Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. Outemu Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Outemu Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Outemu Milk Tea mechanical keyboard switches, there are some key differences to consider. The Foggy Shadow, a tactile switch from Aflion, is gaining recognition in the market for its light tactile bump and medium weight of 63.5g bottom-out force. This makes it a great option for those looking for a balanced performance in their typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea also offers a tactile typing experience but falls under a different category with no specific labeling. While both switches offer tactile feedback, the Foggy Shadow stands out for its defined characteristics and innovative design. 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
N/A
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
Ly
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Outemu Milk Tea, the polycarbonate top housing of the Foggy Shadow provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the Ly top housing of the Milk Tea, which offers a very bright sound signature with resonant clacks. However, both housings are transparent, making them ideal for use with RGB lighting. On the other hand, when looking at the nylon bottom housing of both switches, the qualities are similar, as nylon is known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound.
While the housing materials for the top and bottom of the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Outemu Milk Tea switches are different, they both offer distinct characteristics that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The polycarbonate top housing of the Foggy Shadow provides a clearer and more resonant sound profile, while the Ly top housing of the Milk Tea offers a brighter sound signature. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing in both switches creates a deeper and fuller sound, with the softer nature of nylon absorbing more sound compared to harder plastics. The split between the top and bottom housings allows for a unique typing experience that combines the qualities of each material.
Overall, the housing materials of the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Outemu Milk Tea switches each bring their own unique qualities to the typing experience. While the top housings differ in material and sound profile, with the Foggy Shadow offering a sharper and crisper sound compared to the brighter sound of the Milk Tea, both are suitable for use with RGB lighting. The similarities in the nylon bottom housing contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile in both switches, showcasing the benefits of using softer plastics for sound absorption. The combination of different housing materials in each switch allows for a diverse range of sensations when typing, appealing to a variety of preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, it is clear that the Foggy Shadow has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams compared to the Milk Tea's actuation force of 45 grams. The actuation force of the Foggy Shadow is not specified, while the Milk Tea lacks a bottom out force measurement. This means that while typing on the Foggy Shadow may require a bit more force to fully press the key down, typing on the Milk Tea may feel lighter and more responsive. Both switches offer different experiences in terms of key press weight, with the Foggy Shadow providing a medium-heavy feel and the Milk Tea potentially offering a lighter touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for typing or gaming style.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Milk Tea would be considered the longer option. Both switches fall within the range of tactile switch travel distances, with the Foggy Shadow being slightly shorter. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may lean towards the Foggy Shadow due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Milk Tea with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference and typing style.
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 Milk Tea 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 offers a low-pitched tone that is bass-heavy and mellow, providing a more relaxed auditory experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea's sound profile is unknown, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, specific details about the tactile feel of both the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Outemu Milk Tea are not provided. Therefore, a direct comparison between the two switches in terms of how they feel to the touch is not possible at this time. The tactile feel of a switch can greatly impact the typing experience, so it is an important factor to consider when choosing a mechanical keyboard switch.
In conclusion, while the Aflion Foggy Shadow offers a low-pitched sound profile and features a light tactile bump with a 63.5g bottom-out force, details about the sound and feel of the Outemu Milk Tea switch remain unknown. Without specific information to compare the two switches directly, it is difficult to determine which one would be more suitable for a newcomer. It is recommended to try out both switches if possible to determine which one aligns best with your preferences in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch or the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and what you prioritize in a switch. If you are looking for a medium-heavy switch with a light tactile bump and a balanced performance, the Foggy Shadow could be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with an unknown bottom out force and possibly different characteristics, the Milk Tea might be worth considering. Remember to consider factors such as sound, feel, and your own typing preferences when making your decision. Ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Mentioned in this article
