Durock Blue Lotus vs. Aflion Cloudy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Aflion Cloudy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering which mechanical keyboard switch to go for, the Durock Blue Lotus and the Aflion Cloudy Shadow are two excellent options to compare and contrast. The Durock Blue Lotus switch is renowned for its tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, making it perfect for those who prefer a marked tactile feel while typing. Additionally, the Blue Lotus switches feature a slightly reduced travel distance at 3.7mm, adding to their snappiness. On the other hand, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch offers a neutral sound signature and a bouncy feel due to its extended springs, providing a balanced typing experience. With a 63.5g bottom-out force, the Cloudy Shadow switch reflects the quality and innovation that Aflion brings to the market. Each switch has its unique characteristics and benefits, but ultimately, the decision comes down to 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
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
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
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock Blue Lotus and Aflion Cloudy Shadow differ in terms of their housing materials. The Blue Lotus features a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing, which gives it a unique and premium feel. On the other hand, the Cloudy Shadow uses a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While both materials offer a clear housing suitable for RGB lighting, the Blue Lotus's blend may provide a different tactile experience compared to the Cloudy Shadow's polycarbonate.
In terms of their bottom housings, both the Blue Lotus and Cloudy Shadow utilize nylon, a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. Despite both switches sharing the same bottom housing material, the overall sound profile and typing experience may vary depending on how the top and bottom housing characteristics interact with each other.
Overall, the housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and Aflion Cloudy Shadow play a crucial role in determining the sound profile and tactile feedback of the switches. While the Blue Lotus offers a blend of PC & UPE for its top housing and nylon for its bottom housing, the Cloudy Shadow features polycarbonate for its top housing and nylon for its bottom housing. The differences in material composition will surely impact the overall typing experience, with the blend of materials in the Blue Lotus likely providing a different feel compared to the Cloudy Shadow's use of polycarbonate in the top housing.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch, we can see some differences. The Blue Lotus has a lighter actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Cloudy Shadow's unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Cloudy Shadow is slightly heavier at 63.5 grams compared to the Blue Lotus's 65 grams. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category, offering a substantial typing experience. For those who prefer a lighter feel, the Blue Lotus may be more suitable for longer typing sessions, while the Cloudy Shadow provides a slightly stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile 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 who prioritize fast response times, such as gamers. However, the Blue Lotus has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Cloudy Shadow. If you prefer a switch with a bit more depth to the key press, the Blue Lotus may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more abrupt and quicker key press, the Cloudy Shadow with its slightly shorter travel distance may be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer similar results in terms of travel distance, with the choice between them depending on personal preference for key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Blue Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Blue Lotus for $4.57.
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
In terms of sound, the Durock Blue Lotus switch offers a bassy profile, providing a deeper and richer sound during key presses. On the other hand, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow switch is described as having a low-pitched and neutral sound, creating a more mellow and moderate tone. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences, with the Blue Lotus catering to those who prefer a deeper sound, while the Cloudy Shadow appeals to a broader audience with its balanced and neutral sound.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Blue Lotus switch is known for its accented, snappy, and stepped characteristics, providing a tactile typing experience that is responsive and engaging. In contrast, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow switch offers a mild typing experience, with a more gentle feel that falls into a safe middle-ground zone. The Blue Lotus switch is geared towards those who enjoy a medium tactile feel with noticeable tactility, whereas the Cloudy Shadow switch offers a softer and more approachable typing experience.
Overall, the Durock Blue Lotus and Aflion Cloudy Shadow switches each bring their own unique qualities to the table. While the Blue Lotus excels in offering a tactile and snappy typing experience with a bassy sound profile, the Cloudy Shadow provides a more balanced and mild feel with a low-pitched and neutral sound signature. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the two based on their desired typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer quality construction and innovation, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch, consider your preference for tactile feedback and sound profile. If you value a pronounced tactile feel with snappy responsiveness and vibrant RGB illumination, the Blue Lotus may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a balanced typing experience with a bouncy feel and neutral sound signature, the Cloudy Shadow could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and preferences, as both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Mentioned in this article
