Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. SP-Star Duck
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the SP-Star Duck switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Aflion Foggy Shadow and the SP-Star Duck are both tactile switches that provide a satisfying typing experience, but they offer different characteristics that cater to varying preferences. The Foggy Shadow by Aflion boasts a very light tactile bump and a 63.5g bottom-out force, making it a great option for those who prefer a medium weight switch with balanced performance. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck offers a more subtle tactile typing experience with a clean and crispy sound profile, perfect for those seeking a gentle tactility while typing. 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
58g
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Aflion Foggy Shadow and SP-Star Duck both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. This results in a more clear and resonant sound when typing on these switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, adding to the aesthetic appeal. On the other hand, the Foggy Shadow uses a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Duck's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound experience.
While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings, the differing bottom housing materials of nylon and polycarbonate create unique sound profiles for the Aflion Foggy Shadow and SP-Star Duck. The Foggy Shadow's combination of polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housings offers a balance of sharpness and depth in sound, with the softer nylon absorbing more sound for a fuller typing experience. In contrast, the Duck's all polycarbonate housing results in a consistently sharp and clear sound profile throughout typing. The impact of each housing material is felt differently when typing on the switches, with the top housing influencing the sound upon key release and the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the Aflion Foggy Shadow and SP-Star Duck plays a significant role in the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. While both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, the differing bottom housing materials of nylon and polycarbonate create distinct sound characteristics. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound profile with the Duck or a deeper, fuller sound profile with the Foggy Shadow, the housing materials of these switches contribute to the overall typing experience in unique ways. Ultimately, understanding the impact of housing materials on sound and feel can help enthusiasts make informed decisions when customizing their mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, one key difference is in their bottom out force. The Foggy Shadow has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Duck's 58 grams, which is medium. Both switches have an actuation force of None grams, meaning they will require a similar amount of force to register a keystroke. This similarity in actuation force suggests that users can expect a consistent typing experience from both switches in terms of initial key press. However, the heavier bottom out force of the Foggy Shadow may provide a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a firmer keystroke. On the other hand, the lighter bottom out force of the Duck may be more suitable for users looking for a lighter touch during extended typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which falls on the shorter side compared to the 4 mm travel distance of the SP-Star Duck tactile switch. The Foggy Shadow offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers looking for fast and precise keystrokes. On the other hand, the Duck switch provides a bit more depth and feedback with its longer travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more tactile typing experience. Both switches offer unique characteristics based on their respective travel distances, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference when choosing between the two.
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 SP-Star Duck has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Duck for $5.40.
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 profile, the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch offers a low-pitched and neutral tone, providing a bass-heavy and mellow sound experience suitable for various environments and user preferences. Similarly, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch also features a neutral sound profile, making it a versatile option that can be suitable for both beginners and advanced users, whether for home or work use. The difference in sound between these switches will ultimately depend on other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to typing feel, the Aflion Foggy Shadow switch does not have specific descriptors provided, suggesting a more subtle or balanced tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch is described as offering a mild, buttery, and polished feel. This implies a gentle, smooth, and refined typing sensation that is comfortable and approachable for most users, with reduced friction and effortless key travel.
In conclusion, both the Aflion Foggy Shadow and SP-Star Duck tactile switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Foggy Shadow provides a low-pitched sound and a light tactile bump with 63.5g bottom-out force, the Duck offers a clean and crispy sound profile along with a more gentle and polished typing experience. Depending on personal preferences and typing habits, users can expect to achieve similar balanced performance with either of these switches, tailored to their individual needs and preferences in a mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a light tactile bump with a medium weight and a low-pitched sound profile, the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle tactile typing experience with a medium bottom out force and a neutral sound profile, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch would be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for tactile feel, sound profile, and bottom out force when selecting between these two switches. Consider what factors are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch to make the best choice for your typing experience.
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