Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. Kailh Sage
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Kailh Sage switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Kailh Sage stand out for their unique characteristics. The Foggy Shadow, a tactile switch from Aflion, boasts a light tactile bump and a medium weight of 63.5g bottom-out force, prioritizing balanced performance in their lineup. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage, a clicky switch, offers a heavy weight and a sharp clickiness that provides a distinct typing experience. While the Foggy Shadow is known for its neutral and low-pitched feel, the Sage is categorized as invigorating, sharp, and crunchy. Each switch has its own strengths and appeal, making it suitable for 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Kailh Sage both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, leading to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Foggy Shadow's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the Sage also features a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience with a deep and rich sound.
While both switches share the use of polycarbonate for their top housing, the key difference lies in their bottom housing material. The separate housing materials affect the overall sound profile and typing experience of each switch. The split between the characteristics of the top and bottom housing means that the qualities of each material are distinct in the typing process. The impact of the bottom housing is felt in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Despite these differences, both switches offer unique sound profiles and tactile experiences based on their housing materials.
Overall, the Foggy Shadow and the Kailh Sage showcase the importance of housing materials in creating distinct sound profiles for mechanical switches. While both switches incorporate polycarbonate for their top housing, the use of nylon for the bottom housing sets them apart in terms of sound characteristics. The Foggy Shadow's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound, while the Sage's nylon bottom housing offers a similar typing experience. Understanding the impact of housing materials on sound and tactile feedback can help mechanical keyboard enthusiasts choose the switch that best fits their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, it is clear that both switches have similar characteristics in terms of weight. The Foggy Shadow has a light actuation force of None grams, making it effortless to trigger keystrokes, while the Kailh Sage also has a comparable actuation force of None grams. However, the bottom out force of the Foggy Shadow is slightly lighter at 63.5 grams, compared to the Kailh Sage's heavier bottom out force of 70 grams. This means that the Foggy Shadow may provide a smoother typing experience for those who prefer a lighter touch, while the Kailh Sage offers a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with lighter switches being more suitable for extended typing sessions and heavier switches for users seeking a more tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Kailh Sage clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those looking for quick response times. The slight difference of 0.1 mm between the two may not be noticeable to the average user, as they will still provide a similar experience in terms of keypress feedback. However, if you prefer a slightly more substantial feel when typing, the Kailh Sage clicky switch with its slightly longer travel distance may be the better option for you. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
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 Kailh Sage comes in at $6.25 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 mellow and balanced typing experience suitable for various environments. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage emits a crunchy sound reminiscent of stepping on autumn leaves, adding a unique auditory dimension to your typing sessions. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that can enhance the overall typing experience, with the Foggy Shadow leaning towards a more neutral tone while the Sage provides a crunchy and satisfying click.
In terms of feel, the Foggy Shadow's tactile bump is described as light, offering a gentle feedback with a 63.5g bottom-out force, providing a smooth and comfortable typing experience. The Kailh Sage, on the other hand, is known for its invigorating and sharp tactile feedback, creating a more pronounced and firm typing sensation. While the Foggy Shadow focuses on a lighter tactile bump, the Sage delivers a sharper and more engaging tactile experience, catering to users who prefer a more intense feedback with each key press.
Overall, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and Kailh Sage switches offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, catering to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Foggy Shadow provides a balanced and mellow sound with a light tactile bump, ideal for those seeking a gentler typing experience. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage offers a distinct clicky sound with an invigorating and sharp tactile feedback, appealing to users who enjoy a more intense and responsive typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, with both options promising a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch or the Kailh Sage clicky switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter tactile bump and lower bottom-out force, the Foggy Shadow may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more pronounced clicky typing experience with a heavier bottom-out force, the Sage switch might be more to your liking. Both switches offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, so it's important to test them out if possible to determine which one suits you best. Ultimately, the decision rests on what feels most comfortable and enjoyable for you as a typist.
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