Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. Outemu Peach
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Outemu Peach switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Outemu Peach are two distinct mechanical keyboard switches with unique characteristics. The Foggy Shadow, a tactile switch, is praised for its light tactile bump and medium weight of 63.5g bottom-out force, providing a balanced performance for users. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach, a linear switch, stands out for its lightweight and silenced nature, perfect for those who enjoy a feather-light typing experience. While the Foggy Shadow is categorized as 'Low-pitched' and 'Neutral', the Peach is described as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Muted', 'Subtle', and 'Polished'. Each switch offers its own set of benefits and features, catering to different 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
40g
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
Partial box
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
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 Peach, it is evident that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This means that when typing on these switches, users can expect a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon which absorbs more sound. Despite this similarity, the switches differ in their top housing materials. The Foggy Shadow features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. In contrast, the Peach incorporates a nylon top housing, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to polycarbonate.
The choice of housing materials for the top housing of these switches further sets them apart. The Foggy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing offers clarity and resonance in sound due to its stiffness, resulting in a more defined sound profile. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it suitable for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Peach's nylon top housing provides a softer and more muted sound profile that absorbs sound effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound when typing on the switch. While both materials have their own unique characteristics, users can expect distinct audio experiences based on the housing material used in the top portion of each switch.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches such as the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Outemu Peach plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and feel of the switch during typing. The difference between having a polycarbonate top housing in the Foggy Shadow and a nylon top housing in the Peach results in contrasting sound qualities – one sharper and crisper, the other deeper and fuller. However, the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches implies a consistent experience in terms of the softer sound profile and sound absorption provided by this material. Ultimately, the combination of housing materials in a switch influences the overall typing experience and sound characteristics that users can expect.
Weight
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Outemu Peach linear switch have notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Foggy Shadow has an actuation force of None grams, making it difficult to determine the exact pressure needed to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the Peach requires a gentle 40 grams of force to actuate a key. When it comes to bottoming out, the Foggy Shadow requires a heavier 63.5 grams of force compared to the Peach's lighter 50 grams. This means that the Foggy Shadow provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force, while the Peach offers a lighter and smoother typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with some preferring the heavier actuation and bottom out force of the Foggy Shadow for a more tactile typing experience, and others opting for the lighter touch of the Peach for longer typing sessions or gaming.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Outemu Peach linear switch, the Foggy Shadow has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm compared to the Peach's 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. The slight difference in travel distance may not be noticeable to all users, but for those who prefer a slightly deeper key press, the Foggy Shadow may be the preferred choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and responsiveness.
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 Peach comes in at $3.40 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 and neutral sound profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for a wide range of users. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach linear switch also offers a neutral sound profile but is further described as muted, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches. Ultimately, both switches offer pleasant and agreeable sound profiles, with the Peach switch being the quieter option for those in shared spaces or looking for a more subdued typing experience.
Moving on to feel, the Aflion Foggy Shadow is known for its light tactile bump and medium weight, providing a balanced typing experience with a 63.5g bottom-out force. Unfortunately, specific descriptors for the feel of the Foggy Shadow are not provided. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach linear switch offers a mild and subtle typing experience, with a gentle resistance that is approachable to most users. Additionally, the Peach switch is described as polished, meaning it has a smooth and refined finish resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Overall, the Peach switch offers a feather-light typing experience with a gentle and refined feel.
Taking into account both sound and feel qualities, while the Aflion Foggy Shadow and Outemu Peach switches have their unique characteristics, they both offer neutral sound profiles suitable for versatile usage. In terms of feel, the Foggy Shadow provides a light tactile bump with a medium weight, while the Peach switch offers a feather-light and polished typing experience. In conclusion, choosing between these switches depends on personal preferences such as desired sound levels, typing experience, and overall typing feel. Whether opting for the Foggy Shadow or the Peach switch, users can expect satisfying results based on their individual preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Outemu Peach linear switch, you should consider your preference for typing force. If you prefer a lighter typing experience, the Peach with its 50g bottom out force may be more suitable for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy typing feel, the Foggy Shadow with its 63.5g bottom out force would be a better choice. Additionally, if you enjoy a low-pitched sound profile, the Foggy Shadow is the switch for you, while the Peach offers a more muted sound. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the specific characteristics that matter most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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