Gateron Beer vs. Aflion Cloudy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Aflion Cloudy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering which mechanical keyboard switch to choose between the Gateron Beer, a tactile switch, and the Aflion Cloudy Shadow, a linear switch, it's important to note some key differences. The Gateron Beer is known for its unique translucent green design inspired by a Tsingtao beer bottle, offering a refreshingly lightweight feel with a stepped tactility that provides a subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch has gained popularity for its neutral sound signature and bouncy feel, thanks to extended springs and a 63.5g bottom-out force. While the Beer switch is characterized as 'clacky', 'easy-to-press', and 'stepped', the Cloudy Shadow switch is labeled as 'low-pitched', 'mild', and 'neutral'. Each switch has its own advantages, but in order to make an informed decision, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities to help you choose the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Beer and the Aflion Cloudy Shadow both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of a switch is ideal for those looking to utilize RGB lighting, as its translucency allows the lighting to shine through. However, the two switches differ in their bottom housings. The Beer's polycarbonate bottom housing continues the trend of a clear and resonant sound profile, while the Cloudy Shadow's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon.
While both switches share the qualities of a polycarbonate top housing, the difference in their bottom housings affects the overall sound and feel of typing on the switches. The Gateron Beer's combination of polycarbonate top and bottom housings results in a consistent sharp and crisp sound profile, while the Aflion Cloudy Shadow's nylon bottom housing adds a deeper and fuller sound to the typing experience. This contrast in bottom housing materials demonstrates how the material composition of a switch can significantly impact the overall sound and feel.
In terms of construction, the Gateron Beer and the Aflion Cloudy Shadow showcase how different housing materials can alter the typing experience. While the Beer's polycarbonate bottom housing continues the sharp and clear sound profile of the top housing, the Cloudy Shadow's nylon bottom housing brings a softer and more absorbing element to the switch's overall sound profile. Despite their differences, both switches highlight the importance of considering housing materials when looking for a specific sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch, it is evident that the Beer is lighter in terms of both actuation force and bottom out force. The Beer requires 38 grams of actuation force and 50 grams of bottom out force, making it a lighter option overall. On the other hand, the Cloudy Shadow has an unknown actuation force but a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, indicating a medium-heavy feel. This means that the Cloudy Shadow will provide a more substantial typing experience compared to the Beer. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with some favoring the lighter touch of the Beer for longer typing sessions, while others may prefer the heavier feel of the Cloudy Shadow for a more pronounced keystroke experience.
Travel distance
The comparison between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch reveals a slight difference in travel distance. The Beer has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Cloudy Shadow has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for quicker response times. Choosing between the two would depend on personal preference - the Beer for a slightly shorter and more responsive feel, and the Cloudy Shadow for a slightly longer and more pronounced keypress. Ultimately, both switches offer a relatively similar travel distance, making them both suitable choices for those seeking a tactile typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Beer has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Beer for $4.59.
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 Gateron Beer tactile switch is known for its characteristic clacky sound, which produces a sharp and snappy tone when pressed, giving a crisp and bright auditory experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch is described as having a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to the higher-pitched Beer switch. Both switches provide distinct sound qualities that cater to different preferences, with the Beer being more percussive and the Cloudy Shadow offering a balanced and moderate sound suitable for various typing environments.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is recognized for being easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate, and providing a responsive and low-impact typing experience. Additionally, the stepped tactility of the Beer switch offers a subtler feel compared to other tactile switches, enhancing the typing experience with a two-stage keystroke sensation. On the contrary, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch is described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe middle-ground zone in terms of sound and feel. The bouncy feel of the Cloudy Shadow switch, attributed to the extended springs, contributes to a comfortable and balanced typing experience with a 63.5g bottom-out force.
In conclusion, the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch offer unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Beer switch provides a clacky sound and easy-to-press feel with stepped tactility, the Cloudy Shadow switch presents a low-pitched and neutral sound profile with a mild typing experience. Both switches bring their own characteristics to the table, catering to different preferences and typing styles, ensuring that users can find a suitable option based on their individual preferences. Despite their differences, both switches offer quality and innovation in the mechanical keyboard market, providing satisfying typing experiences for newcomers and enthusiasts alike.
Conclusion
Therefore, when choosing between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a light and easy-to-press switch with a subtle tactile feel and clacky sound, the Beer switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier switch with a balanced typing experience, featuring a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, as well as a mild typing feel, the Cloudy Shadow switch would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences in terms of actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel.
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