Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for a mechanical keyboard switch, you may come across the Aflion Foggy Shadow, a tactile switch, and the Durock Piano, a linear switch. The Foggy Shadow by Aflion is gaining popularity in the switch market for its light tactile bump and 63.5g bottom-out force, striking a balance between performance and weight. On the other hand, the Durock Piano stands out for its unique material blend, offering a smooth typing experience with a gliding push feel and deep, creamy sound signature. While the Foggy Shadow is described as 'Low-pitched' and 'Neutral', the Piano is categorized as 'Bassy', 'Frictionless', and 'Silky'. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal depending on individual 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Mystery material
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Aflion Foggy Shadow's housing materials are polycarbonate for the top and nylon for the bottom, while the Durock Piano features a proprietary POM blend for both the top and bottom housing. The use of polycarbonate in the Foggy Shadow's top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while nylon in the bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound. On the other hand, the Piano's POM blend in both the top and bottom housing offers a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. While both switches aim to provide a pleasing sound experience, the choice of housing materials contributes to their distinct sound profiles.
In terms of aesthetics, the Foggy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing is translucent and ideal for RGB lighting, while the Durock Piano's POM blend housing details are proprietary and not disclosed. Both switches are designed to be visually appealing, with the Foggy Shadow showcasing its polycarbonate top housing through its transparency, and the Piano maintaining a sleek and modern appearance with its POM blend housing. Despite the aesthetic differences, both switches prioritize functionality and sound quality in their housing materials, enhancing the overall typing experience for users.
When it comes to the impact of the housing materials on typing feel, the split between the bottom and top housings plays a crucial role. The qualities of the bottom housing, whether it be nylon or a POM blend, significantly influence the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. On the other hand, the top housing's properties have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Both the Foggy Shadow and the Piano take into account these considerations when selecting their housing materials, aiming to provide a well-rounded typing experience that balances sound, feel, and aesthetics.
Weight
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Durock Piano linear switch both share the same bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which falls into the medium-heavy category. While the actuation force for the Foggy Shadow is unspecified, the Piano also has an actuation force of None grams. This means that both switches require the same amount of force to fully press down, resulting in a similar overall typing experience in terms of resistance. When it comes to weight preferences, some users may prefer the lighter actuation force for extended typing sessions or gaming, while others may prefer the heavier bottom out force for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Durock Piano linear switch shows that the Foggy Shadow has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Piano has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Piano requires a slightly deeper press to actuate compared to the Foggy Shadow. The difference of 0.5 mm may not seem significant, but it can affect the overall feel and performance of the switch. For those who prefer faster response times and a more responsive feel, the Foggy Shadow with its shorter travel distance may be the preferable option. On the other hand, the Piano with its longer travel distance may provide a more deliberate and satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences and typing habits.
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 Durock Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
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
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch is known for its low-pitched sound profile, which offers a mellow and bass-heavy tone during key presses, making it a suitable option for various typing environments. In contrast, the Durock Piano linear switch is characterized by a deep and rich bassy sound signature, providing a unique typing experience with its distinct sound profile. When it comes to feel, the Foggy Shadow does not have specific descriptors available, while the Durock Piano is known for its frictionless and silky feel, offering an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience. Overall, while the Foggy Shadow and Durock Piano switches offer different sound profiles and tactile experiences, both provide high-quality performance and versatility for users seeking a unique typing feel. Whether you choose the Foggy Shadow or the Durock Piano, you can expect a satisfying typing experience that meets your preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch or the Durock Piano linear switch, you should keep in mind a few key points. The Foggy Shadow offers a light tactile bump and a medium-heavy 63.5g bottom-out force, making it a great option for those looking for a balanced and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Piano provides a smooth and frictionless typing feel, with a deep and rich sound signature that sets it apart. If you prioritize a light tactile bump and balanced performance, the Foggy Shadow may be the better choice for you. However, if you prefer a smooth and silky typing experience with a bassy sound profile, the Durock Piano could be the ideal switch for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style.
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