Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. TTC Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the TTC Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When deciding between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Aflion Foggy Shadow, a tactile switch, and the TTC Speed Silver, a linear switch. The Aflion Foggy Shadow, known for its light tactile bump and 63.5g bottom-out force, offers a balanced performance and medium weight that can appeal to a wide range of users. On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver is preferred by those seeking a fast and precise typing experience, with light-medium resistance and reduced travel distance for quick actuation. While the Foggy Shadow is categorized as 'Low-pitched' and 'Neutral', the Speed Silver falls into the categories of 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished'. 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
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.08 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
The Aflion Foggy Shadow and TTC Speed Silver both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate, which helps in creating a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. However, while they share the same top housing material, the Foggy Shadow features a nylon bottom housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Speed Silver's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches using this material.
In terms of construction, the top housing materials of the Aflion Foggy Shadow and TTC Speed Silver are similar in their use of polycarbonate, offering a clear and resonant sound profile. Both switches are ideal for users looking for a sharper, crisper typing experience with the added benefit of compatibility with RGB lighting. However, where they differ is in the bottom housing material. The Foggy Shadow's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Speed Silver's polycarbonate bottom housing results in a slightly different, potentially crisper sound when bottoming out.
Overall, the choice between the Aflion Foggy Shadow and TTC Speed Silver may come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharper and crisper sound, the Foggy Shadow's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and more absorbent sound compared to the Speed Silver's polycarbonate bottom housing. Users looking for a switch with a more round and dull sound may prefer the Foggy Shadow, while those seeking a slightly crisper sound when typing may gravitate towards the Speed Silver.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, some differences become evident. The Foggy Shadow has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch, while its actuation force is not specified. In contrast, the Speed Silver has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, putting it in the medium-light category. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Speed Silver for longer typing sessions or gaming, while those seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for the heavier bottom out force of the Foggy Shadow. In either case, selecting the appropriate force based on personal preference can greatly enhance typing comfort and efficiency.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the TTC Speed Silver linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. The slight difference of 0.1 mm may not be significant enough to notice a major distinction in feel between the two switches. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of responsiveness versus a more substantial keypress 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 Speed Silver has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Speed Silver for $4.58.
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 sound profile, providing a mellow and balanced typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver also delivers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various typing environments. Both switches offer a pleasing auditory experience that is not too loud or jarring, ensuring an enjoyable typing session.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Foggy Shadow's tactile bump provides a light and responsive typing experience, though specific details on the feel are not available. In contrast, the TTC Speed Silver offers a mild and polished feel, giving typists a gentle and smooth keystroke with reduced friction. While the Foggy Shadow focuses on a light tactile bump, the Speed Silver emphasizes a polished and refined typing experience, catering to different preferences for tactile feedback.
Overall, both the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the TTC Speed Silver switches showcase unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. While the Foggy Shadow excels in providing a low-pitched sound and light tactile bump, the Speed Silver stands out with its neutral sound profile and polished feel. Typists seeking a more mellow typing experience may opt for the Foggy Shadow, while those prioritizing a smooth and gentle keystroke may lean towards the Speed Silver. Ultimately, both switches offer quality performance and innovative features that make them valuable additions to the mechanical keyboard market.
Conclusion
To summarize, when deciding between the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a medium-heavy bottom-out force with a light tactile bump and a low-pitched, neutral sound profile, the Foggy Shadow would be a good choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom-out force with a light-medium resistance for a fast and precise typing experience, along with a neutral sound profile and a mild, polished feel, the Speed Silver switch would be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what specific typing experience and sound profile you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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