Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. Outemu Tom
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Outemu Tom switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
In the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Outemu Tom both belong to the tactile switch category, offering a satisfying tactile feedback during typing. The Aflion Foggy Shadow stands out with its very light tactile bump and a medium weight of 63.5g bottom-out force, showcasing Aflion's dedication to balanced performance in their lineup. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom brings a different approach with a subtle tactile feel, perfect for those who prefer a gentler feedback. While the Foggy Shadow is categorized as 'Low-pitched' and 'Neutral', the Tom's categorization is unknown. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, making them suitable for various typing experiences. 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
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
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
The Aflion Foggy Shadow and Outemu Tom both feature polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, leading to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. In terms of aesthetics and sound profile, these two switches are very similar when it comes to their top housing material.
On the other hand, the bottom housing material sets the two switches apart. The Foggy Shadow utilizes a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound when compared to the stiffer polycarbonate. In contrast, the Outemu Tom also features a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile that is characteristic of nylon housing materials.
Ultimately, the differences between the top and bottom housing materials of the Aflion Foggy Shadow and Outemu Tom result in a unique typing experience for each switch. While the polycarbonate top housing provides a similar sharp and crisp sound profile, the nylon bottom housing of both switches offers a deeper and fuller sound. These qualities are reflected in the overall typing feel and sound when using each switch, showcasing the impact of housing materials on the tactile and auditory experience of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, the notable difference lies in their actuation force. The Foggy Shadow has no specified actuation force, while the Tom requires 55 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, the Foggy Shadow has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is heavier than the Tom's unspecified bottom out force. This means that the Foggy Shadow is lighter in terms of actuation force but heavier in terms of bottom out force compared to the Tom. Individuals who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions may lean towards the Tom, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Foggy Shadow. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, slightly longer than the Outemu Tom tactile switch which has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the shorter travel distance range, which is becoming more popular in the keyboard market. Gamers tend to gravitate towards switches with shorter travel distances for quicker response times, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for switches with longer travel distances. In this case, if you prefer a slightly longer travel distance, the Aflion Foggy Shadow would be the better choice, while the Outemu Tom offers a slightly shorter travel distance for those seeking a faster response. Ultimately, both switches offer a comfortable typing experience and you can expect similar results from either option.
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 Tom 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 stands out with a low-pitched and neutral tone, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow sound compared to higher-pitched switches. This makes it a suitable option for a variety of users, whether they are beginners or advanced enthusiasts. On the other hand, information regarding the sound of the Outemu Tom tactile switch is not available, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison in this regard.
In terms of feel, specific information about the tactile feel of both switches is not provided. However, based on the description of the Aflion Foggy Shadow having a very light tactile bump and a bottom-out force of 63.5g, it suggests a smooth and responsive tactile experience. Similarly, since the tactile feel of the Outemu Tom switch is unknown, it is challenging to make a direct comparison in terms of feel.
Overall, the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile with a light tactile bump, making it a versatile option for many users. While the specific qualities of the Outemu Tom tactile switch remain unknown, the balanced performance and innovative design of the Aflion switches indicate that both options are likely to provide a satisfactory typing experience with similar results. Ultimately, the best choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, you should choose the Foggy Shadow if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 63.5 grams and a light tactile bump. This switch offers balanced performance and a low-pitched, neutral sound profile. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with no specified bottom-out force and no additional information available, you may opt for the Tom switch. Consider your preferences for actuation force, tactile feel, and sound profile when making your decision between these two mechanical keyboard switches. Ultimately, choose the switch that best suits your typing style and preferences for an optimal typing experience.
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