Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. Outemu Ocean
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Outemu Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Outemu Ocean mechanical keyboard switches, we can see that both are tactile switches offering unique features. The Foggy Shadow, from the up-and-coming brand Aflion, boasts a light tactile bump with a 63.5g bottom-out force, providing a balanced performance for users looking for a medium-weight switch. On the other hand, the Outemu Ocean, which does not have a specific brand associated with it, lacks information on its specific characteristics such as bottom-out force. While the Foggy Shadow is known for its low-pitched and neutral sound profile, the Ocean's sound profile is unspecified. These differences in design and branding provide users with a choice between a reliable and innovative switch like the Foggy Shadow and an unknown option like the 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
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Outemu Ocean are quite similar when it comes to their polycarbonate top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiff plastic that provides a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially suitable for switches that use RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the keyboard.
However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing material. The Foggy Shadow features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Ocean's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This difference in bottom housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.
Overall, while both switches share similarities in their polycarbonate top housing, the distinction lies in their bottom housing material. The Foggy Shadow's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Ocean's polycarbonate bottom housing results in a crisper and sharper sound. Depending on personal preferences for typing sound and feel, users may find one housing material more appealing than the other. Ultimately, the choice between the Foggy Shadow and the Ocean will come down to individual preferences in sound and typing experience.
Weight
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the Outemu Ocean tactile switch has an actuation force of 55 grams. The actuation force of the Foggy Shadow is not specified, however, highlighting the difference in available information between the two switches. The lighter actuation force of the Ocean may appeal to those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming, while the heavier bottom out force of the Foggy Shadow may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer more resistance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Ocean tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Ocean switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Foggy Shadow. This means that when pressing down on a key with the Outemu Ocean switch, there is a bit more distance to travel before bottoming out compared to the Aflion Foggy Shadow. In terms of responsiveness, gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Foggy Shadow for quicker response times. On the other hand, those who prefer a deeper key press experience may opt for the longer travel distance of the Outemu Ocean. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key press feel.
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 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 known for its low-pitched and neutral sound profile. This means that they offer a bass-heavy and mellow tone, which is suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or an advanced user. On the other hand, information about the sound profile of the Outemu Ocean tactile switch is not available, so it is difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, unfortunately, specific descriptors for the feel of the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch are not provided. Similarly, information about the feel of the Outemu Ocean tactile switch is not available. While it is unclear how these two switches compare in terms of feel, it is important to consider factors such as the tactile bump and actuation force when evaluating the overall typing experience.
In conclusion, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and Outemu Ocean tactile switches may offer similar results in terms of sound and feel. However, without detailed information on the feel of these switches, it is challenging to make a direct comparison between the two. Ultimately, when choosing between the two switches, it is important to consider factors such as the typing experience, actuation force, and personal preferences to determine which switch best suits your needs as a mechanical keyboard user.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, consider the factors that are most important to you. If you prefer a light tactile bump with a medium-weight bottom-out force, the Foggy Shadow may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a different set of characteristics or are looking for a different typing experience, the Ocean might better suit your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the specific requirements of your typing style. Consider trying out both switches to see which one feels the best for you.
Mentioned in this article
