Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Jwick Taro are both tactile switches that offer unique typing experiences. The Foggy Shadow, known for its light tactile bump and 63.5g bottom-out force, strikes a balance between weight and tactility, making it a solid choice for those seeking a medium-weight key press. On the other hand, the Taro switch is loved for its cozy typing feel and medium-level of tactility, producing sharp and crisp clacks. While the Foggy Shadow is categorized as 'Low-pitched' and 'Neutral', the Taro switch is known for being 'Neutral', 'Buttery', and 'Stepped'. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal, but diving deeper into their specific characteristics will help you make the best decision for your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Jwick Taro feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. This makes them ideal for switches that prioritize clear and resonant sound characteristics. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for switches with RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through effectively.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Foggy Shadow and the Taro utilize nylon, a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon helps absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. This makes them suitable for users who prefer a quieter typing experience.
Although both switches share similar housing materials for the top and bottom, the impact of each material differs in terms of sound and feel. The qualities of the bottom housing material will be more noticeable during the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing material will have more of an impact on the sound when releasing a key. Overall, both the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Jwick Taro offer unique sound profiles and tactile experiences based on their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, we can see that both switches have a similar actuation force of None grams, meaning they require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, the bottom out force of the Foggy Shadow is slightly lighter at 63.5 grams compared to the Taro's 67 grams, making the Taro slightly heavier in terms of bottoming out. This difference in weight may not be significant for some users, but for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, the Taro may be the preferred choice. On the other hand, those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming may lean towards the Foggy Shadow. In general, the weight of a switch plays a role in the overall typing experience, with lighter switches being favored for extended use and heavier switches for a more tactile feel.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Jwick Taro tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those looking for a quicker response. Gamers, in particular, may prefer the shorter travel distance for faster reaction times. However, the slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be noticeable to the average user. Ultimately, whether you choose the Foggy Shadow or the Taro will depend on personal preference for the slight variation in 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 Jwick Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
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, both the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Jwick Taro switches are described as having a neutral sound profile. This means they offer a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile suitable for various purposes, whether the user is a beginner or advanced, and whether they are using the switches at home or work. The low-pitched sound of the Foggy Shadow may provide a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to the Taro, but ultimately the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and additional factors like the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the Foggy Shadow does not have specific descriptors provided, while the Jwick Taro is described as having a buttery and stepped feel. A buttery switch typically implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and uniform typing sensation. On the other hand, a stepped switch like the Taro offers a tactile experience with two stages, providing some pre-travel and/or post-travel sensations. Depending on whether the user prefers a more uniform and smooth keystroke or a tactile, stepped sensation, they can choose between the two switches accordingly.
In conclusion, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and Jwick Taro tactile switches offer different experiences in terms of sound and feel. The Foggy Shadow provides a low-pitched sound with a light tactile bump and a 63.5g bottom-out force, while the Taro offers a buttery and stepped feel with a snappy, medium-level tactility. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for sound and feel, as well as additional factors like typing style and keyboard setup. Both switches are designed to cater to different preferences, ensuring that users can find the perfect tactile switch for their mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, consider your preference for the level of tactile feedback and sound profile. If you prefer a lighter tactile bump and a low-pitched, neutral sound, the Foggy Shadow may be the better choice for you. However, if you enjoy a snappy medium-level of tactility, buttery keystrokes, and a neutral sound profile, the Taro switch could be the ideal option. Both switches offer a medium-heavy bottom-out force, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of typing experience and sound. Happy typing!
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