KTT Ash Gray vs. Aflion Cloudy Shadow
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the Aflion Cloudy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch offer distinct experiences for users. The Ash Gray switch is designed to provide a tactile response that is both substantial and unobtrusive, offering a light touch with a crisp actuation. On the other hand, the Cloudy Shadow linear switch by Aflion is known for its neutral sound signature and bouncy feel, thanks to extended springs that provide a balanced typing experience. The Ash Gray switch is categorized as 'Easy-to-press', while the Cloudy Shadow is categorized as 'Low-pitched', with both switches falling under the 'Mild' and 'Neutral' categories. Each switch has its own unique qualities that may appeal to different users, so it ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style. 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
38g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Ash Gray and Aflion Cloudy Shadow both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially useful for switches with RGB lighting. However, the two switches also differ in their nylon bottom housings. The Ash Gray's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Cloudy Shadow's nylon bottom housing offers a similar deep and full sound, as nylon's absorbent qualities remain consistent across both switches.
Despite their differences in bottom housing material, the KTT Ash Gray and Aflion Cloudy Shadow both offer similar sound profiles due to their shared use of polycarbonate in the top housing. This material creates a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisp sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. Both switches also prioritize aesthetics by utilizing clear housing materials, which are more likely to be polycarbonate. However, the distinction in bottom housing material may result in a slightly different sound experience when pressing down on the switch. The Ash Gray's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound upon bottoming out, while the Cloudy Shadow's nylon bottom housing offers a similar but potentially distinct sound profile in this regard.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the KTT Ash Gray and Aflion Cloudy Shadow play a significant role in determining the sound profiles of these switches. While both switches utilize polycarbonate in the top housing for a sharper, clearer sound, they differ in their use of nylon in the bottom housing. The Ash Gray's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound upon bottoming out, while the Cloudy Shadow's nylon bottom housing offers a similar sound experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in sound and feel when typing.
Weight
The KTT Ash Gray tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams compared to the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Cloudy Shadow has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, whereas the Ash Gray has a bottom out force of 53 grams. This means that the Ash Gray provides a more consistent typing experience with a medium-light actuation force and bottom out force, while the Cloudy Shadow offers a medium-heavy bottom out force with an unknown actuation force. In terms of weight, the Ash Gray would be preferred for those looking for a lighter typing experience, while the Cloudy Shadow would be better suited for users who prefer a more substantial push feel during typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, the distance traveled from the top to the bottom will be the same. Users can expect a consistent feel and typing experience in terms of travel distance with either switch. The similarity in travel distance between the two switches suggests that whether using the Ash Gray tactile switch or the Cloudy Shadow linear switch, the typing experience will be very similar in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Ash Gray has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ash Gray for $2.55.
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 KTT Ash Gray switch offers a neutral sound profile suitable for various environments and users, whether they are beginners or experienced typists. On the other hand, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow switch provides a low-pitched tone with a neutral sound profile, giving it a more bass-heavy and mellow sound compared to the Ash Gray. Both switches offer a pleasant typing experience, with the Cloudy Shadow emphasizing a more subdued sound compared to the Ash Gray.
In terms of feel, the KTT Ash Gray switch is characterized by an easy-to-press nature, offering minimal resistance during key presses and requiring a light touch to activate. This allows for effortless typing and reduces finger fatigue during extended use. The Aflion Cloudy Shadow switch, on the other hand, provides a mild typing experience that is gentle and approachable to most users. Both switches fall within a safe middle ground zone in terms of typing feel, providing a comfortable and responsive typing experience.
Overall, whether you choose the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch or the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch, you can expect a high-quality typing experience with unique characteristics tailored to different preferences. The Ash Gray offers a more neutral sound and an easy-to-press feel, while the Cloudy Shadow provides a low-pitched sound and a mild typing experience. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer excellent performance and satisfaction for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch, you should consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a light touch with a crisp actuation and a balanced tactile feedback, then the Ash Gray switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy feel with a neutral sound signature and a slightly heavier bottom-out force, the Cloudy Shadow switch may be more suitable for your typing style. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will come down to your personal preference for typing feel and sound profile. Consider trying out both before making a final choice to ensure you find the switch that best suits your needs.
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