Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Aflion Foggy Shadow, a tactile switch, and the HMX Xinhai, a linear switch, it's important to consider the distinct characteristics that set them apart. The Foggy Shadow from Aflion offers a light tactile bump with a 63.5g bottom-out force, striking a balance between tactile feedback and medium weight. In contrast, the Xinhai switch boasts a unique PA12 top housing for a softer acoustics profile and a POM stem for a crisp, higher-pitched resonance, embodying sophistication and precision. While the Foggy Shadow exudes a 'Low-pitched' and 'Neutral' feel, the Xinhai is described as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', and 'Creamy'. Each switch has its own strengths and appeals, offering users the choice between a subtle tactile experience and a precise linear 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
37g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the HMX Xinhai utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, the differences in the bottom housings set the two keyboards apart. The Foggy Shadow features a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound when typing due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Xinhai also has a nylon bottom housing that offers a similar typing experience with its deep and full sound profile.
While both the Foggy Shadow and the Xinhai share the polycarbonate top housing material, their differing bottom housing materials provide unique qualities to each keyboard. The split qualities between the top and bottom housings affect the overall typing experience, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel when key presses are made. On the other hand, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound produced when keys are released. This distinction showcases the importance of housing materials in determining the overall sound profile and typing feel of mechanical keyboards.
Overall, the Aflion Foggy Shadow's combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing results in a well-rounded typing experience with a sharper sound profile. Similarly, the HMX Xinhai's dual use of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing yields a typing experience with a crisp sound profile. While both keyboards offer unique qualities based on their housing materials, the shared polycarbonate top housing ensures a consistent sharp and high-pitched sound across both models, demonstrating the impact of housing materials on the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it is evident that the Xinhai is the lighter of the two while the Foggy Shadow is heavier. The Foggy Shadow has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is medium-heavy, while the Xinhai has a bottom out force of 45 grams, which is lighter. Both switches have different actuation forces, with the Xinhai requiring 37 grams for actuation, while the actuation force of the Foggy Shadow is unknown. Choosing between the two would depend on personal preference, with some opting for the lighter Xinhai for extended typing sessions or gaming, and others preferring the heavier Foggy Shadow for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, selecting the switch with the preferred force characteristics will result in a more satisfying typing or gaming experience.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the HMX Xinhai linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. The slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be noticeable to most users, as they are both relatively short. However, for those who are more sensitive to these differences, the Foggy Shadow offers a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Xinhai. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for a slightly deeper or more immediate key press.
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 HMX Xinhai has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai for $2.99.
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, the Aflion Foggy Shadow switch is known for its low-pitched and neutral tones, providing a smooth and mellow typing experience suitable for various environments. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai switch stands out for its clacky sound profile, delivering a sharp and percussive sound that is sure to make a statement. Depending on your preference for sound, the Foggy Shadow offers a softer and more subtle acoustics profile, while the Xinhai provides a distinctively crisp and bright sound when pressed.
Moving on to feel, the Aflion Foggy Shadow switch does not have specific descriptors available, indicating that its tactile bump may not be as pronounced as other switches. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai switch is described as bouncy and creamy, offering a spring-like feedback sensation with a smooth and buttery typing experience. This suggests that the Xinhai switch may provide a more dynamic and satisfying feel compared to the Foggy Shadow switch, which lacks detailed tactile information.
Considering all the available information, it is evident that the Aflion Foggy Shadow and HMX Xinhai switches offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel. While the Foggy Shadow excels in providing a balanced and neutral sound profile, the Xinhai stands out for its bold and clacky acoustics. In terms of feel, the bouncy and creamy feedback of the Xinhai switch offers a more dynamic and enjoyable typing experience, while the Foggy Shadow may lack detailed information on its tactile feel. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on your preference for sound and feel, as both offerings bring something different to the table for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with medium-heavy actuation force and a light tactile bump, the Aflion Foggy Shadow would be a great choice for you. It offers a balanced performance and a low-pitched sound profile, making it suitable for various typing environments. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a lighter actuation force and a crisp, clacky sound, the HMX Xinhai would be the better option. The Xinhai provides a bouncy and creamy feel, giving you a unique typing experience with a softer acoustics profile. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences in terms of actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel.
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