Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. Dareu Sky POM
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Dareu Sky POM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Aflion Foggy Shadow and Dareu Sky POM mechanical keyboard switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Foggy Shadow, a tactile switch from Aflion, provides a light tactile bump and a 63.5g bottom-out force, striking a balance between responsiveness and comfort. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM, a linear switch made from POM material, stands out for its smoothness, clacky sound, and gentle actuation force. While the Foggy Shadow leans towards a tactile typing experience, the Sky POM offers a buttery 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
40g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
POM
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 spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Dareu Sky POM both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Foggy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharp, high-pitched sound, while the Sky POM's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. However, both materials offer clarity and resonance, with the Foggy Shadow's polycarbonate being ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency. This difference in sound profiles can cater to different preferences, with the Foggy Shadow appealing to those who enjoy a crisper sound and the Sky POM appealing to those who prefer a deeper tone.
In terms of bottom housings, both the Foggy Shadow and the Sky POM utilize nylon, a classic switch housing material known for producing a fuller and deeper sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. While the qualities of nylon are consistent between the two switches, they may manifest differently due to the varying top housing materials. The split between the top and bottom housings allows for a unique typing experience, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing impacting the sound when releasing a key.
Overall, the choice between the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Dareu Sky POM comes down to personal preference in sound profile. The Foggy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound, while the Sky POM's POM top housing provides a deeper and more muted tone. Both switches benefit from the use of nylon in their bottom housings, resulting in a fuller sound profile that is characteristic of this classic material. Whether you prefer a brighter sound with RGB lighting capabilities or a deeper, more subdued tone, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, it is clear that there are noticeable differences between the two. The Foggy Shadow has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is considered medium-heavy, while its actuation force is unknown. On the other hand, the Sky POM has an actuation force of 40 grams, with an unknown bottom out force. This means that the Sky POM is lighter in terms of actuation force compared to the Foggy Shadow. The Foggy Shadow provides a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force, whereas the Sky POM offers a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Dareu Sky POM linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Sky POM has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Foggy Shadow. The difference may not be significant, but some users may notice a slight variation in key feel between the two switches. Generally, a shorter travel distance like the one on the Foggy Shadow is preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance like the one on the Sky POM may provide a more satisfying typing experience for some users who prefer a deeper key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance.
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 Dareu Sky POM has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sky POM for $4.98.
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 tone, providing a mellow and versatile sound profile suitable for various environments and preferences. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM also delivers a low-pitched sound, emphasizing a bass-heavy and tranquil auditory experience. Both switches offer similar results in terms of sound, but the choice between them may come down to personal preference and the setup of your keyboard.
Moving on to the feel, the Foggy Shadow does not have specific descriptors outlined, but with its light tactile bump and medium weight, users can expect a comfortable typing experience with just the right amount of feedback. In contrast, the Dareu Sky POM is described as buttery, creamy, and silky, offering an exceptionally smooth and fluid keystroke experience. While the Foggy Shadow focuses more on tactile feedback, the Sky POM prioritizes a seamless and effortless typing sensation.
In conclusion, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and Dareu Sky POM switches present different strengths in sound and feel. The Foggy Shadow leans towards a balanced and neutral sound profile with a light tactile bump, while the Sky POM excels in providing a buttery and smooth typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preferences regarding sound, feel, and typing style. Both switches offer exceptional quality in their respective attributes, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for newcomers and enthusiasts alike.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a light tactile bump with a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 63.5 grams and a neutral low-pitched sound profile, then the Aflion Foggy Shadow is the way to go. On the other hand, if you value a premium feel with a buttery, creamy, or silky smooth keystroke experience and a low-pitched sound, then the Dareu Sky POM switch crafted from POM material is the ideal choice for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for tactility, sound profile, and typing feel.
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