TTC Bluish White vs. Aflion Cloudy Shadow
An in-depth look at the TTC Bluish White and the Aflion Cloudy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch stand out for their unique characteristics. The Bluish White is favored for its satisfyingly poppy typing experience and snappy sound profile, characterized as 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Stepped', 'Subtle', 'Polished', and 'Low-pitched'. On the other hand, the Cloudy Shadow from Aflion is gaining rapid traction in the industry for its balanced typing experience, neutral sound signature, and bouncy feel due to extended springs, categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Mild', and 'Neutral'. While the Bluish White offers a tactile typing experience, the Cloudy Shadow provides a smooth linear feel. 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
42g
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
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the TTC Bluish White and the Aflion Cloudy Shadow use polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Due to its translucency, polycarbonate is ideal for switches designed to showcase RGB lighting. However, while both switches share this material for the top housing, the difference in their bottom housing materials affects the overall sound and feel of the switch.
The nylon bottom housing of the TTC Bluish White creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing. In contrast, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow also features a nylon bottom housing, offering similar sound characteristics to the TTC Bluish White. The use of nylon in the bottom housing allows for a unique typing experience, where the bottom-out sound and feel are impacted by this material.
When comparing the two switches, it's clear that the differences between their top and bottom housings contribute to the overall typing experience. While both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, the choice of nylon for the bottom housing in both the TTC Bluish White and the Aflion Cloudy Shadow provides distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences. These differences highlight the importance of housing materials in determining the sound and feel of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The TTC Bluish White tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Bluish White requires 50 grams, which is still lighter than the 63.5 grams needed for the Cloudy Shadow. This means that the Bluish White switch will provide a lighter typing experience overall, making it more suitable for extended periods of typing or gaming. In contrast, the Cloudy Shadow switch offers a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, individuals who prefer a lighter touch would be better off with the Bluish White switch, while those who prefer a heavier feel should opt for the Cloudy Shadow switch.
Travel distance
The TTC Bluish White and the Aflion Cloudy Shadow tactile switches have the same travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of tactile feedback as the key travels from the top to the bottom. The similarity in travel distance between these two switches ensures that users will get consistent results in terms of key feel and response. Both switches provide a satisfying typing experience with a moderate travel distance, making them suitable choices for those who prefer a tactile typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Bluish White has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bluish White for $4.63.
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, both the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch are described as having a low-pitched sound profile. This means that they offer a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. However, the Cloudy Shadow also has the additional descriptor of being neutral in sound, meaning it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile suitable for various typing scenarios. Ultimately, both switches will provide a satisfying auditory experience, with the Cloudy Shadow offering a bit more versatility in sound due to its neutral characteristics.
Moving on to feel, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch is described as offering a buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished typing experience. This means that it provides a smooth, gentle, and refined feel with subtle resistance, making it suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch is described as providing a mild typing experience, offering a gentle and approachable feel that falls within a safe middle-ground zone. While the Bluish White offers a more varied tactile experience, the Cloudy Shadow focuses on providing a consistent and gentle typing sensation. Both switches would be comfortable for extended typing sessions, with the Bluish White offering a more nuanced feel compared to the Cloudy Shadow's straightforward approach.
In conclusion, both the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Bluish White provides a poppy and varied tactile experience with a low-pitched sound profile, the Cloudy Shadow presents a more neutral sound signature and a consistent, mild typing feel. Choosing between these switches would ultimately depend on personal preference and typing style, with the Bluish White catering to those who prefer a more nuanced tactile experience and the Cloudy Shadow appealing to users seeking a gentle and balanced typing sensation. Regardless of the choice, both switches promise a satisfying and quality typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a satisfyingly poppy typing experience with a snappy sound profile, the Bluish White switch may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a balanced typing experience with a bouncy feel due to extended springs, the Cloudy Shadow switch could be more suitable. Consider the sound and feel characteristics of each switch to determine which one aligns better with your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, so make sure to choose the one that best suits your needs.
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