SP-Star Ayara vs. Aflion Cloudy Shadow
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the Aflion Cloudy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the SP-Star Ayara and the Aflion Cloudy Shadow both offer unique features to cater to different preferences. The Ayara linear switch is known for its medium heftiness, providing a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Cloudy Shadow linear switch from Aflion stands out for its neutral sound signature and bouncy feel, thanks to extended springs, offering a balanced typing experience with a 63.5g bottom-out force. Each switch has its own set of characteristics that appeal to different users, whether you prefer a polished and high-pitched typing experience with the Ayara or a mild and low-pitched feel with the Cloudy Shadow. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Two-stage
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The SP-Star Ayara and the Aflion Cloudy Shadow both utilize nylon as the material for their top housing, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Cloudy Shadow uses polycarbonate for its top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The difference in materials provides a distinct auditory experience for users, with the Ayara offering a more muted and softer typing sound compared to the Cloudy Shadow's clearer and more resonant sound.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Ayara and Cloudy Shadow feature nylon as the material, contributing to a consistent deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. This is due to nylon's softer composition, which absorbs sound effectively and creates a duller and rounder sound. While the bottom housing may not have as much of a noticeable effect on the typing experience as the top housing, the choice of nylon ensures a consistent sound profile across both switches. Users can expect a similar level of sound depth and fullness regardless of whether they are using the Ayara or the Cloudy Shadow, thanks to the shared bottom housing material.
Overall, the choice of different housing materials for the top housing sets the SP-Star Ayara and the Aflion Cloudy Shadow apart in terms of sound profile and typing experience. The Ayara's nylon top housing provides a softer and more muted sound, while the Cloudy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and clearer sound. However, both switches feature nylon bottom housing, ensuring a consistent deep and full sound profile during typing. The differences in top housing materials highlight the importance of material choice in dictating the overall sound characteristics of a switch, allowing users to tailor their typing experience based on their preferences for sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch, we find that both switches have an actuation force of None grams. However, the Ayara has a bottom out force of 62 grams, making it a medium-weight switch, while the Cloudy Shadow has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy category. This means that both switches require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke, but the Cloudy Shadow provides a slightly heavier typing experience when bottoming out. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Ayara may be the better option. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Cloudy Shadow for its slightly heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The SP-Star Ayara linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered a more traditional length. On the other hand, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Gamers tend to prefer shorter travel distances for quicker response times, so the Cloudy Shadow may be more appealing to them. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial key press, the Ayara may be the better choice due to its longer travel distance. Overall, both switches provide a different typing experience, with the Ayara offering a slightly deeper press compared to the Cloudy Shadow's quicker response. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance when typing or gaming.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Ayara has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ayara for $5.40.
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 Ayara switch offers a neutral sound profile with a high-pitched tone, providing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Cloudy Shadow switch presents a low-pitched sound signature, featuring a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Both switches are considered neutral in terms of actuation force requirement and sound profile, making them suitable for a variety of scenarios. The sound produced by each switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
In regards to feel, the Ayara switch is characterized as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience due to the materials used or factory lubing. This results in reduced friction and smooth key travel, enhancing the overall typing feel. On the other hand, the Cloudy Shadow switch provides a mild typing experience, offering a gentle feel that falls within a safe middle-ground zone. The extended springs in the Cloudy Shadow switches contribute to a bouncy feel, adding a unique touch to the typing experience.
In conclusion, both the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Ayara provides a clacky sound profile and a polished typing experience, the Cloudy Shadow offers a more neutral sound signature and a mild, bouncy feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing experience desired. Whether you opt for the Ayara or the Cloudy Shadow, you can expect a quality typing experience with distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences.
Conclusion
In summary, when considering the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch, your choice will largely depend on your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and clacky sound profile, the Ayara switch with its medium bottom-out force of 62 grams would be a great option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a balanced typing experience with a bouncy feel and neutral sound signature, the Cloudy Shadow switch with its slightly heavier bottom-out force of 63.5 grams may suit your needs better. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so it's essential to consider what qualities you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch before making your decision.
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