HMX Blue Topaz vs. Aflion Cloudy Shadow
An in-depth look at the HMX Blue Topaz and the Aflion Cloudy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Blue Topaz and Aflion Cloudy Shadow both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Blue Topaz linear switch is known for its smooth actuation and lightweight feel, making typing a breeze for users who prefer easy-to-press keys with a clacky sound signature. On the other hand, the Cloudy Shadow linear switch by Aflion offers a balanced typing experience with a neutral sound signature and a bouncy feel, thanks to its extended springs and 63.5g bottom-out force. While the Blue Topaz is more visually and audibly stimulating, the Cloudy Shadow focuses on providing a quality and innovative typing experience. 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
40g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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 spring
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Blue Topaz and the Aflion Cloudy Shadow, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material's stiffness contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, making it ideal for users who prioritize a clear and resonant typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is advantageous for those looking to enhance their keyboard with RGB lighting. Despite both switches sharing this feature, the Blue Topaz stands out with its nylon bottom housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's softer nature. In contrast, the Cloudy Shadow also incorporates a nylon bottom housing for a similar effect, making typing on both switches a satisfying experience.
While both the Blue Topaz and the Cloudy Shadow share the use of polycarbonate for their top housing, the differences arise in their choice of bottom housing material. The Blue Topaz's nylon bottom housing provides a more absorbent surface, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. In comparison, the Cloudy Shadow's nylon bottom housing offers a similar typing experience by absorbing more sound, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. This showcases how the choice of bottom housing material can affect the overall typing experience, with both switches delivering a satisfying sound and feel to users.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials in the Blue Topaz and Cloudy Shadow switches offers users a variety of sound profiles to choose from. While the Blue Topaz excels in delivering a clearer and more resonant sound due to its polycarbonate top housing, the Cloudy Shadow provides a deeper and fuller typing experience with its nylon bottom housing. By understanding how each material contributes to the overall sound profile, users can select a switch that best suits their preferences for typing. In essence, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience, with slight variations in sound characteristics based on their housing materials.
Weight
The HMX Blue Topaz linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 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, while the Blue Topaz has a bottom out force of 48 grams. This means that the Blue Topaz would provide a lighter typing experience in terms of actuation force, making it easier to type for longer periods of time. On the other hand, the Cloudy Shadow would offer a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force. Both switches have their own advantages depending on the user's preference for a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The HMX Blue Topaz linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 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, which are popular among gamers for faster response times. The Blue Topaz has a slightly longer travel distance, providing a bit more depth to the keystroke compared to the Cloudy Shadow. However, both switches are relatively close in terms of travel distance, so you can expect similar results in terms of feel when typing or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference for either a slightly longer or slightly shorter travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Blue Topaz has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Blue Topaz for $3.49.
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 HMX Blue Topaz linear switch offers a distinctively clacky sound signature that provides a sharp and snappy auditory experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile that is more bass-heavy and mellow, suitable for a wide range of users. Both switches provide unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Blue Topaz leaning towards a more crisp and bright sound, while the Cloudy Shadow offers a more moderate and balanced tone.
In terms of feel, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch is known for its easy-to-press action, requiring minimal force to activate and providing a smooth and effortless typing experience. In contrast, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch offers a mild typing experience that falls in a safe, middle-ground zone, appealing to a broader range of users. Both switches aim to enhance the typing experience by offering responsive and comfortable keystrokes, with the Blue Topaz focusing on a light actuation force for reduced finger fatigue and the Cloudy Shadow providing a gentle typing feel that is approachable to most users.
Overall, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch stands out with its clacky sound signature and lightweight feel, offering a visually and audibly delightful typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch brings a neutral sound profile and bouncy feel, catering to a wider audience with its balanced typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience, both switches provide quality options that can elevate your mechanical keyboard setup. Whether you choose the Blue Topaz or Cloudy Shadow, you can expect similar results in terms of performance and satisfaction in different aspects of your typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a smooth actuation, lightweight feel, and clacky sound, the Blue Topaz would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a balanced typing experience with a neutral sound signature, bouncy feel due to extended springs, and a slightly higher bottom-out force, the Cloudy Shadow might better suit your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and bottom-out force. So, choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and preferences to enhance your overall typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
