Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. Gateron Zero Degree 0°
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Aflion Foggy Shadow, a tactile switch, and the Gateron Zero Degree 0°, a linear switch, offer distinct features that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboards. The Foggy Shadow by Aflion boasts a light tactile bump and a medium 63.5g bottom-out force, providing a balanced and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° stands out for its innovative self-padding design and dual-rail structure, offering smoothness and stability for silent typing. While the Foggy Shadow excels in tactile feedback, the Zero Degree 0° prioritizes quiet and smooth keystrokes. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
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
20mm extended spring
Housing materials
Both the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° feature a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate plastic, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound when typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially suitable for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. While the top housings of both switches are similar in material and sound characteristics, the differences lie in their bottom housings.
In contrast, the Foggy Shadow utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° also features a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar sound experience to the Foggy Shadow. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches contributes to the overall typing experience by enhancing the sound and feel when bottoming out keys.
When comparing the two switches, it is evident that their housing materials play a significant role in determining the sound profile and typing experience. While both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, providing a sharper sound profile, the use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches creates a deeper and fuller sound when typing. The split in housing materials allows for a balanced typing experience, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when letting go of a key. Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° may come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel based on their housing materials.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, it is clear that the Foggy Shadow is heavier in terms of bottom out force at 63.5 grams compared to the Zero Degree 0° with an actuation force of 45 grams. The actuation force of the Foggy Shadow is not specified, while the bottom out force for the Zero Degree 0° is unknown. Both switches offer different weights that cater to different preferences. The Foggy Shadow's heavier bottom out force provides a more substantial typing experience, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the lighter actuation force of the Zero Degree 0° may be more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions, as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. The slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be noticeable to the average user, but those who are more discerning may prefer the slightly longer travel distance of the Zero Degree 0° for a more substantial keypress feel. Ultimately, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to traditional switches, providing a quick and efficient 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 Gateron Zero Degree 0° has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Zero Degree 0° for $5.50.
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
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch is known for its light tactile bump and medium weight bottom-out force, while the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch revolutionizes silent typing with its smoothness and stability. In terms of sound, the Foggy Shadow offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, which can provide a more bass-heavy and mellow tone suitable for various environments. The Zero Degree 0° switch is known for its noise-reducing capabilities, but specific sound descriptors are unknown. When it comes to feel, details for both switches are currently unavailable. Overall, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, and while their sound and feel may vary, users can expect satisfactory results in their typing experience based on the innovative features they provide.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a light tactile bump and medium-heavy bottom-out force, the Foggy Shadow may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize silent typing with unparalleled smoothness and stability, the Zero Degree 0° linear switch might be the ideal option. Consider factors such as sound profile, actuation force, and overall typing experience to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, both switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing needs.
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