Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the TTC Silent Brown, both tactile switches. The Aflion Foggy Shadow, known for its light tactile bump and medium weight of 63.5g bottom-out force, showcases Aflion's dedication to balanced performance. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown offers a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump. What sets it apart is its muted sound profile, ideal for those seeking a quieter typing experience. Each switch has its own unique characteristics that make them appealing choices for different preferences. 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
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 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 Brown utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for compatibility with RGB lighting, making it a popular choice for gamers and enthusiasts seeking a visually appealing switch option.
On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Foggy Shadow and the Silent Brown serves to create a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. Nylon's softer properties absorb more sound than harder plastics, leading to a duller and rounder sound experience. This difference in bottom housing material highlights the impact that the housing material can have on the overall typing experience, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound upon key release.
While both switches share similar housing materials in terms of polycarbonate top housing, they differ in their choice of nylon bottom housing. This disparity results in distinct sound profiles, with the Foggy Shadow showcasing sharper and crisper sound qualities, while the Silent Brown offers a deeper and fuller sound experience. Ultimately, the combination of housing materials in each switch contributes to the overall typing experience, providing users with options to suit their preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and TTC Silent Brown tactile switch both have a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making them equally medium-heavy in that aspect. However, when it comes to actuation force, the Silent Brown is lighter with 45 grams compared to the Foggy Shadow's unknown force. The actuation force determines the force needed to trigger a keystroke, while the bottom out force measures the pressure needed to press a key all the way down. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Silent Brown for longer typing sessions, while others may prefer the heavier bottom out force of both switches for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and pressure sensitivity.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Silent Brown has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Foggy Shadow. This means that the Silent Brown switch will provide a bit more depth when pressed compared to the Foggy Shadow switch. However, both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those looking for a quicker response time. Gamers, in particular, may prefer these shorter travel distances for faster reactions. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for the amount of depth and responsiveness desired in a tactile switch.
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 Brown 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 Brown for $5.00.
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 tactile switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for various environments and preferences. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch is known for its muted sound, producing a softer and quieter typing experience that is ideal for those looking to minimize noise. Ultimately, if you prioritize a quieter typing environment, the Silent Brown switches may be the preferred choice, while the Foggy Shadow switches cater to those who enjoy a deeper, more neutral sound.
Moving on to feel, the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch does not have specific descriptors available, leaving its tactile feel somewhat unknown. In contrast, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch is described as buttery, mild, and polished, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. This makes the Silent Brown switches a great option for those seeking a comfortable and gentle typing sensation that is refined and effortless. However, without specific descriptors for the Foggy Shadow switches, it is difficult to directly compare the tactile feel between the two.
In conclusion, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and TTC Silent Brown tactile switches both offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. The Foggy Shadow switches provide a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, while the Silent Brown switches offer a muted sound with a buttery and polished tactile feel. Depending on whether you prioritize sound or feel, you can choose between the two switches for a typing experience that aligns with your preferences. Overall, both switches aim to provide a comfortable typing experience with their respective characteristics, ensuring that users can enjoy their mechanical keyboard setup to the fullest.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a light tactile bump and a more neutral, low-pitched sound profile, the Foggy Shadow may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery, mild typing experience with a muted sound profile, then the Silent Brown switch would be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer their own unique characteristics, so it's important to consider what factors are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch before making your decision.
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