Low-pitched' and 'Neutral', the Lotus falls under a different category. Both switches have their own merits and reasons why you might consider choosing them for your keyboard setup. 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
35g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
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 Lotus both feature nylon bottom housings, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's softness and sound absorption properties. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon housings. However, the Foggy Shadow stands out with its polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffness leads to a more clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal choice for those looking for a switch with a distinctive sound quality. In contrast, the Lotus features a nylon top housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound but lacks the sharpness and clarity of polycarbonate.
In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Aflion Foggy Shadow allows for RGB lighting to shine through, creating a visually appealing experience for users who prioritize lighting customization. On the other hand, the Outemu Lotus's nylon top housing may not be as visually striking, but it still provides a classic switch housing material known for its sound qualities. Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, highlighting the importance of the material's impact on the overall sound experience. While the two switches offer different sound profiles due to their housing materials, they ultimately provide users with a choice between a crisper, more resonant sound (Foggy Shadow) and a deeper, fuller sound (Lotus).
Overall, the choice between the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Outemu Lotus will depend on individual preferences for sound profile and aesthetics. The Foggy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing offers a unique sound experience with its sharp and clear tones, ideal for those seeking a distinctive sound profile. In contrast, the Lotus's nylon top and bottom housings provide a traditional switch sound that is deeper and fuller, catering to users who prefer a more classic typing experience. While both switches have nylon bottom housings, the different top housings differentiate their sound profiles, allowing users to choose based on their preference for sound quality and visual aesthetics.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch, it's evident that the Lotus is the lighter of the two while the Foggy Shadow is the heavier. The Foggy Shadow has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it medium-heavy, with an unknown actuation force. In contrast, the Lotus has a lower actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, classifying it as a lighter option. For those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, the Foggy Shadow would be the suitable choice due to its higher bottom out force. On the other hand, individuals seeking a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions may find the Lotus more comfortable to use. Ultimately, the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in the typing experience and preference of keyboard users.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for users looking for faster response times, such as gamers. The slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be noticeable to most users, as they are quite similar. However, if one prefers a slightly longer travel distance for a more substantial key press feel, the Aflion Foggy Shadow may be the preferred choice. Conversely, those looking for a slightly quicker response may lean towards the Outemu Lotus for its slightly shorter travel distance. Ultimately, both switches offer a good balance between key press depth and speed, catering to a variety of preferences.
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 Lotus 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, which offers a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. This sound profile, combined with a neutral feel that suits most intents and purposes, makes the Foggy Shadow a versatile option for both beginners and advanced users alike. On the other hand, information on the sound and feel of the Outemu Lotus linear switch is currently unknown. However, based on the characteristics of the Foggy Shadow, it can be assumed that the Lotus may also provide a similar neutral sound profile, making it a suitable choice for a variety of typing environments.
In conclusion, the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch stands out for its balanced performance with a light tactile bump and medium weight, making it a reliable option for a wide range of users. While the sound and feel qualities of the Outemu Lotus linear switch remain unknown, the Foggy Shadow's characteristics suggest that it can provide a similar versatile and pleasant typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences, and choosing between the two would depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a light tactile bump, the Aflion Foggy Shadow would be a great choice for you, especially if you appreciate switches with a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a linear feel without any tactile bump, the Outemu Lotus may be more suitable for your typing needs. Consider factors such as typing speed, comfort, and sound preference to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique features and it's important to choose the one that aligns best with your typing preferences.
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