Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. SP-Star RedBlue
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the SP-Star RedBlue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and SP-Star RedBlue offer unique experiences that cater to different preferences. The Aflion Foggy Shadow is a tactile switch that features a very light tactile bump, making it ideal for those who enjoy a subtle feedback while typing. With a bottom-out force of 63.5g, these switches strike a balance between weight and performance. On the other hand, the SP-Star RedBlue is a linear switch that provides a smooth and consistent typing experience, perfect for users who prefer a medium-light feel. Known for its low-pitched sound profile, the RedBlue switches are polished and offer a thocky typing sound. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference and typing style. 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
57g
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
Both the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the SP-Star RedBlue utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency makes it ideal for switches that feature RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Foggy Shadow's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings.
In terms of material differences, the Foggy Shadow has a nylon bottom housing while the RedBlue has a polycarbonate bottom housing. This means that the qualities of each housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. Pressing down on the switch will bring out the characteristics of the bottom housing, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will have a stronger influence on the sound when releasing a key. While both switches benefit from the use of polycarbonate for the top housing, the contrast in bottom housing material brings unique sound profiles and typing experiences to each switch.
Overall, the choice of housing material plays a significant role in the sound profile and typing experience of mechanical switches. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the SP-Star RedBlue contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound. However, the difference in bottom housing materials between the two switches results in varying sound profiles, with the nylon bottom housing of the Foggy Shadow providing a deeper and fuller sound compared to the crisper sound of the polycarbonate bottom housing in the RedBlue. Ultimately, the combination of top and bottom housing materials determines the overall sound and feel of a switch, making it an essential consideration for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch, it becomes clear that the Foggy Shadow requires a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams compared to the RedBlue's 57 grams. While the actuation force of both switches is not specified, it can be assumed that they are likely similar since they are not explicitly mentioned. The difference in bottom out force means that the Foggy Shadow will provide a more substantial typing experience, which some users may prefer for a tactile response. However, the lighter bottom out force of the RedBlue may be more comfortable for extended typing sessions or gaming, as it requires less effort to press the keys. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirement.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it slightly shorter than the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of typical travel distances for mechanical switches, with the RedBlue being closer to the traditional 4.0 mm distance. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Foggy Shadow for faster response times, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may opt for the longer travel distance of the RedBlue. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing or gaming experiences.
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 RedBlue has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the RedBlue for $5.40.
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, both the Aflion Foggy Shadow and SP-Star RedBlue switches offer a low-pitched tone, making them suitable for various environments without creating too much noise disturbance. The neutral sound profile of both switches ensures a balanced auditory experience that is neither too loud nor too quiet. Additionally, the RedBlue switch is noted for its thocky sound profile, providing a deep and satisfying sound when keys are pressed and released. However, this quality may vary depending on the keyboard and keycap setup. Overall, users can expect similar sound characteristics from both switches, with slight variations based on personal preference.
Moving on to feel, the Aflion Foggy Shadow switch unfortunately lacks specific descriptors related to the tactile experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star RedBlue switch is described as offering a mild typing experience, catering to those who prefer a gentler feel while typing. Additionally, the polished finish of the RedBlue switch ensures smooth key travel and reduced friction, enhancing the overall typing experience. While the specific tactile feel of the Foggy Shadow switch is unknown, users can expect a comfortable and refined typing experience from both switches, with the RedBlue switch guaranteeing a smoother and more polished feel.
In conclusion, both the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and SP-Star RedBlue linear switch offer low-pitched sound profiles suitable for various environments. While the specific tactile feel of the Foggy Shadow switch remains unknown, users can expect a comfortable typing experience with the RedBlue switch, known for its mild and polished feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of specific sound characteristics and typing feel. However, given their similar qualities in sound and the likelihood of a comfortable typing experience, users can expect comparable results regardless of their selection.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch, consider the key factors that best suit your preferences. If you enjoy a light tactile bump with a medium weight and a neutral sound profile, the Foggy Shadow may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light typing experience with a low-pitched sound and a polished feel, the RedBlue linear switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what characteristics you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch. Choose wisely based on your typing style and sound preferences to enhance your overall typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
