Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. Outemu Maple Leaf
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Outemu Maple Leaf switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Outemu Maple Leaf, both of which fall under the tactile switch category. The Aflion Foggy Shadow stands out for its light tactile bump and a 63.5g bottom-out force, offering a balanced and medium weight typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Maple Leaf does not have a specific reputation in terms of branding but is still a solid choice with its tactile feedback. The Maple Leaf switch, however, lacks specific details regarding its characteristics. If you are looking for a switch that provides a light tactile bump, the Aflion Foggy Shadow may be the way to go. Meanwhile, the Outemu Maple Leaf could be a reliable option for those seeking a tactile typing experience without specific brand preferences. 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
2.30 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
In comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Outemu Maple Leaf, one key difference is the material used for the top housing. The Foggy Shadow utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature. In contrast, the Maple Leaf features a nylon top housing, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. While the Foggy Shadow's top housing is better suited for RGB lighting due to its translucency, the Maple Leaf's nylon top housing offers a more classic typing experience.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Foggy Shadow and the Maple Leaf share the use of nylon material. This choice results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches from both brands, as nylon's softness absorbs more sound than harder plastics. The impact of the bottom housing is significant on the overall sound and feel of bottom-out actions, providing a consistent typing experience across both switches. However, the difference in top housing materials between the two models may result in a slightly varied sound when releasing a key.
Overall, the housing materials of the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Outemu Maple Leaf play a crucial role in determining the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. While the Foggy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper, crisper sound with potential for RGB lighting effects, the Maple Leaf's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile. Both switches share a nylon bottom housing, ensuring a consistent typing experience with a focus on sound absorption. Whether one prefers the stiffer and more resonant sound of polycarbonate or the softer, more absorbent sound of nylon, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, we can see that the Maple Leaf requires a slightly lighter actuation force at 55 grams compared to the Foggy Shadow's unspecified force. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force with the Foggy Shadow at 63.5 grams and the Maple Leaf at 65 grams, both falling into the medium-heavy category. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of use, the Maple Leaf may be the better option due to its lighter actuation force. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Foggy Shadow for its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and weight preference.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, slightly longer than the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch with a travel distance of 3.3 mm. While both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming popular, the Foggy Shadow offers a slightly deeper press compared to the Maple Leaf. Gamers looking for a quicker response time may lean towards the Maple Leaf with its slightly shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more deliberate and hearty keystroke may prefer the Foggy Shadow. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and response speed.
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 Maple Leaf 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 characterized by a low-pitched tone, providing a bass-heavy and mellow sound profile that is pleasing to the ears. On the other hand, the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch's sound profile remains unknown. It's essential to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by various factors, including the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, unfortunately, specific information about the tactile feel of both the Aflion Foggy Shadow and Outemu Maple Leaf switches is not provided in the given details. Tactility in a switch refers to the amount of feedback or bump felt when a key is pressed, playing a significant role in the typing experience and overall user satisfaction.
In conclusion, without detailed information on the tactile feel of the switches, it is challenging to make a direct comparison between the Aflion Foggy Shadow and Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switches in this aspect. However, based on the available information, it can be determined that the Foggy Shadow switch offers a low-pitched sound profile with a light tactile bump and medium weight, highlighting Aflion's dedication to balanced performance in their product lineup. For users seeking a similar experience in a tactile switch, the Maple Leaf may also provide satisfactory results, but further details would be needed to make a precise comparison.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, consider the key factors that are important to you. If you prefer a lighter tactile bump and a slightly lower bottom out force, the Foggy Shadow may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly higher bottom out force and are looking for a more balanced performance, the Maple Leaf could be the switch for you. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what feels best for your typing experience. Choose the switch that aligns with your specific needs and enjoy a satisfying typing experience.
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