Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the KTT Wine Red offer unique features catering to different preferences. The Aflion Foggy Shadow, a tactile switch from Aflion, is renowned for its light tactile bump and 63.5g bottom-out force, striking a balance between responsiveness and comfort. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red, a linear switch, boasts a pillowy light typing feel and a rich, deep sound profile. Both switches are categorized differently, with the Foggy Shadow being 'Low-pitched' and 'Neutral', while the Wine Red is 'Bassy' and 'Low-pitched'. Each switch has its own appeal and reasons why you might choose it, whether it's for the tactile experience of the Foggy Shadow or the smoothness of the Wine Red. 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
44g
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
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the KTT Wine Red, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal. However, the Foggy Shadow stands out with its nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Wine Red's polycarbonate bottom housing. The use of nylon in the bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound for the Foggy Shadow.
While the top housings of the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the KTT Wine Red share the same polycarbonate material, the bottom housings showcase a notable difference in material choice. The Foggy Shadow's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, contrasting with the higher-pitched and crisper sound profile of the Wine Red's polycarbonate bottom housing. This distinction results in a varied typing experience between the two switches, with the Foggy Shadow offering a more muffled and softer typing sound compared to the Wine Red's sharper and more resonant sound. Despite the differences in bottom housing materials, both switches maintain a consistent sharp and clear sound profile due to their shared polycarbonate top housings.
The impact of the top and bottom housings on the overall sound and feel of a switch is crucial to consider when evaluating different switch options. With the Aflion Foggy Shadow's split in housing materials between nylon and polycarbonate, users can expect a unique typing experience that combines the deeper and fuller sound profile from the nylon bottom housing with the sharp and clear sound profile from the polycarbonate top housing. In contrast, the KTT Wine Red's consistent use of polycarbonate in both top and bottom housings results in a more uniform and consistent sound profile throughout typing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the desired sound and feel preferences of the user.
Weight
Comparing the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, it is evident that they have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Aflion Foggy Shadow has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams but no specified actuation force, while the KTT Wine Red has a medium-light actuation force of 44 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that the Wine Red switch is lighter to press overall but requires a slightly stronger push at the bottom out point compared to the Foggy Shadow. Depending on personal preference, some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Wine Red for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may favor the heavier bottom out force of the Foggy Shadow for a more robust typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches comes down to individual typing style and preference for key feel.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the KTT Wine Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Wine Red has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Foggy Shadow. The 3.5 mm travel distance of the Foggy Shadow falls on the shorter end of the spectrum, making it ideal for those looking for a quicker response time, such as gamers. On the other hand, the 4 mm travel distance of the Wine Red offers a bit more depth and may be preferred by those who prefer a more substantial key press. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distance, so choosing between the two would depend on personal preference for key feel and responsiveness.
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 KTT Wine Red comes in at $2.71 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 switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, giving a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for various settings. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red switch provides a bassy and low-pitched sound experience, creating a deeper and richer tone during key presses. Both switches excel in delivering a satisfying auditory feedback, with the Foggy Shadow leaning towards a more balanced tone and the Wine Red offering a deeper and more luxurious sound profile.
When it comes to feel, specific descriptions for the Aflion Foggy Shadow and KTT Wine Red switches are not provided. However, based on the general characteristics of tactile and linear switches, we can infer that the Foggy Shadow will offer a light tactile bump with a medium bottom-out force, providing a subtle tactile feedback to the user. In contrast, the Wine Red switch is likely to offer a smooth and consistent linear feel, allowing for quick and uninterrupted keystrokes. Both switches are designed to enhance typing experience with their unique tactile and linear characteristics, catering to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
In conclusion, the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and KTT Wine Red linear switch each bring their own strengths to the table in terms of sound and feel. The Foggy Shadow excels in providing a balanced and moderate sound profile with a light tactile bump, while the Wine Red delivers a deeper and richer sound experience with a smooth linear feel. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference in sound and typing feel, ensuring that both options offer an enjoyable and customized mechanical keyboard experience for newcomers and enthusiasts alike.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, it all comes down to your personal preference and typing style. If you enjoy a light tactile bump with a medium-heavy bottom-out force and a low-pitched sound profile, the Foggy Shadow may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a pillowy light typing feel with a medium-light bottom-out force and a bassy sound profile, the Wine Red could be the perfect fit. Consider how you type, the sound you prefer, and the level of tactile feedback you desire when making your decision between these two unique switches. Trust your instincts and go with the switch that resonates most with your typing experience.
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