Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering two popular tactile mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Durock White Lotus stand out as top contenders. The Foggy Shadow from Aflion boasts a light tactile bump and a 63.5g bottom-out force, providing a balanced performance that appeals to many users. On the other hand, the White Lotus from Durock is renowned for its delicate tactility and unique RGB lighting effects, catering to typists who prefer a softer touch and enjoy customizable lighting options. While both switches offer a tactile typing experience, the Foggy Shadow leans towards a medium weight feel, while the White Lotus skews towards a lighter touch. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
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 long spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Durock White Lotus, one key difference is in the top housing material. The Foggy Shadow uses a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. Its stiffness leads to a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for those who enjoy a crisper typing experience. On the other hand, the White Lotus features a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing, offering a unique and premium feel. While both materials are durable and aesthetically pleasing, the polycarbonate may cater more towards those who prioritize sound quality, while the PC & UPE Blend may appeal to those who value a luxurious typing experience.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Foggy Shadow and White Lotus utilize nylon for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. This commonality between the two switches suggests that both options will provide a satisfying typing experience with a focus on producing a pleasant sound while typing. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of switches highlights the importance of the material in shaping the overall acoustics and feel of the keyboard.
Overall, the choice between the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Durock White Lotus may come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing experience. While the Foggy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound, the White Lotus's modified PC & UPE Blend top housing provides a unique and premium feel. Both switches feature nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound profile, emphasizing the significance of material choice in creating a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, whether you prefer a sharper sound or a luxurious feel, both switches offer quality housing materials that contribute to a premium typing experience.
Weight
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch both offer unique actuation and bottom out forces. The Foggy Shadow has an actuation force of None grams, making it light in terms of triggering keystrokes, while its bottom out force is 63.5 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. On the other hand, the White Lotus has an actuation force of 46 grams, providing a slightly heavier touch when typing, and a bottom out force of 56 grams, which is medium-light. This means that the White Lotus requires a bit more force to initiate a keystroke compared to the Foggy Shadow. When it comes to weight preference, those who prefer lighter switches may lean towards the White Lotus for a smoother typing experience, while those who prefer a bit more resistance may opt for the Foggy Shadow for a more substantial feel while typing. Both switches offer a balanced mix of actuation and bottom out forces, providing a satisfying typing experience.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Durock White Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the White Lotus has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Foggy Shadow. A 0.5 mm difference may not seem significant, but it can impact the typing experience for some users. Those who prefer a deeper key press may lean towards the White Lotus, while those who prefer a slightly quicker response time may prefer the Foggy Shadow. Both switches fall within the range of standard travel distances, so overall, you can expect similar results in terms of typing feel and performance with either option.
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 Durock White Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the White Lotus for $4.57.
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 the Durock White Lotus tactile switches are described as having low-pitched tones, which typically offer a mellower sound profile compared to higher-pitched switches. Additionally, both switches are considered neutral in terms of sound, making them versatile for various purposes, whether for beginners or advanced users, and suitable for use in different environments such as at home or work. While sound can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, both switches provide a balanced and pleasing auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Foggy Shadow switch does not have specific descriptors provided, but the Durock White Lotus tactile switch is described as easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The White Lotus switch is also characterized as mild and subtle, providing a gentle typing experience with a sound signature that is suitable for shared spaces. The balanced tactility of the White Lotus switch ensures a smooth and enjoyable typing experience without being too overwhelming for the user.
Overall, both the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Durock White Lotus tactile switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Foggy Shadow switch focuses on a light tactile bump and medium weight bottom-out force, the White Lotus switch emphasizes delicate tactility and ease of pressing. Whether you prefer a more balanced sound profile or a switch that reduces finger fatigue during typing, both options provide excellent choices for a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, selecting between the two switches will depend on individual preference for tactility and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch or the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, you should take into account your preference for bottom-out force and tactile bump intensity. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom-out force and a very light tactile bump, the Aflion Foggy Shadow switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom-out force and a delicate tactility that is ideal for extended typing sessions, the Durock White Lotus switch would be the better option. Additionally, if you are looking for switches with low-pitched sound profiles and easy-to-press feel, both options would provide a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing needs.
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