Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. KTT Purple Star
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the KTT Purple Star switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the KTT Purple Star offer distinct experiences for users. The Foggy Shadow by Aflion is a tactile switch that boasts a light tactile bump and a 63.5g bottom-out force, providing a balanced performance that hits the sweet spot for medium weight typists. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star is a linear switch known for its all-POM construction, delivering a smooth typing experience with a very light 45g bottom-out force that caters to light typists seeking ease and comfort. While the Foggy Shadow is best suited for those who prefer a tactile typing experience with a neutral sound, the Purple Star appeals to users looking for a mild, low-pitched switch that is easy to press. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the KTT Purple Star, we see a stark difference in the materials used for the top housing. The Foggy Shadow utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. On the other hand, the Purple Star features a POM top housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound. While both materials offer their own unique sound profiles, the polycarbonate top housing of the Foggy Shadow is more likely to enhance RGB lighting due to its translucency, making it a more visually appealing option for those looking to customize their keyboard's appearance.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Foggy Shadow and the Purple Star have unique qualities. The Foggy Shadow features a nylon bottom housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, the Purple Star also utilizes a POM bottom housing, contributing to a similar deep sound profile that is relatively more muted. Despite the differences in material, both bottom housings aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with their respective sound profiles. Whether you prefer a duller and rounder sound from the nylon housing of the Foggy Shadow or a more muted tone from the POM housing of the Purple Star, both options offer their own acoustic appeal for keyboard enthusiasts to enjoy.
When considering the overall typing experience, the choice between the Foggy Shadow and the Purple Star ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. The split design of having different top and bottom housing materials allows for a unique combination of qualities that can affect both the typing feel and sound output of the switch. While the Foggy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing may create a crisper sound when releasing a key, the Purple Star's POM bottom housing might offer a deeper bottom-out sound. Whether you prioritize a sharper, more resonant sound or a deeper, more muted tone, both switches cater to different preferences and can provide a satisfying typing experience for users looking for a distinct sound profile.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, it is evident that the Purple Star is lighter in both aspects. The Foggy Shadow has an actuation force of None grams, making it unknown, while the Purple Star has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Foggy Shadow is 63.5 grams, which is considered medium-heavy, whereas the Purple Star has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Purple Star requires less force to trigger a keystroke and provides a lighter typing experience overall. For those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing, the Foggy Shadow would be the better choice due to its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch both have the same travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. Both switches offer a consistent typing experience in terms of travel distance, making them ideal for users who prefer a certain amount of key travel. Since both switches have the same travel distance, users can expect similar results in terms of key feel and typing experience when using either switch.
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 Purple Star comes in at $4.88 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 it comes to sound, the Aflion Foggy Shadow offers a low-pitched and neutral tone, providing a bass-heavy and mellow sound profile suitable for a variety of users and environments. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star also presents a low-pitched sound, emphasizing a smoother typing experience that is gentle on the ears. Both switches will deliver a pleasant typing sound, with the slight differences in tone catering to personal preferences and setup configurations.
Moving on to the feel, the Aflion Foggy Shadow is recognized for its light tactile bump, providing a satisfying tactile response without being overly pronounced. The exact feel of the switch is not explicitly described, but the light 63.5g bottom-out force suggests a comfortable typing experience with just the right amount of feedback. Conversely, the KTT Purple Star is known for its mild and easy-to-press nature, offering a smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance. The 45g bottom-out force ensures that typing on the Purple Star switches is comfortable and fatigue-free, making them an excellent choice for those who prefer a lighter touch.
In conclusion, both the Aflion Foggy Shadow and KTT Purple Star switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Foggy Shadow provides a light tactile bump with a neutral and low-pitched sound, the Purple Star delivers a buttery smooth typing experience with a similar low-pitched sound profile. Depending on whether the user prefers a slightly more pronounced tactile feedback or a smoother typing experience, they can choose between these two switches to achieve their desired typing feel and sound. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality performance and comfort, ensuring a pleasant typing experience for users looking for tactile or linear switch options.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, consider your preference for typing force and tactile feedback. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom-out force and a light tactile bump, the Foggy Shadow may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom-out force and a buttery smooth typing experience, the Purple Star may be more suitable. Both switches offer low-pitched sound profiles, but the Purple Star provides a milder and easier-to-press typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and needs.
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