Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. TTC Silent Bluish White (V2)
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between two popular mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Foggy Shadow by Aflion boasts a light tactile bump with a 63.5g bottom-out force, striking a balance between weight and responsiveness. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White (V2) by TTC provides a medium tactile feel with a focus on quiet operation, making it ideal for shared spaces or quiet environments. While the Foggy Shadow emphasizes a light tactile experience, the Silent Bluish White (V2) prioritizes quietness and precision. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to their stiffness. The use of polycarbonate is especially beneficial for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting, as the translucency of the material allows the light to shine through. This results in a visually appealing switch with a distinct sound profile. Since both switches use polycarbonate for their top housing, users can expect similar sound characteristics from both models.
In terms of their bottom housings, the Foggy Shadow utilizes a nylon material while the Silent Bluish White (V2) also features a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound, providing a different typing experience compared to switches with a polycarbonate bottom housing. Although both switches have nylon bottom housings, the impact on sound and feel when pressing the keys will differ slightly due to the unique qualities of each switch's bottom housing material.
Overall, the combination of materials used in the top and bottom housings of the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) contributes to the overall sound profile and typing experience of each switch. While both switches share a polycarbonate top housing for a sharper sound profile, the different bottom housing materials - nylon for the Foggy Shadow and Silent Bluish White (V2) - result in distinct typing experiences. The split qualities between the top and bottom housings of each switch provide users with a unique sound and feel when typing, catering to different preferences and typing styles.
Weight
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch, while its actuation force is unknown. In comparison, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. The lighter actuation force of the TTC switch makes it more suitable for typing for extended periods or for gaming sessions where quick key presses are needed. On the other hand, the heavier bottom out force of the Foggy Shadow switch provides a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer different experiences based on the preference for lighter or heavier actuation forces for users. Ultimately, users looking for a lighter typing experience may prefer the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switch, while those seeking a heavier and more substantial feel may lean towards the Aflion Foggy Shadow switch.
Travel distance
Both the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switches have the same travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. Whether you choose the Foggy Shadow or the Silent Bluish White (V2), you can feel confident that the travel distance will be the same, resulting in similar tactile feedback and overall typing 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 TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Bluish White (V2) for $4.63.
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 typing experience, providing a mellow tone that is suitable for various environments. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) produces a muted sound that is softer and quieter, ideal for those looking to minimize noise in shared spaces. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, ensuring a pleasant typing experience for users.
In terms of feel, the Foggy Shadow's tactile bump is described as light, providing a balanced typing experience with a 63.5g bottom-out force. However, specific descriptors for the feel of the Foggy Shadow are not available. The Silent Bluish White (V2) boasts a buttery and mild tactile feel, offering a smooth and gentle keystroke with a subtle resistance. Additionally, these switches have a polished finish for reduced friction and improved key travel. With a stepped design, the Silent Bluish Whites offer a unique typing experience that is approachable and comfortable.
In conclusion, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switches each offer distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel. While the Foggy Shadow provides a low-pitched and medium weight typing experience, the Silent Bluish White (V2) focuses on creating a quiet, buttery, and polished typing feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between these two switches to achieve a satisfying and tailored typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer quality performance and innovative design, ensuring that users will get similar results in terms of overall satisfaction and typing comfort.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch, consider your preference for bottom-out force. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom-out force, the Foggy Shadow with 63.5 grams would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a 50-gram bottom-out force, the Silent Bluish White (V2) would be more fitting for you. Additionally, consider the sound profile you desire; the Foggy Shadow offers low-pitched and neutral sound characteristics, while the Silent Bluish White (V2) provides a muted sound experience. Lastly, in terms of feel, the Silent Bluish White (V2) offers a variety of descriptors such as buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished, providing a comfortable and precise typing experience. Ultimately, choose the switch that aligns best with your preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and bottom-out force for a satisfying keyboard experience.