Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Aflion Foggy Shadow and PH Studio Yoel mechanical keyboard switches offer distinct typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The Foggy Shadow, a tactile switch from Aflion, boasts a light tactile bump and a 63.5g bottom-out force, striking a balance between actuation force and tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Yoel linear switch from PH Studio, manufactured by BSUN, provides a smooth and chewy typing sensation with a bright and clacky sound profile. While the Foggy Shadow is categorized as 'Low-pitched' and 'Neutral', the Yoel is described as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'High-pitched', 'Marbly', 'Polished', 'Silky', and 'Resonant'. If you prefer a gentle tactile bump, the Foggy Shadow may be the ideal choice, whereas if you enjoy a smooth and resonant typing experience, the Yoel could be more suitable. 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
53g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the PH Studio Yoel, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. This material is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate is ideal for switches with RGB lighting, making it a popular choice for top housings in mechanical keyboards. While the Foggy Shadow and Yoel both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, they may differ in the overall sound profile due to other housing material variations.
On the other hand, the bottom housing materials of the Foggy Shadow and Yoel differ. The Foggy Shadow uses a nylon bottom housing, which is well-known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and duller sound. In contrast, the Yoel features a POM bottom housing, which contributes to a more muted and deep sound profile. The choice of bottom housing material can greatly impact the overall sound and feel of a switch, providing users with different typing experiences.
Ultimately, the combination of top and bottom housing materials in a switch plays a significant role in determining the overall sound profile and typing experience. While both the Foggy Shadow and Yoel utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, the differences in their bottom housing materials result in unique sound profiles. Whether it be the sharper and crisper sound of the Foggy Shadow's nylon bottom housing or the deeper and muted sound of the Yoel's POM bottom housing, these housing material choices cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch offer different experiences in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Foggy Shadow has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is considered medium-heavy, while the actuation force is not specified. In comparison, the Yoel has a lower actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is medium. This means that the Yoel switch requires less force to trigger a keystroke compared to the Foggy Shadow. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Yoel may be the better choice, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Foggy Shadow. Both switches offer different weights, providing users with options depending on their personal preferences and typing style. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether a lighter or heavier typing experience is preferred.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the PH Studio Yoel linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for their faster response times. However, the Foggy Shadow has a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a slightly more substantial feel compared to the Yoel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing or gaming experience.
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 PH Studio Yoel has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yoel for $4.10.
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 tactile switch offers a low-pitched and neutral profile, providing a mellow tone that is suitable for various environments and users. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch is characterized by a bright and clacky sound, with a resonant and high-pitched profile that delivers a sharp and crisp typing experience. Depending on personal preferences, the Foggy Shadow may be more appealing for those seeking a quieter typing experience, while the Yoel may be favored by those who enjoy a more pronounced and satisfying sound with each key press.
In terms of feel, the Foggy Shadow switch does not have specific descriptors provided, but based on its light tactile bump and medium weight, users can expect a smooth and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Yoel switch is described as creamy, polished, and silky, offering a buttery and refined feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches are likely to provide a comfortable typing experience, with the Yoel emphasizing a luxurious and effortless sensation while the Foggy Shadow focuses on a balanced and tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities to cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. While the Foggy Shadow provides a low-pitched and neutral sound profile with a balanced tactile feedback, the Yoel delivers a bright and clacky sound with a creamy and silky typing experience. Whether you prefer a quieter and smoother typing feel or a more pronounced and luxurious experience, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your overall typing satisfaction. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on your individual preferences for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, you should consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a light tactile bump and a low-pitched sound profile, the Foggy Shadow would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a bright and clacky sound profile, along with a creamy or silky typing feel, the Yoel may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should come down to what type of typing experience appeals to you the most – whether it's the subtle tactility and smooth keystrokes of the Foggy Shadow or the crisp sound and polished feel of the Yoel.
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