Bsun Akashi vs. Aflion Cloudy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the Aflion Cloudy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the BSUN Akashi and the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switches stand out as unique options with their own distinct features. The Akashi is known for its smooth UPE stem and hybrid housing, creating a bright and crisp bottom-out sound with a resonant experience. On the other hand, the Cloudy Shadow by Aflion offers a neutral sound signature and bouncy feel with extended springs, providing a balanced typing experience. While the Akashi is categorized as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', and 'Easy-to-press', the Cloudy Shadow is described as 'Low-pitched', 'Mild', and 'Neutral'. Both switches have their own strengths and appeals, making them suitable for different preferences. 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
37g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
UPE
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage extended spring
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Akashi and the Aflion Cloudy Shadow both feature unique housing materials that significantly impact the sound profile of the switches. The Akashi's POM top housing creates a deeper and relatively muted sound, while the Cloudy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. In terms of aesthetics, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, both switches share a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. Overall, the differences in the top housings of these switches result in distinct sound experiences for users.
Despite their differences, both the Akashi and Cloudy Shadow switches utilize nylon bottom housings to create a similar deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound that enhances the typing experience. However, where the switches diverge is in their top housings materials. The Akashi's POM top housing offers a unique sound that is more muted, while the Cloudy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing provides a crisper and higher-pitched sound. These variations in top housing materials cater to different preferences for sound profiles among keyboard enthusiasts.
The split between the top and bottom housings of the switches plays a crucial role in determining the overall sound and feel of the switches. The qualities of the bottom housing material, whether it be POM or nylon, impact the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. On the other hand, the top housing material, whether it be polycarbonate or POM, influences the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, the unique combination of housing materials in the Bsun Akashi and Aflion Cloudy Shadow switches results in distinct typing experiences for users, catering to a variety of preferences in sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch, it is evident that the Akashi is the lighter option of the two. With an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, the Akashi provides a light and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Cloudy Shadow has an unknown actuation force but a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a medium to heavy option. The Akashi's lighter actuation force may appeal to those who prefer a gentler typing experience for longer periods of time, while the Cloudy Shadow's heavier bottom out force might be more suitable for those who enjoy a more substantial and tactile typing feel. Overall, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces between the two switches offer users the opportunity to choose the one that best matches their preferences for typing or gaming purposes.
Travel distance
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. However, the Akashi has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Cloudy Shadow. If you prefer a switch with a bit more depth to the keystroke, the Akashi may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more abrupt and quick keystroke, the Cloudy Shadow with its slightly shorter travel distance may be more up your alley. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for travel distance and the type of typing or gaming experience you are looking for.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Akashi has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Akashi for $3.70.
The Aflion Cloudy 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 Cloudy 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, the BSUN Akashi linear switch is often described as having a clacky sound profile, offering a sharp and snappy noise that is crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch is known for its low-pitched and neutral sound, featuring a more bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for a variety of typing environments. While the Akashi provides a unique and resonant acoustic experience, the Cloudy Shadow offers a balanced and approachable sound signature that is pleasant to the ears.
In terms of feel, the BSUN Akashi linear switch is lauded for its creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press typing experience. These descriptions indicate that the Akashi switch offers a smooth and effortless key press with minimal resistance, resulting in a refined and comfortable typing feel. On the contrary, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch is described as mild, providing a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. This implies that the Cloudy Shadow switch offers a comfortable and moderate typing feel that is not too extreme in any particular characteristic.
Considering the available information, it is evident that the BSUN Akashi linear switch and the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Akashi switch provides a unique and resonant sound profile with a smooth and effortless typing experience, the Cloudy Shadow switch offers a balanced and approachable sound signature with a gentle typing feel. Ultimately, choosing between these switches would depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. However, users can expect satisfying results from both switches in terms of quality and performance.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a light bottom-out force and enjoy a unique sound experience with a bright, crisp bottom-out, the Akashi may be the switch for you. The Akashi is also known for its creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom-out force and a neutral sound signature with a bouncy feel, the Cloudy Shadow may be more suited to your preferences. The Cloudy Shadow offers a mild typing experience that leans towards the safe middle ground in terms of sound and feel. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your individual preferences for typing experience, sound profile, and bottom-out force.
Mentioned in this article
