Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Aflion Foggy Shadow is a tactile switch that boasts a light tactile bump, providing a satisfying typing experience with its 63.5g bottom-out force. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear is a linear switch known for its innovative semi-silent feature, offering a whisper-quiet topping-out sound and a clacky bottom-out sound. While the Foggy Shadow falls under the categories of 'Low-pitched' and 'Neutral', the Semi-Silent Linear is categorized as 'Subdued', 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Snappy', 'Buttery', and 'Polished'. Choosing between these two switches ultimately depends on individual preferences in terms of tactile feedback and noise levels. 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
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear both feature polycarbonate top housings, which result in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which creates a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Foggy Shadow's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the Semi-Silent Linear also utilizes a nylon bottom housing for a similar typing experience.
However, while both switches share similarities in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing, the distribution of qualities between the two differ. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed down, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. This means that the typing experience and overall sound profile of the switches may vary slightly based on this distribution. Ultimately, both switches offer a unique combination of materials that contribute to their respective sound profiles and typing experiences.
In conclusion, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear showcase how different housing materials can affect the sound and feel of mechanical switches. While both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing to create a sharp and clear sound profile, the Foggy Shadow's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, compared to the Semi-Silent Linear's nylon bottom housing which absorbs more sound for a rounder tone. Understanding the impact of housing materials on switch performance can help keyboard enthusiasts choose the switch that best suits their typing preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, it is clear that the Foggy Shadow has a slightly heavier bottom out force at 63.5 grams compared to the Semi-Silent Linear's 62 grams. Both switches have the same unknown actuation force, which means that they will provide a similar typing experience in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. The difference in bottom out force may not be significant for some users, but those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Semi-Silent Linear, while those who enjoy a more substantial push feel may opt for the Foggy Shadow. Weight is an important factor to consider when choosing a switch, as it can significantly impact typing comfort and endurance for longer typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces will dictate which switch is the better choice for each user.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. The Foggy Shadow with its 3.5 mm travel distance may provide a slightly quicker key press compared to the Semi-Silent Linear with 3.7 mm. However, some users may find the shorter travel distance of the Foggy Shadow to be too abrupt, preferring the slightly longer travel distance of the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear for a more substantial key press experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference for travel distance and key feel.
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 Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi-Silent Linear for $5.27.
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
In terms of sound, the Aflion Foggy Shadow offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone while also being suitable for various use cases. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch provides a subdued and neutral sound, offering a dampened sound signature that is more subtle compared to most switches. Both switches cater to a moderate sound profile, making them versatile options for different environments.
Moving on to the feel, the Aflion Foggy Shadow's subjective qualities in this aspect are not explicitly mentioned. However, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is described as mild, snappy, buttery, and polished. This means that the Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a gentle typing experience with a responsive and smooth keystroke, providing a seamless and comfortable typing sensation. The switch's characteristics suggest an approachable and refined typing feel that caters to a wide range of users.
In conclusion, both the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch excel in different aspects. While the Foggy Shadow offers a low-pitched sound with a medium weight tactile bump, the Semi-Silent Linear provides a subdued sound with a silky smooth feel and quiet topping-out sound. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the two switches based on whether they prioritize sound or feel in their typing experience. Regardless of the choice made, both switches offer balanced performance and innovative features to enhance the overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a light bump and a medium weight, the Aflion Foggy Shadow would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a whisper-quiet topping-out sound and a silky smooth feel, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear would be the way to go. Consider the sound and feel preferences you have in mind when deciding between these two switches, as they offer unique characteristics that cater to different needs and preferences. Ultimately, both switches provide innovative features that enhance your typing experience, so choose based on what aligns best with your personal preferences and typing style.
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