Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro both offer distinct advantages for different types of typists. The Aflion Foggy Shadow stands out for its light tactile bump and 63.5g bottom-out force, providing a balanced typing experience indicative of Aflion's dedication to performance. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro boasts a medium tactility and light touch, offering a "Goldilocks" tactile option for those desiring a balanced typing experience. These switches are categorized differently, with the Foggy Shadow being 'Low-pitched' and the Violet Gold Pro being 'Stepped', each contributing to their unique feel. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Both the Aflion Foggy Shadow and Dareu Violet Gold Pro utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a similar sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches that prioritize sound quality. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the integration of RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the switches.
In terms of bottom housing material, both the Foggy Shadow and Violet Gold Pro feature nylon which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound that is preferred by some users for a more satisfying typing experience. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of these switches emphasizes the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, complementing the qualities of the top housing.
While the Foggy Shadow and Violet Gold Pro share similarities in their choice of materials for the top and bottom housings, the distribution of these materials affects different aspects of the typing experience. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing plays a greater role in the sound when a key is released. This balanced combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the two switches enhances both the tactile and auditory feedback for users seeking a premium typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, it is evident that they have different characteristics. The Foggy Shadow has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it medium-heavy, while the actuation force is not specified. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams, but the bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Violet Gold Pro is lighter in terms of actuation force compared to the Foggy Shadow. While the Foggy Shadow provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force, the Violet Gold Pro may be preferred by those who prefer a lighter actuation force for longer typing sessions. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in terms of typing experience.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it shorter than the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches have travel distances closer to the shorter end of the spectrum, which is preferred by gamers for faster response times. However, the slight difference in the travel distance may be noticeable to some users. Those who prefer a more responsive feel may opt for the Aflion Foggy Shadow, while those who prefer a slightly deeper press may lean towards the Dareu Violet Gold Pro. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and tactile feedback.
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 Dareu Violet Gold Pro has an MSRP of $7.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet Gold Pro for $4.76.
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, both the Aflion Foggy Shadow and Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches offer a neutral tone, making them versatile options suitable for various environments and preferences. The Foggy Shadow leans towards a low-pitched sound, providing a mellow and bass-heavy typing experience, while the Violet Gold Pro maintains a similarly neutral sound profile. Sound perception can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard case and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Foggy Shadow is praised for its light tactile bump, offering a smooth keystroke without significant resistance. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro features a stepped tactile feel, providing a more subtle two-stage sensation with distinct pre-travel and post-travel stages. Both switches aim to strike a balance between tactility and smoothness, catering to users who prefer a moderate tactile feedback.
In conclusion, while the Aflion Foggy Shadow and Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches differ slightly in their tactile feel, they both offer a neutral sound profile suitable for a wide range of users. Whether you prefer a light and smooth tactile bump with the Foggy Shadow or a stepped tactile sensation with the Violet Gold Pro, both switches aim to provide a balanced typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference in terms of tactile feel and sound characteristics.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switches, you should consider your personal preferences for bottom-out force, tactility, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom-out force with a very light tactile bump and a low-pitched sound profile, the Aflion Foggy Shadow would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a neutral sound profile, a medium tactility with a fairly light touch, and a stepped feel, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro would be the ideal option. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what factors are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch before making your decision.
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