Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. HC Studio Roselle
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the HC Studio Roselle switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Aflion Foggy Shadow and the HC Studio Roselle are two distinct mechanical keyboard switches that cater to different preferences. The Foggy Shadow, a tactile switch, stands out for its light tactile bump and 63.5g bottom-out force, offering a balanced performance ideal for those who prefer medium weight switches. On the other hand, the Roselle, a linear switch, is renowned for its smoothness and ethereal feel, with a subtle low-pitched sound signature while typing. While the Foggy Shadow is categorized as 'Low-pitched' and 'Neutral', the Roselle boasts attributes such as 'Bassy', 'Frictionless', 'Mild', and 'Neutral'. Each switch has its unique qualities that may appeal to different users based on their preferences. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Y3
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
20.5mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Foggy Shadow and the HC Studio Roselle both have unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Foggy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound due to its stiffness, while the Roselle's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. In terms of aesthetics, the clear polycarbonate material of the Foggy Shadow allows for RGB lighting to shine through, while the opaque POM material of the Roselle offers a more subtle look.
On the other hand, both switches share a similar bottom housing material with the Foggy Shadow featuring a nylon bottom housing and the Roselle also utilizing POM for its bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. Similarly, POM is praised for its unique and pleasing sound that leans towards the deeper side and is relatively more muted. This shared material in the bottom housing of both switches contributes to a consistent sound experience across the two.
Overall, the differences in the top housing materials of the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the HC Studio Roselle result in distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences. While the polycarbonate top housing of the Foggy Shadow offers a sharper and clearer sound, the POM top housing of the Roselle provides a deeper and more subdued sound. However, the shared nylon and POM bottom housing materials between the two switches ensure a similar deep and full sound experience that is consistent regardless of the top housing material used. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference for sound profile and aesthetics.
Weight
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience, while the HC Studio Roselle linear switch has a bottom out force of 52 grams, offering a medium-light feel. The actuation force of the Foggy Shadow is not specified, while the Roselle has an actuation force of 45 grams. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Roselle switch, as it has a lower bottom out force. On the other hand, if a stronger push is preferred for a more substantial typing experience, the medium-heavy bottom out force of the Foggy Shadow may be more suited. While the actuation force may vary, users can expect similar results from both switches in terms of the typing experience and overall feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference for a lighter or heavier keypress.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch have slightly different travel distances. The Foggy Shadow has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Roselle has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. While the difference may seem minimal, it can affect the overall feel and feedback of the switch. In this case, the Roselle linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Foggy Shadow tactile switch. People who prefer a bit more depth and feedback when typing may lean towards the Roselle switch, while those who prefer a slightly shorter travel distance for quicker response times may prefer the Foggy Shadow switch. Both switches fall within the shorter end of the spectrum for travel distances, making them suitable options for those who enjoy more responsive typing 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 HC Studio Roselle has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Roselle for $4.70.
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 HC Studio Roselle switches exhibit low-pitched tones, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow sound profile during key presses. This makes them suitable for various environments and preferences, whether you prefer a neutral sound or a deeper, richer bass tone. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Aflion Foggy Shadow switch doesn't have specific descriptors for its tactile feel, while the HC Studio Roselle switch is described as offering a frictionless and mild typing experience. The Roselle switch promotes effortless typing with minimal resistance or friction, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke. On the other hand, the feel of the Foggy Shadow switch remains unknown, but based on its reputation for balanced performance, it likely offers a comfortable and consistent typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and HC Studio Roselle linear switch have their strengths in sound and feel. While they share similarities in their low-pitched sound profiles, the Roselle switch sets itself apart with its frictionless and mild typing experience. Whether you prioritize a light tactile bump with medium weight like the Foggy Shadow or value an incredibly smooth and ethereal feel like the Roselle, both switches offer competitive options in the ever-growing mechanical keyboard market. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your personal preferences in sound and typing feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch or the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, it is important to evaluate your preferences for typing feel and sound. If you prioritize a light tactile bump with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a neutral sound profile, the Foggy Shadow may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer an impossibly smooth and frictionless typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force and a bassy sound profile, the Roselle switch might better suit your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your individual typing preferences and how each switch aligns with your desired typing experience.
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