Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. SP-Star Polaris Purple
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the SP-Star Polaris Purple, both tactile switches. The Foggy Shadow by Aflion boasts a very light tactile bump and a 63.5g bottom-out force, offering a balanced performance with a medium weight feel. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple from SP-Star provides a significant tactile bump, promising an exhilarating typing experience with a snappy sound profile. While the Foggy Shadow is described as 'Low-pitched' and 'Neutral', the Polaris Purple falls under 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished' categories. Overall, both switches have their unique features and benefits worth considering, 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
In comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the SP-Star Polaris Purple, it is clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches, thanks to the stiff nature of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed to feature RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of both the Foggy Shadow and the Polaris Purple.
However, where the switches differ is in their bottom housing material. The Foggy Shadow utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which complements the crisp sound profile of the top housing. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate in the bottom housing helps maintain the overall clear and resonant sound profile of the switch.
Overall, while both switches share the benefits of using polycarbonate for their top housing, the different bottom housing materials provide unique sound profiles and typing experiences. The Foggy Shadow offers a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon bottom housing, while the Polaris Purple maintains a consistent sharp and crisp sound with its polycarbonate bottom housing. Whether you prefer a softer, more absorbing typing experience or a sharper, more resonant sound, both switches offer distinct qualities to cater to individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, it is evident that both switches have a similar actuation force of None grams, meaning that they will feel very similar when initially pressed. However, the bottom out force is where we can see a slight difference. The Aflion Foggy Shadow has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it slightly lighter than the SP-Star Polaris Purple, which has a bottom out force of 67 grams. The Foggy Shadow can be considered medium-heavy in terms of bottom out force, while the Polaris Purple is on the heavier side. When it comes to weight preferences, those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Foggy Shadow for longer typing sessions or gaming, while those who prefer a more substantial typing experience might opt for the Polaris Purple. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switches, it is evident that the Foggy Shadow has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Polaris Purple has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Foggy Shadow offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers who prioritize speed. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple provides a slightly more significant depth when pressed, which can be appealing to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding travel distance and the desired 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 SP-Star Polaris Purple 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 Purple 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, the Aflion Foggy Shadow offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a variety of users and settings. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Purple also has a neutral sound profile, indicating a moderate actuation force requirement and sound profile. Both switches offer a balanced sound experience, with the Foggy Shadow leaning towards a lower pitch and the Polaris Purple providing a snappy sound with a big tactile bump.
Moving on to feel, the Aflion Foggy Shadow's tactile bump is described as very light, offering a gentle typing experience with a 63.5g bottom-out force that hits a sweet spot of medium weight. Unfortunately, specific descriptors for the feel of the Foggy Shadow were not provided. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Purple offers a mild tactile bump, providing an exhilarating tactile typing experience with a polished feel for smooth key travel. The Polaris Purple aims to offer a safe and approachable typing experience with its gentle characteristics and polished finish.
In conclusion, both the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the SP-Star Polaris Purple offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Foggy Shadow provides a low-pitched and neutral sound profile with a light tactile bump, while the Polaris Purple offers a more exhilarating sound experience alongside a mild tactile bump and polished feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and typing experience, users can choose between the two switches to achieve their desired typing feel and sound profile. Ultimately, both switches aim to deliver a satisfying typing experience for users new to the mechanical keyboard market.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, consider the type of tactile bump you prefer. If you enjoy a light tactile bump and a medium weight switch, the Aflion Foggy Shadow with its 63.5g bottom-out force might be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a bigger tactile bump for a more exhilarating typing experience, the SP-Star Polaris Purple with its 67g bottom-out force could be the better option. Both switches offer a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various settings and preferences. Ultimately, your decision should come down to whether you value a light tactile bump or a more pronounced one in your mechanical keyboard switch.
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