Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. Sarokeys Purple Sakura
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When searching for the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two options stand out: the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura, both tactile switches offering unique features. The Foggy Shadow by Aflion boasts a light tactile bump and a 63.5g bottom-out force, providing a medium weight that caters to a wide range of users. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura by Sarokeys is renowned for its snappy response and decadently buttery downstroke, striking a delicate balance between tactility and sound. While the Foggy Shadow is characterized by its low-pitched and neutral feel, the Purple Sakura exudes a buttery, mild, and snappy sensation. Each switch brings something distinct to the table, catering to different preferences and typing styles. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
22mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura share similar housing materials, with both featuring a polycarbonate top housing. This material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, ideal for those who prioritize audio feedback while typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it perfect for switches with RGB lighting, providing a visually appealing element to the keyboard setup. This shared feature ensures that users can expect comparable sound and aesthetic benefits from both switches.
Where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing materials. The Foggy Shadow utilizes a nylon bottom housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. This results in a more dull and rounder sound, which may appeal to those looking for a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura also features a nylon bottom housing, offering similar sound characteristics to the Foggy Shadow. This shared material choice ensures that users of both switches can enjoy a consistent typing experience in terms of sound profile.
Although the top and bottom housings of the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura differ, the impact of each housing material on the overall typing experience remains significant. The bottom housing plays a more prominent role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, influencing the overall typing experience for users. In contrast, the top housing primarily affects the sound produced when releasing a key, adding a distinct element to the auditory feedback of the keyboard. Despite these differences, both switches offer a unique combination of housing materials that contribute to a satisfying typing experience for users.
Weight
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch differ in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Foggy Shadow has an actuation force of None grams, making it lighter than the Purple Sakura, which has an actuation force of 50 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Foggy Shadow requires 63.5 grams, while the Purple Sakura only needs 60 grams. This means that the Purple Sakura is lighter in terms of actuation force, but the Foggy Shadow is lighter in terms of bottom out force. Both switches provide a tactile typing experience, but the Foggy Shadow may feel slightly heavier when bottoming out compared to the Purple Sakura. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing and gaming experiences.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. Choosing between the two options would depend on personal preference - if you prefer a more responsive feel, the Purple Sakura might be the better choice due to its slightly shorter travel distance. However, if you prefer a more substantial keypress with a bit more depth, the Foggy Shadow with its longer travel distance could be the way to go. Ultimately, both switches offer unique benefits and it's important to consider what type of typing experience you prefer before making a decision.
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 Sarokeys Purple Sakura has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Sakura for $3.15.
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, both the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches have a neutral sound profile, making them versatile options suitable for various environments and preferences. However, the Foggy Shadow tends to have a low-pitched sound, giving off a more mellow and bass-heavy tone compared to the Purple Sakura. Keep in mind that the overall sound produced by these switches can also be influenced by the keyboard they are mounted on and the keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Foggy Shadow switch does not have specific descriptors mentioned, while the Sarokeys Purple Sakura is described as buttery, mild, and snappy. The buttery sensation of the Purple Sakura implies a smooth and fluid typing experience, with a gentle and uniform keystroke feel. The mild and snappy characteristics indicate that these switches offer a comfortable yet responsive typing experience, striking a balance between gentle actuation and lively feedback.
Overall, both the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switches each bring unique qualities to the table. The Foggy Shadow excels in its low-pitched sound profile and medium weight for a balanced typing experience, while the Purple Sakura offers a buttery and snappy feel, along with a mild tactility for a pleasant typing sensation. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, you can expect satisfying results from either switch, ensuring a pleasant and customizable typing experience to suit your needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when selecting between the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switches, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a lighter tactile bump with a slightly higher bottom out force, the Aflion Foggy Shadow may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced tactility with a lower bottom out force and a smooth, buttery downstroke, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will come down to your personal preference in terms of typing experience and feel. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose wisely based on what best suits your typing style and preferences.
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