Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Aflion's mechanical keyboard switches offer a range of options to suit different preferences, with the Foggy Shadow providing a tactile experience and the Windy Shadow offering a linear feel. The Foggy Shadow stands out for its light tactile bump and 63.5g bottom-out force, striking a balance between responsiveness and comfort. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow boasts a neutral sound profile and a distinctive bounce from its extended spring, with a lighter 55g bottom-out force for a more effortless typing experience. While these general descriptions can help guide your decision, diving deeper into the specific characteristics of each switch will ensure that you choose the best one for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
19.7mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Aflion Windy Shadow, it is clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind. The top housing of both switches will contribute to the sound when a key is released, enhancing the overall typing experience in a similar manner.
However, where the two switches differ is in their choice of bottom housing material. The Foggy Shadow utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound than harder plastics. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow also features a nylon bottom housing, allowing for a similar typing experience to the Foggy Shadow with a focus on the bottom-out sound and feel. This similarity in bottom housing material ensures that both switches provide a consistent typing experience in terms of sound profile.
Overall, both the Aflion Foggy Shadow and Aflion Windy Shadow offer a unique combination of housing materials that work together to enhance the typing experience. While the top housings of both switches are made of polycarbonate, providing a clear and resonant sound profile, the nylon bottom housings offer a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a well-rounded typing experience. Whether it be the impact on bottom-out sound and feel from the bottom housing, or the sound when a key is released from the top housing, both switches excel in providing a satisfying typing experience for users.
Weight
In comparing the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, it is clear that the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Foggy Shadow has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it medium-heavy, while the Windy Shadow has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is considered medium-light. The actuation force for both switches is unknown, but it is evident that the Foggy Shadow would require a slightly heavier push to bottom out compared to the Windy Shadow. For those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, the Foggy Shadow may be the preferred choice due to its heavier bottom out force. However, lighter switch enthusiasts may find the Windy Shadow more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing feel.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. Despite both switches having the same travel distance, the tactile feedback provided by the Foggy Shadow and the smooth linear feel of the Windy Shadow offer different typing experiences. The Foggy Shadow provides a tactile bump when pressed, giving a more pronounced sensation, while the Windy Shadow has a linear feel with no tactile bump, resulting in a smoother keystroke.Overall, the travel distance of these two switches is the same, but the typing experience they offer differs based on their 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 Aflion Windy 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 Windy Shadow for $3.91.
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 Windy Shadow switches have a low-pitched and neutral profile. This means that they produce a bass-heavy and mellow tone, which is suitable for various environments and preferences. The sound of a switch can also be influenced by external factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used, so it's essential to consider these elements when selecting a switch for your setup.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Foggy Shadow switch is not described in the provided information, while the Windy Shadow is characterized as offering a mild typing experience. This suggests that the Windy Shadow linear switch provides a gentle and approachable feel for most users. With its qualities falling within a safe middle-ground zone, the Windy Shadow switch is likely to appeal to a wide range of individuals seeking a comfortable typing experience.
Overall, both the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch offer similar low-pitched and neutral sound profiles, making them versatile options for different users and environments. While the feel of the Foggy Shadow switch is unspecified, the Windy Shadow switch is noted for its mild typing experience, which can be appealing to those looking for a comfortable and accessible switch option. Consider your personal preferences and typing habits when choosing between these two switches to ensure the best fit for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
Therefore, when choosing between the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, consider your preference for bottom-out force. If you prefer a slightly heavier feel with a light tactile bump, the Foggy Shadow with its 63.5g bottom-out force may be the better choice for you. However, if you prefer a lighter touch with a neutral sound profile, the Windy Shadow and its 55g bottom-out force might be the more suitable option. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose based on what fits your typing style and sound preferences best.
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