Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. Gazzew U4Tx
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Gazzew U4Tx switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Gazzew U4Tx mechanical keyboard switches, both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Foggy Shadow, from Aflion, boasts a light tactile bump with a 63.5g bottom-out force, providing a balanced performance for medium-weight key presses. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx switches combine the deep, resonant "thock" of the U4T with the whisper-quiet stealth of the U4, creating a refined sound profile that enhances the typing experience. While the Foggy Shadow is known for its low-pitched and neutral characteristics, the U4Tx stands out with its bassy, muted, and sharp attributes. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you based on your personal preferences and typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Gazzew U4Tx both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Foggy Shadow utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, providing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. In contrast, the U4Tx uses a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, which delivers a rich and deep sound due to its softness. While the Foggy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing offers a clear and resonant sound, the U4Tx's Gazzew blend top housing provides a more mellow and full-bodied sound.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Foggy Shadow features a nylon bottom housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softness and sound absorption capabilities. On the other hand, the U4Tx also utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing, which contributes to a rich and deep sound profile similar to its top housing material. Both switches showcase how different housing materials can impact the overall sound and feel of typing, with the Foggy Shadow emphasizing a rounder sound from its nylon bottom housing, while the U4Tx maintains a consistent rich sound throughout.
Overall, while the Foggy Shadow and the Gazzew U4Tx use different housing materials for their top and bottom components, they both aim to create a unique typing experience. The use of polycarbonate and nylon in the Foggy Shadow allows for a clearer and deeper sound profile, whereas the Gazzew blend in the U4Tx provides a rich and mellow sound throughout. Both switches demonstrate how the choice of housing material can greatly influence the overall sound and feel of typing, showcasing the importance of considering the housing materials in a switch when looking for a specific sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, it is clear that the U4Tx is slightly lighter in terms of bottom out force, with 62.5 grams compared to the Foggy Shadow's 63.5 grams. Both switches have an unknown actuation force, making it difficult to determine how they compare in this aspect. However, it is likely that they will provide a similar typing experience due to the minimal difference in bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time, the U4Tx may be the preferred choice. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial push feel may lean towards the Foggy Shadow for a slightly heavier typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switches have slightly different travel distances, with the Foggy Shadow at 3.5mm and the U4Tx at 3.6mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for their quicker response times. However, the difference of 0.1mm between the two may not be noticeable to everyone. Those who prefer a slightly deeper key press may lean towards the U4Tx with its slightly longer travel distance. Overall, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to more traditional options, catering to those who prioritize speed and responsiveness in their typing or gaming experience.
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 Gazzew U4Tx comes in at $6.50 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 its low-pitched and neutral sound profile, offering a mellow and moderate tone during key presses. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch excels in delivering a bassy and muted sound, providing a deeper and richer auditory experience while minimizing noise. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Foggy Shadow focusing on a balanced tone and the U4Tx emphasizing a more resonant and quiet typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch does not have specific descriptors provided, leaving its tactile feedback open to interpretation. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch is described as having a sharp tactile bump, offering intense feedback with each keypress. This sharp tactile bump ensures a distinct and satisfying typing experience, enhancing the overall feel of the switch. While the Foggy Shadow's feel remains unspecified, the U4Tx stands out for its pronounced and crisp tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch present contrasting qualities in sound and feel. The Foggy Shadow prioritizes a light tactile bump with a medium weight feel, accompanied by a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. On the other hand, the U4Tx excels in offering a sharp tactile bump for heightened feedback, paired with a bassy and muted sound for a refined typing experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, ensuring a customized and luxurious mechanical keyboard experience for newcomers and enthusiasts alike.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, you should consider a few key factors. If you prefer a light tactile bump and a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Foggy Shadow may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a refined sound profile with a deep "thock" when bottoming out and a quieter typing experience overall, the U4Tx might be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.