Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Aflion Foggy Shadow, known for its light tactile bump and 63.5g bottom-out force, strikes a balance between tactile feedback and smooth keystrokes. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) is perfect for those looking for a tactile switch with a silenced operation, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. With a medium bump and padded bottom-out feel, this switch provides a satisfying typing experience with minimal noise. 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
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp), it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This material choice leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, as polycarbonate is known for its stiffness and clear resonance. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. However, while both switches have polycarbonate top housings, they differ in their bottom housings. The Foggy Shadow features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) also utilizes a nylon bottom housing for a similar effect of creating a rounder, duller sound profile.
Despite the similarities in their top housings, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) differ in their overall sound profiles due to their contrasting bottom housing materials. The split qualities of the respective housing materials affect the typing experience on each switch, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key. The Foggy Shadow's nylon bottom housing provides a distinct typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Silent T1 (Shrimp) also benefits from nylon's sound-absorbing properties for a similar effect. This showcases how different housing materials can contribute to a switch's overall sound and feel.
In conclusion, both the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) offer unique typing experiences based on their housing materials. While they share polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and clear sound profile, the Foggy Shadow's nylon bottom housing adds a depth and resonance to its sound, while the Silent T1 (Shrimp) also benefits from nylon's sound-absorbing qualities. Ultimately, the choice of housing materials in a switch can greatly impact its overall sound profile and typing experience, making it crucial for enthusiasts to consider these factors when selecting their preferred switch.
Weight
In comparing the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, it is evident that the actuation force of both switches is not specified. However, the Foggy Shadow boasts a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the Silent T1 has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it slightly heavier. This difference in bottom out force may result in a slightly firmer typing experience with the Silent T1 compared to the Foggy Shadow. Both switches fall within the medium-heavy range, providing a balance between a light and heavy typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference for typing comfort and typing duration.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Silent T1 offers a slightly longer keypress distance compared to the Foggy Shadow. Choosing between the two would depend on personal preference and typing style. Gamers looking for quicker response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Foggy Shadow, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress depth may lean towards the Silent T1. Both switches offer a balance between travel distance and keypress feel, so users can expect similar results in terms of tactile feedback and overall typing 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 Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent T1 (Shrimp) for $5.57.
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 auditory experience, with a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for various environments. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) provides a muted sound profile, perfect for those looking to minimize noise in noise-sensitive settings. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Foggy Shadow offering a more balanced and versatile sound, while the Silent T1 provides a quieter typing experience.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Aflion Foggy Shadow does not have specific descriptors provided, suggesting a unique tactile feel that may be best experienced firsthand. In contrast, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) is described as stepped, accented, and polished. This indicates that the Silent T1 offers a tactile feel with two stages, providing a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming or subtle. The polished finish ensures a smooth and refined typing experience, reducing friction for comfortable key travel.
In conclusion, while the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) differ in sound and feel, they both offer unique qualities that cater to specific preferences. Whether you prefer a low-pitched and neutral sound with a light tactile bump, or a muted sound with a stepped and polished tactile feel, both switches are designed to enhance your typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on your personal preference for sound, feel, and overall typing satisfaction.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, consider your priorities. If you value a light tactile bump and a low-pitched, neutral sound profile, the Foggy Shadow may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch that offers both tactile feedback and a quieter experience in noise-sensitive environments, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) with its medium bump, muted sound, stepped, accented, and polished feel might be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences and the specific requirements of your typing experience.
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