Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
In the realm of mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Foggy Shadow stands out as a tactile switch with a light tactile bump, ideal for those who appreciate a subtle yet distinguishable feedback while typing. With a 63.5g bottom-out force, these switches offer a balanced performance that hits the sweet spot of medium weight. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice boasts a linear design, providing an exceptionally bright and clacky typing experience with a light touch. This makes it a standout choice for users looking for energetic and responsive feedback. While the Foggy Shadow offers a more subdued and tactile typing experience, the Salt Ice switches provide a vibrant and lively alternative. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Overall, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Jerrzi Salt Ice both utilize polycarbonate in their top housing, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, which contributes to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting. However, where they differ is in their bottom housing materials. The Foggy Shadow uses nylon, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Salt Ice continues with polycarbonate at the bottom, maintaining a consistent sharper and crisper sound throughout the switch.
In terms of aesthetics, both the Foggy Shadow and the Salt Ice feature clear housings, indicating the use of polycarbonate. This gives them a modern and sleek look, especially when paired with RGB lighting. However, the material of the bottom housing plays a crucial role in the overall sound and feel of the switch. The nylon bottom housing of the Foggy Shadow creates a more subdued and rounded sound, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Salt Ice maintains a clear and resonant sound. This contrast highlights how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience.
Despite their differences in bottom housing material, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Jerrzi Salt Ice both provide unique typing experiences. The split between the qualities brought by the top and bottom housing materials allows for a nuanced feel and sound profile when using these switches. The bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound upon key release. Ultimately, both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in creating a distinct typing experience for users.
Weight
In comparing the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, it is evident that they differ in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Foggy Shadow has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the Salt Ice has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. The actuation force for the Foggy Shadow is not specified, whereas the bottom out force for the Salt Ice is unknown. If both switches had the same actuation and bottom out forces, users would experience similar results in terms of typing and gaming performance. When considering weight preferences, lighter switches like the Salt Ice may be suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons, while heavier switches like the Foggy Shadow may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch both offer relatively short travel distances, with the Foggy Shadow at 3.5 mm and the Salt Ice at 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances preferred by gamers for quicker response times. However, the Foggy Shadow has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Salt Ice. The 0.1 mm difference may not be significant for all users, but those who are sensitive to small variations in keypress depth may notice a subtle distinction between the two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to traditional switches, making them suitable choices for those seeking a more responsive typing or gaming experience.
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 Jerrzi Salt Ice has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Salt Ice for $2.30.
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 tactile switch offers a low-pitched and neutral profile, providing a mellow and balanced typing experience. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch does not have specific sound characteristics provided, but with its bright and clacky nature, it is likely to produce a sharper and more pronounced sound when compared to the Foggy Shadow. Depending on personal preference and setup, users may find the Foggy Shadow to be more soothing and versatile in various typing environments, while the Salt Ice may cater to those who enjoy a more vibrant and lively typing sound.
As for feel, specific descriptions of the tactile feedback and actuation force of the Foggy Shadow and Salt Ice switches are not provided. However, based on the information given, the Foggy Shadow is likely to offer a light tactile bump with a 63.5g bottom-out force, giving users a gentle feedback while typing. The Salt Ice, on the other hand, is known for its light touch and effortless actuation, emphasizing a smooth and responsive typing experience. Users who prefer a subtle tactile bump may lean towards the Foggy Shadow, while those who prioritize seamless actuation may favor the Salt Ice.
Overall, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and Jerrzi Salt Ice switches offer distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel, catering to different preferences and typing styles. While the Foggy Shadow provides a low-pitched and balanced sound with a light tactile bump, the Salt Ice excels in delivering a bright and clacky typing experience with a light touch. Depending on whether you prioritize a softer sound or a more energetic feel, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience. Ultimately, exploring and experimenting with both switches can help you determine which one resonates best with your preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, consider the following guidelines: Choose the Foggy Shadow if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 63.5 grams and enjoy a light tactile bump for balanced performance in typing. Opt for the Salt Ice if you are looking for a switch with bright and clacky characteristics, a light touch, and vibrant feedback for an energetic and responsive typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for weight, tactile feedback, and typing style to ensure the best mechanical keyboard experience for you.
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