Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. SP-Star Polaris Gray
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the SP-Star Polaris Gray stand out as popular choices with unique characteristics. The Foggy Shadow from Aflion is a tactile switch, known for its light tactile bump and 63.5g bottom-out force, making it a great option for those looking for a medium-weight switch with a balanced performance. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray is a linear switch that offers a bouncy typing experience and a clean, clacky sound profile. While the Foggy Shadow is categorized as 'Low-pitched' and 'Neutral', the Polaris Gray boasts additional categories like 'Mild', 'Thocky', and 'Polished'. Both switches have their own strengths and qualities, catering to different preferences in typing feel and sound. 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
67g
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
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
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Aflion Foggy Shadow and the SP-Star Polaris Gray both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the material's stiffness. This results in a more clear and resonant sound when typing on these switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, the Foggy Shadow's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Polaris Gray's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing on the switch.
While the top housings of both the Foggy Shadow and Polaris Gray are made of polycarbonate, the different bottom housing materials result in variations in sound and feel. The impact on the bottom-out sound and feel is more pronounced in switches with a nylon bottom housing, like the Foggy Shadow, while the sound when releasing a key is influenced more by the top housing material. This difference in housing materials gives each switch a unique typing experience, with the Foggy Shadow offering a deeper sound profile and the Polaris Gray a sharper, crisper sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches enhances the overall aesthetic, especially when paired with RGB lighting.
In conclusion, while both the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the SP-Star Polaris Gray feature polycarbonate top housings, their bottom housing materials impact the sound and feel of typing on these switches. The Foggy Shadow's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Polaris Gray's polycarbonate bottom housing offers a sharper and crisper sound. The use of polycarbonate in both switches creates a clear and resonant sound profile, making them both suitable for those looking for a precise typing experience. However, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in sound and feel, with the differences in bottom housing material playing a significant role in the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, the Foggy Shadow has a lower bottom out force at 63.5 grams compared to the Polaris Gray's 67 grams, making the Foggy Shadow the lighter option in terms of typing pressure. However, both switches have an unknown actuation force, so it is difficult to determine how they compare in this aspect. Choosing between the two switches would depend on individual preferences; those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Foggy Shadow, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Polaris Gray. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing pressure and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it slightly shorter than the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. Despite this small difference in travel distance, both switches fall within the range of traditional distances. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Foggy Shadow, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may lean towards the longer travel distance of the Polaris Gray. Ultimately, both switches offer reliable performance and can provide a satisfying typing experience, with the choice between them depending on personal preference for shorter or longer travel distances.
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 SP-Star Polaris Gray has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Polaris Gray for $5.00.
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, both the Aflion Foggy Shadow and SP-Star Polaris Gray switches are described as low-pitched and neutral, offering a bass-heavy and mellow tone with a moderate actuation force requirement. The Polaris Gray switch also adds a descriptor of "thocky," indicating a deep and satisfying sound when pressed and released. When using these switches, the sound produced will depend on other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps chosen.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, there is information provided for the Polaris Gray, describing it as offering a mild and polished typing experience. This suggests that the switch provides a gentle feel that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone, as well as a smooth and refined finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel. Unfortunately, no specific feel descriptors were provided for the Foggy Shadow switch, making it challenging to directly compare the tactile feel between the two switches.
In conclusion, based on the information provided, both the Aflion Foggy Shadow and SP-Star Polaris Gray switches offer low-pitched and neutral sound profiles. They each have their unique characteristics in terms of feel, with the Polaris Gray being described as mild and polished. While direct comparisons on feel may be limited by the lack of information for the Foggy Shadow switch, opting for either switch should result in a satisfactory typing experience, depending on individual preferences for sound and feel in mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, you should consider your preferences for tactile feedback and sound. If you enjoy a light tactile bump and a low-pitched, neutral sound profile, the Foggy Shadow may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy typing experience with a clean and clacky sound, the Polaris Gray switch is worth considering. Additionally, if you prefer a switch with a mild and polished feel, the Polaris Gray may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you are looking to achieve.
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