Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. Kailh Plum
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Kailh Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Kailh Plum stand out as unique options in the tactile switch category. The Foggy Shadow from Aflion is known for its light tactile bump and medium weight of 63.5g, offering a balanced performance that caters to those seeking a satisfying keypress experience. On the other hand, the Kailh Plum is distinguished by its hefty feel without a pronounced tactile bump, providing a different tactile experience compared to traditional tactile switches. While the Foggy Shadow is characterized as 'Low-pitched' and 'Neutral', the Plum falls into the categories of 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Stepped', showcasing their distinct sound profiles. If you're looking for a switch with a light tactile bump and medium weight, the Foggy Shadow may be the ideal choice. However, if you prefer a switch with a unique feel and weightiness without a significant tactile bump, the Kailh Plum could be the perfect fit. As we delve deeper into the specifics of each switch, you can make an informed decision on which one suits your typing preferences best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Both the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Kailh Plum utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, creating a similar sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, which contributes to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for RGB lighting applications, making it a popular choice for switch housings in keyboards. While both keyboards share this common feature, the differences in their bottom housings may result in slight variations in sound and feel.
In contrast, the Aflion Foggy Shadow features a nylon bottom housing, which is renowned for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that utilize this material. On the other hand, the Kailh Plum also incorporates a nylon bottom housing, showcasing similar sound characteristics and providing users with a comfortable typing experience. Despite their differences in top housings, the use of nylon in both keyboards' bottom housings ensures a consistent typing feel.
When considering the overall typing experience, the blending of materials in the top and bottom housings of both the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Kailh Plum plays a crucial role. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. By combining different materials in their housing construction, these keyboards offer a dynamic typing experience that caters to a variety of preferences. While the use of polycarbonate for the top housings creates similarities in sound profile, the choice of nylon for the bottom housings allows for unique nuances in sound and feel between the two keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch, it is evident that both switches have a medium-heavy bottom out force, with the Foggy Shadow requiring 63.5 grams and the Plum requiring 70 grams to fully press down. The actuation force for both switches is unknown, which means that the force required to trigger a keystroke is not specified. In terms of weight, the Foggy Shadow is lighter than the Plum due to the lower bottom out force. Those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions may lean towards the Foggy Shadow, while individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may opt for the slightly heavier Plum switch. Overall, despite the slight difference in bottom out force, users can expect similar results in terms of actuation and tactile feedback when using either switch.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Kailh Plum tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular for their quick responsiveness, especially among gamers. The slight difference of 0.1 mm between the two may not be significant to most users, as they will likely provide a similar typing experience. However, for those who are sensitive to subtle differences in key travel, the Plum switch may offer a slightly deeper feel compared to the Foggy Shadow switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key travel distance.
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 Kailh Plum comes in at $6.25 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 comparing the sound profiles of the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Kailh Plum tactile switches, both are described as having a neutral sound profile, which is ideal for various typing environments and preferences. The Foggy Shadow offers a low-pitched sound, providing a smoother and more bass-heavy tone, while the Plum provides a neutral sound that is enjoyable and not overly loud. Ultimately, both switches will deliver a satisfying auditory experience, with subtle differences that cater to individual preferences based on pitch and tone.
Moving on to the tactile feel of the switches, the Aflion Foggy Shadow is known for its light tactile bump, delivering a subtle tactile experience with a 63.5g bottom-out force. On the other hand, the Kailh Plum offers a unique feel with a hefty build but a less pronounced tactile bump than typical tactile switches. The Plum also features a stepped tactile feel, providing a more moderate typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced tactility. Both switches offer a comfortable typing feel, with the Foggy Shadow focusing on a lighter, more responsive tactile bump while the Plum emphasizes a solid, weighted feel with a subtle tactile feedback.
In conclusion, both the Aflion Foggy Shadow and Kailh Plum tactile switches offer unique sound and tactile experiences that cater to different preferences. While the Foggy Shadow provides a low-pitched sound and a light tactile bump, the Plum offers a neutral sound profile and a hefty, stepped tactile feel. Depending on your preference for sound pitch and tactility, you can achieve a satisfying typing experience with either switch, showcasing the variety and innovation present in the mechanical keyboard switch market.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch or the Kailh Plum tactile switch, you should take into account your preference for a lighter tactile bump with a 63.5g bottom-out force in the Foggy Shadow, versus a slightly heavier 70g bottom-out force in the Plum. The Foggy Shadow is ideal for those seeking a gentle tactile experience with a more low-pitched sound profile, while the Plum offers a unique tactile feel with a more stepped and mild typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prefer a lighter tactile bump and lower bottom-out force with the Foggy Shadow, or a heavier feel with a more stepped tactile experience with the Plum. Consider your typing preferences and priorities when selecting the switch that best suits your needs.
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