Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Aflion Foggy Shadow and the KTT Strawberry are two unique mechanical keyboard switches that cater to different preferences. The Foggy Shadow, a tactile switch by Aflion, offers a light tactile bump and a 63.5g bottom-out force, providing a balanced performance with a medium weight feel. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry, a linear switch, is known for its smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance, with its attractive pink and clear housings adding a touch of charm. While the Foggy Shadow is perfect for those seeking a tactile typing experience, the Strawberry is ideal for users who prefer a buttery smooth and frictionless keystroke. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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 KTT Strawberry both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which creates a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially beneficial if RGB lighting is a desired feature. While the Strawberry also features a polycarbonate top housing, the Foggy Shadow differs with its nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
In terms of sound profile, the use of different housing materials in the top and bottom of a switch can significantly impact the typing experience. With the Foggy Shadow, the qualities of the nylon bottom housing will affect the bottom-out sound and feel, while the polycarbonate top housing will influence the sound when releasing a key. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry's consistent use of polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housing means that the sharp, higher-pitched, and clear sound profile will be present throughout the typing process. The choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound and feel.
Despite their differences in housing materials, both the Aflion Foggy Shadow and KTT Strawberry offer a unique typing experience with their respective sound profiles. The combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Foggy Shadow creates a dynamic sound character that is both sharp and deep, while the consistent use of polycarbonate in the Strawberry results in a consistently crisp and clear sound. Whether one prefers a sharper, crisper sound or a deeper, fuller sound, both keyboards offer a high-quality typing experience that caters to different preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is slightly heavier than the KTT Strawberry linear switch, which has a bottom out force of 62 grams. However, the actuation force of the Foggy Shadow is unknown, whereas the Strawberry has an actuation force of 43 grams. In terms of weight, the Strawberry is slightly lighter than the Foggy Shadow, making it a better choice for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. Both switches offer a medium level of resistance when bottoming out, providing a satisfying typing feel without being too heavy or too light. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the KTT Strawberry linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, with the Foggy Shadow being the shorter of the two. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Foggy Shadow for faster response times, while those who prefer a bit more depth in their keystrokes may opt for the longer travel distance of the Strawberry. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the type of typing or gaming experience one is looking for.
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 KTT Strawberry comes in at $4.91 per 10 switches.
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 is characterized by a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a mellow tone with a moderate actuation force requirement suitable for various usage scenarios. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry linear switch shares a similar low-pitched sound profile, offering a bass-heavy tone as well. It is important to note that the overall sound of a switch is influenced by other factors like the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Aflion Foggy Shadow is praised for its light tactile bump, but specific descriptors about its feel are not provided. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry switch is known for its frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished feel, offering an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance and a refined finish. This difference in feel highlights the distinct tactile and linear characteristics of these switches, catering to different preferences based on the typing experience desired.
Overall, both the Aflion Foggy Shadow and KTT Strawberry switches excel in specific areas, offering unique qualities to meet the needs of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Foggy Shadow provides a balanced tactile experience with a moderate sound profile, the Strawberry stands out for its smooth and frictionless feel. Depending on individual preferences for typing feedback and keypress sensation, users can choose between these switches to achieve their desired mechanical keyboard experience. Ultimately, whether opting for the Aflion Foggy Shadow or the KTT Strawberry, users can expect quality performance and reliable keypresses tailored to their typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a light tactile bump and a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Foggy Shadow may be the right choice for you. This switch offers a low-pitched sound profile and a neutral feel, making it suitable for various typing preferences. On the other hand, if you value a smooth actuation and a medium bottom out force, the KTT Strawberry could be the better option. This switch provides a low-pitched sound and a frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished feel for an exceptional typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for tactile feedback, sound, and typing feel.
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