Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. KTT Semi Mute
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the KTT Semi Mute switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the KTT Semi Mute stand out for their unique features and benefits. The Foggy Shadow by Aflion offers a light tactile bump with a 63.5g bottom-out force, striking a balance between weight and performance. On the other hand, the Semi Mute switches by KTT are designed for those who prioritize a noise-free environment with their silent operation and advanced dampening technology. The Foggy Shadow is best suited for those who prefer a tactile typing experience, while the Semi Mute is perfect for users who desire a quiet and smooth linear feel. 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
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
Comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the KTT Semi Mute, it is clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. However, despite this similarity, the Nylon bottom housing of the Foggy Shadow offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Semi Mute, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. This contrast in bottom housing material may result in a noticeable difference in typing experience between the two switches.
On the one hand, the Foggy Shadow's Nylon bottom housing provides a unique typing experience characterized by a deeper and fuller sound profile. This quality is attributed to the softness of nylon, which absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Semi Mute's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to its sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. While the difference in bottom housing material may not be immediately noticeable to some users, those who pay close attention to sound and feel during typing may prefer one over the other based on these qualities.
Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the KTT Semi Mute will come down to personal preference in terms of sound and typing experience. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housing for a clear and resonant sound profile, the distinction in bottom housing material may influence the overall sound and feel of the typing experience. Whether one prefers the deeper and fuller sound of the Foggy Shadow's Nylon bottom housing or the crisper sound of the Semi Mute's polycarbonate bottom housing will depend on individual preferences and priorities when it comes to mechanical keyboards.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch reveals some interesting differences. The Aflion Foggy Shadow has an actuation force of None grams, making it lighter in terms of force required to trigger a keystroke compared to the KTT Semi Mute, which has an actuation force of 43 grams. On the other hand, the bottom out force of the Aflion Foggy Shadow is 63.5 grams, which is heavier than the bottom out force of the KTT Semi Mute at 58 grams. This means that the Aflion Foggy Shadow provides a more substantial typing experience in terms of bottoming out force, while the KTT Semi Mute offers a lighter actuation force for a smoother typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on whether one prefers a lighter actuation force for extended typing sessions or a heavier bottom out force for a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it shorter than the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Foggy Shadow offers a slightly quicker response time compared to the Semi Mute due to its shorter travel distance. Gamers looking for faster input recognition may prefer the Foggy Shadow for this reason. However, some users may find the shorter travel distance of the Foggy Shadow to be too abrupt and prefer the slightly longer travel distance of the Semi Mute for a more satisfying keystroke experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and desired 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 KTT Semi Mute has an MSRP of $3.97 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi Mute for $3.55.
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 switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches while maintaining a moderate actuation force requirement suitable for various purposes. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute switch has a muted and neutral sound, producing a softer and quieter typing experience ideal for noise-sensitive environments. Both switches aim to cater to users seeking a pleasant typing sound without being overly disruptive, making them suitable options for different preferences and settings.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Foggy Shadow switch's tactile bump and 63.5g bottom-out force provide a light tactile experience, offering a balanced and responsive typing feel. Unfortunately, there is no provided information on the specific feel of the Foggy Shadow switch. The KTT Semi Mute switch, with its linear actuation and advanced dampening technology, delivers a buttery and mild typing experience, characterized by smooth and fluid keystrokes with a gentle touch. This smooth and uniform sensation makes typing on the Semi Mute switch comfortable and gratifying, especially for extended typing sessions.
Overall, while the Aflion Foggy Shadow and KTT Semi Mute switches differ in their sound and feel characteristics, they both strive to provide a satisfying typing experience tailored to the needs of the user. Whether you prefer a light tactile bump with a low-pitched sound or a smooth linear feel with a muted sound, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. When choosing between the two, consider your priorities in sound, feel, and typing environment to select the switch that best suits your mechanical keyboard preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preferences and priorities. If you value a light tactile bump with a medium weight and a low-pitched, neutral sound profile, the Foggy Shadow may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a noise-free environment, smooth keystrokes, and a muted, buttery typing experience, the Semi Mute switch would be more suitable. Consider your typing habits, environment, and desired typing feel to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, both switches offer unique benefits, so choose the one that aligns most with your preferences and needs.
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