Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Foggy Shadow, a tactile switch, and the KTT Pine, a linear switch, are two popular options that offer distinct features to cater to different preferences. The Foggy Shadow by Aflion is renowned for its light tactile bump and medium weight, providing a balance between feedback and actuation force. On the other hand, the KTT Pine stands out for its buttery smooth key travel and medium-heavy feel, promising an effortless typing experience. While the Foggy Shadow offers a more neutral and low-pitched typing experience, the Pine switch boasts a bassy and creamy feel. Both switches have their unique strengths, making them suitable choices for different typing styles and 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
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Foggy Shadow and KTT Pine both feature polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer plastic composition. This material is ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting, thanks to its translucency. On the other hand, the Foggy Shadow's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Pine's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the sharp and clear sound profile associated with polycarbonate material.
Despite their differences in bottom housing material, both switches offer unique sound profiles based on the material used. The split qualities between the top and bottom housing mean that the bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches results in a consistent sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile that enhances typing experiences.
Overall, the choice between the Aflion Foggy Shadow and KTT Pine ultimately comes down to individual preferences in sound and feel. The Foggy Shadow's combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing provides a balance between sharpness and depth in sound profile. In contrast, the Pine's consistent use of polycarbonate in both top and bottom housing ensures a clear and resonant sound profile throughout. Both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, showcasing the impact housing materials can have on the overall typing experience.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the KTT Pine linear switch reveals some key differences. The Foggy Shadow has an actuation force of None grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes compared to the Pine, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Foggy Shadow requires 63.5 grams, which is heavier than the Pine's 58 grams. This means that while the Pine switch offers a lighter typing experience with a lower actuation force, the Foggy Shadow provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force. In terms of weight, some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Pine switch for longer typing sessions, while others may appreciate the heavier bottom out force of the Foggy Shadow for a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the KTT Pine linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Pine switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Foggy Shadow switch. In the world of mechanical keyboards, a difference of 0.5 mm in travel distance can have a noticeable impact on the typing experience. The Foggy Shadow switch may offer a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, which can be beneficial for gamers. On the other hand, the Pine switch may provide a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a deeper keypress. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and typing feel.
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 KTT Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $4.15.
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, providing a mellow and balanced tone during key presses. On the other hand, the KTT Pine linear switch produces a bassy and low-pitched sound, giving off a deeper and richer quality to each keystroke. Both switches offer a unique auditory experience that can be further enhanced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Aflion Foggy Shadow is not described with any specific tactile qualities. In contrast, the KTT Pine linear switch is known for its buttery and creamy feel. This implies a smooth, fluid keystroke experience that is seamless, effortless, and uniform. Typing on the Pine switches will provide a silky sensation, akin to gliding your fingers across the keys with ease.
In conclusion, the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch offers a light tactile bump with a balanced sound profile, while the KTT Pine linear switch provides a buttery smooth typing experience with a deeper and richer sound quality. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel, both switches offer their own unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles and preferences. Whether you choose the Foggy Shadow for its medium weight and mellow sound or the Pine for its smooth keystrokes and bassy tones, you can expect a high-quality typing experience from both switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, consider your preference for tactile feedback and bottom-out force. If you prefer a light tactile bump and a medium-heavy bottom-out force, the Aflion Foggy Shadow would be a suitable choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth typing experience with a medium bottom-out force, the KTT Pine linear switch would be more to your liking. Additionally, consider the sound profile you prefer, whether it be low-pitched and neutral like the Foggy Shadow or bassy and low-pitched like the Pine. Ultimately, both switches offer unique features, so make your decision based on your personal typing preferences and priorities.
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