Kailh Box Jade vs. Aflion Cloudy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade 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 Kailh Box Jade and the Aflion Cloudy Shadow offer unique experiences for users. The Box Jade is perfect for those seeking a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and satisfying tactility. With crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps, typing on these switches is a truly invigorating experience. On the other hand, the Cloudy Shadow by Aflion is gaining rapid traction in the industry for its linear design, characterized by a neutral sound signature and bouncy feel thanks to extended springs. With a 63.5g bottom-out force, these switches provide a balanced 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
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
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
Kailh Box spring
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Jade and Aflion Cloudy Shadow switches may be similar in terms of both featuring polycarbonate top housing. As such, both switches will likely produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, adding a visually appealing element to the typing experience. This commonality suggests that users can expect comparable sound profiles and aesthetics from both switches when it comes to their polycarbonate top housing.
However, where the switches differ is in their bottom housing material. The Box Jade uses a nylon bottom housing, while the Cloudy Shadow also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound than harder plastics and producing a rounder sound. This means that users typing on the switches will likely feel a difference in sound and feel when it comes to bottoming out the keys, with the nylon bottom housing having a significant impact on the overall typing experience. Despite both switches using nylon for their bottom housing, the specific design and construction of each switch may still result in subtle variations in sound and feel.
Overall, the use of different housing materials in the top and bottom of the switches allows for a unique typing experience with distinct characteristics. While the polycarbonate top housing may offer similar sound profiles and aesthetic appeal for both switches, the nylon bottom housing introduces variation in sound and feel that can impact the overall typing experience. Users may find that the combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials in the Kailh Box Jade and Aflion Cloudy Shadow switches creates a well-rounded typing experience that balances clarity, resonance, and depth in sound output.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch present notable differences. The Box Jade has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Cloudy Shadow, which does not specify an actuation force. On the other hand, the Cloudy Shadow has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the Box Jade has a bottom out force of 60 grams. In terms of weight, the Box Jade falls into the medium category for both actuation and bottom out forces, providing a balanced typing experience. Meanwhile, the Cloudy Shadow is classified as medium-heavy due to its higher bottom out force. Individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Box Jade, while those who prefer a more substantial push feel may opt for the Cloudy Shadow. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 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 ideal for users looking for a more responsive typing or gaming experience. The slight difference in travel distance may not be noticeable to the average user, but those who are more particular about their typing feel may prefer the slightly longer travel distance offered by the Box Jade. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific use case for the keyboard.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Kailh Box Jade comes in at $5.50 per 10 switches.
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
The Kailh Box Jade switch is known for its high-pitched and crunchy sound profile, offering sharp clicks and tactile bumps reminiscent of stepping on crunchy leaves. On the other hand, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow switch has a low-pitched and neutral sound signature, providing a more mellow and balanced typing experience suitable for various settings. The feel of the Box Jade switch is described as accented and invigorating, offering a medium amount of tactility and a snappy, immersive typing sensation. In contrast, the Cloudy Shadow switch is described as mild, providing a gentle typing experience that falls in a safe, middle-ground zone. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, with the Box Jade excelling in providing a clicky and tactile typing experience, while the Cloudy Shadow offers a balanced and neutral typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch, you should consider the typing experience you are looking for. If you prefer a medium-heavy typing experience with crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps, the Box Jade would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a balanced typing experience with a neutral sound profile and a bouncy feel due to extended springs, the Cloudy Shadow would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize clicky feedback and tactile bumps (Box Jade) or a smooth linear typing experience (Cloudy Shadow). Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
Mentioned in this article
