Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. TKC Tangerine
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the TKC Tangerine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Foggy Shadow, a tactile switch, and the TKC Tangerine, a linear switch, stand out for their unique features. The Foggy Shadow by Aflion boasts a light tactile bump with a 63.5g bottom-out force, providing a balanced performance for users who value a medium-weight switch. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine offers an incredibly smooth typing experience thanks to its UHWMPE housings, a rare feature in the switch market. While the Foggy Shadow is categorized as 'Low-pitched' and 'Neutral', the Tangerine is described as 'Frictionless', 'Buttery', 'High-pitched', and 'Polished'. Each switch has its own advantages, catering to different preferences and typing styles. 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
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Foggy Shadow and the TKC Tangerine both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Foggy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound compared to the Tangerine's UHWMPE top housing, which offers a very bright sound signature. While both materials provide distinctive sound profiles, the Foggy Shadow's polycarbonate housing is known for its clear and resonant sound, particularly when paired with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Tangerine's UHWMPE top housing delivers resonant clacks and a bright sound when typing.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Foggy Shadow utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which generates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Tangerine features a UHWMPE bottom housing that also offers a bright and resonant sound when typing. Both materials provide unique sound characteristics, with nylon bottom housings typically creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the bright sound signature of the UHWMPE bottom housing. However, the specific feel and sound produced by each switch will depend on the combination of top and bottom housing materials.
Overall, while the top and bottom housing materials differ between the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the TKC Tangerine, each material contributes to the overall sound profile and typing experience of the switch. The polycarbonate top housing of the Foggy Shadow results in a clear and resonant sound, while the nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, the Tangerine's UHWMPE top and bottom housings deliver a bright and resonant sound when typing. Despite these differences, both switches offer unique sound profiles and typing experiences based on the combination of their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, it's evident that the Aflion Foggy Shadow requires a slightly heavier force to bottom out compared to the TKC Tangerine. The Foggy Shadow has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the Tangerine has a bottom out force of 62 grams. However, both switches have the same actuation force, with None grams required to trigger a keystroke. In terms of weight preference, those who enjoy a lighter touch may lean towards the TKC Tangerine for longer typing or gaming sessions, while individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the slightly heavier bottom out force of the Aflion Foggy Shadow. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it shorter than the TKC Tangerine linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Foggy Shadow may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Tangerine may provide a more substantial key press for those who prefer a deeper feel. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distances, so choosing between the two ultimately depends on personal preference and the type of typing or gaming experience one is looking for. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will result in different typing or gaming experiences, but either option will provide a reliable and durable switch for various applications.
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 TKC Tangerine comes in at $6.30 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 offers a low-pitched profile, giving off a bass-heavy and mellow tone during typing sessions, making it suitable for a variety of users and environments. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine provides a high-pitched sound profile, resulting in a sharp and crisp sound with each keystroke. Depending on personal preference and the overall setup of the keyboard, users can choose between a more subdued or attention-grabbing auditory experience.
Moving on to feel, the Aflion Foggy Shadow's tactile bump paired with its 63.5g bottom-out force creates a smooth and responsive typing experience, allowing users to feel the light tactile feedback with each press. Conversely, the TKC Tangerine is said to offer a frictionless and buttery feel, with UHWMPE housings contributing to its smooth and effortless keystrokes. Additionally, the polished finish of the Tangerine switch enhances the overall typing sensation, providing users with a sleek and refined feel during use.
Taking all available information into account, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and TKC Tangerine switches each offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Foggy Shadow excels in providing a balanced tactile experience with a low-pitched sound profile, the Tangerine stands out for its smooth linear feel and high-pitched sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feedback and sound characteristics, ensuring that users can find the perfect fit for their mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, consider your preference for tactile or linear switches. If you prefer a very light tactile bump and a low-pitched sound, the Foggy Shadow may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and frictionless typing experience with a high-pitched sound, the Tangerine switch could be the ideal choice. Ultimately, both switches offer unique features that cater to different typing preferences, so it's important to consider what qualities are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch before making your decision.
Mentioned in this article
