Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Akko Penguin are both tactile switches that offer unique attributes to enhance your typing experience. The Foggy Shadow by Aflion boasts a light tactile bump with a 63.5g bottom-out force, striking a balance between tactile feedback and ease of use. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin from Akko provides a rounded tactile bump for satisfying feedback with each key press, making it an ideal choice for quiet office environments. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Foggy Shadow offering a low-pitched and neutral typing experience, while the Penguin is characterized by its polished, muted, and subtle feel. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Standard
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
The Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Akko Penguin both utilize different materials for their housing components, with the Foggy Shadow featuring a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, while the Penguin incorporates nylon for both its top and bottom housings. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Foggy Shadow creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, ideal for those looking for a more clear and resonant typing experience. In contrast, the nylon housing of the Penguin produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
While both the Foggy Shadow and the Penguin employ nylon for their bottom housings, the differences in their top housing materials lead to distinct sound profiles. However, it is important to note that the characteristics of each housing material are distributed across the switch when different materials are used for the top and bottom housings. The qualities imparted by the bottom housing will be more noticeable when pressing down on the switch, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound emitted when releasing a key. Despite the variation in housing materials, both switches provide unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
Overall, the choice between the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Akko Penguin ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile. The Foggy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a more resonant sound, especially when combined with RGB lighting. Conversely, the Penguin's nylon housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, making it a great option for those seeking a duller and rounder typing sound. Both switches offer their own unique characteristics, catering to a variety of typing preferences and allowing users to choose the sound profile that best suits their needs.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The Aflion Foggy Shadow has an actuation force of None grams, making it lighter in terms of initial key press compared to the Akko Penguin, which has an actuation force of 43 grams. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Aflion Foggy Shadow requires 63.5 grams of force, making it heavier than the Akko Penguin, which requires 60 grams. Overall, the Aflion Foggy Shadow has a heavier bottom out force, offering a more substantial typing experience compared to the Akko Penguin. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions, the Akko Penguin may be the better option, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the Aflion Foggy Shadow.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Akko Penguin tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Foggy Shadow has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Penguin. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for quicker response times. Choosing between the two would come down to personal preference - if you prefer a bit more depth and responsiveness, the Foggy Shadow may be the better option. However, if you find shorter travel distances more comfortable and efficient, the Penguin could be the way to go for similar results. Ultimately, the difference in travel distance between these two switches is minor and may not drastically impact the overall typing or gaming experience.
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 Akko Penguin has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Penguin for $3.10.
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
In terms of sound, the Aflion Foggy Shadow offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, which provides a bass-heavy and mellow tone while remaining suitable for various environments. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switches are described as muted and neutral, offering a quieter typing experience that minimizes noise. Both switches provide a moderate actuation force requirement, ensuring a balanced sound profile that is neither too loud nor too soft, making them versatile options for different users and settings.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Foggy Shadow's tactile bump is not explicitly described in the provided information. In comparison, the Akko Penguin switches are polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. They are also characterized as providing a mild and feathery typing feel, making them comfortable for extended typing sessions without causing finger fatigue. The switches' subtle resistance and gentle typing feel ensure a pleasant typing experience suitable for shared spaces.
In conclusion, while the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch differ slightly in sound and feel qualities, both switches offer balanced performance and medium weight that cater to a wide range of users. The Foggy Shadow provides a low-pitched sound profile, while the Penguin offers a muted sound experience. In terms of feel, the Foggy Shadow's tactile characteristics are not explicitly outlined, while the Penguin switches provide a polished and gentle typing feel. Ultimately, both switches are designed to strike a balance between tactile feedback, noise reduction, and typing comfort, making them suitable options for various typing needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you value a light tactile bump and a low-pitched sound profile, along with a medium-heavy bottom-out force, then the Aflion Foggy Shadow would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a silent typing experience in an office environment, with a rounded tactile bump and a muted sound profile, paired with a medium bottom-out force, then the Akko Penguin switch is the ideal option for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your specific preferences regarding typing feel, sound level, and bottom-out force to ensure an optimal typing experience.
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