Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Outemu Silent Grey 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 Silent Grey. The Aflion Foggy Shadow, a tactile switch, is known for its light tactile bump and 63.5g bottom-out force, making it a medium weight option that offers a balanced performance. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey, also a tactile switch, is preferred for its quiet and highly tactile typing experience, with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke. While the Foggy Shadow is categorized as 'Low-pitched' and 'Neutral', the Silent Grey switch is not specified. Both switches have their own unique features and advantages, making them appealing choices for 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
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
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 Silent Grey, both switches feature polycarbonate top housings which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. This results in a clear and resonant sound, making them ideal for switches where RGB lighting is a feature. However, the nylon bottom housings of both switches differ slightly, with nylon offering a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the polycarbonate top housing.
The use of polycarbonate in the top housings of both the Foggy Shadow and Silent Grey switches provides similar sound characteristics, emphasizing clarity and resonance in key presses. However, the nylon bottom housings offer a contrasting experience, with nylon providing a deeper and fuller sound profile that is absorbent and duller compared to the sharper sound produced by polycarbonate. This contrast in materials creates a unique blend of sound qualities in each switch, catering to different preferences for key feel and sound when typing.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housings and nylon bottom housings in both the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Outemu Silent Grey switches allows for a balance of crispness and depth in sound profiles. The differences in materials between the top and bottom housings provide a dynamic typing experience, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key. Both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in creating a unique typing experience tailored to individual preferences.
Weight
In comparing the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, it is clear that the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Aflion Foggy Shadow has an actuation force of None grams, making it lighter in terms of force required for keystrokes, while the Outemu Silent Grey has an actuation force of 50 grams, providing a slightly heavier touch. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Foggy Shadow at 63.5 grams and the Silent Grey at 65 grams, both falling into the medium-heavy category. The difference in actuation force between the two switches may result in a slightly lighter typing experience with the Foggy Shadow compared to the Silent Grey, but in terms of bottoming out, users can expect similar results with a medium-heavy feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on the individual's preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch is 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Silent Grey has a longer travel distance compared to the Foggy Shadow. The traditional travel distance for switches is 4.0 mm, making the Silent Grey more in line with that standard. Gamers may prefer the Foggy Shadow for its shorter travel distance, which allows for faster response times. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing may opt for the Silent Grey due to its longer travel distance. Both switches offer different experiences in terms of travel distance, so choosing between them depends on 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 Silent Grey 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 and neutral typing experience, with a mellow tone and moderate sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey provides a quiet typing experience without any specific descriptors mentioned. Depending on the user's preference for sound, the Foggy Shadow may be more suitable for those who enjoy a deeper, more bass-heavy sound, while the Silent Grey may be ideal for those who prioritize a silent typing experience.
In terms of feel, specific descriptors for both the Foggy Shadow and Silent Grey switches are not provided. However, the Foggy Shadow is known for its light tactile bump and medium weight, while the Outemu Silent Grey is highlighted for its highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke. This suggests that the Silent Grey switch may offer a more pronounced and satisfying tactile feedback compared to the Foggy Shadow.
Overall, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and Outemu Silent Grey switches both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. While the Foggy Shadow may appeal to those looking for a lightly tactile and balanced typing experience with a low-pitched sound, the Silent Grey may be preferred by individuals seeking a highly tactile and silent typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between Aflion's Foggy Shadow tactile switch and Outemu's Silent Grey tactile switch, there are a few key factors to consider. If you prioritize a very light tactile bump and a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 63.5 grams with a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, then the Foggy Shadow is a great choice. On the other hand, if you are looking for a quiet and highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke at a slightly higher bottom-out force of 65 grams, then the Silent Grey switch would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for tactile feedback, sound profile, and bottom-out force in order to enhance your overall typing experience.
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