Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. Aflion Cloudy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Aflion Cloudy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that are often compared are the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Aflion Cloudy Shadow. The Box Mute Jade is a clicky switch that offers a crunchy feel and subdued sound profile, perfect for those who enjoy the tactile feedback of a clicky switch without the loud noise. On the other hand, the Cloudy Shadow is a linear switch that is gaining popularity for its neutral sound signature and bouncy feel, thanks to its extended springs. With a 63.5g bottom-out force, the Cloudy Shadow provides a balanced typing experience. While the Box Mute Jade is noted for being ['Accented', 'Crunchy', 'Stiff', 'Polished'], the Cloudy Shadow is categorized as ['Low-pitched', 'Mild', 'Neutral']. Both switches have their own unique characteristics and appeal to different preferences. 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
75g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
82g
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
Yes
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Aflion Cloudy Shadow, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiff plastic, leading to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches used with RGB lighting. However, the switches differ in their bottom housing material, with the Box Mute Jade featuring a nylon bottom housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the stiffer polycarbonate.
Despite the differences in their bottom housing materials, both the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Aflion Cloudy Shadow offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials. While the Box Mute Jade's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper sound, the Cloudy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. The use of different materials for the top and bottom housings splits the qualities each material brings to the switch, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel as well as the sound when a key is released. Therefore, users will experience a variety of sound profiles depending on the switch and its housing materials.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Aflion Cloudy Shadow play a significant role in determining the sound profile of each switch. Both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housing, creating a clear and resonant sound with a higher pitch. However, the switches deviate in their bottom housing materials, with the Box Mute Jade featuring a nylon bottom housing for a deeper sound and the Cloudy Shadow maintaining a polycarbonate bottom housing. These differences in housing materials contribute to the overall typing experience and sound feedback provided by each switch, offering users a range of options based on their preferred sound profile.
Weight
The Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch is heavier than the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch in terms of both actuation force and bottom out force. The Box Mute Jade requires an actuation force of 75 grams and a bottom out force of 82 grams, while the Cloudy Shadow has an actuation force of None grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This makes the Box Mute Jade better suited for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a heavier push feel. On the other hand, the Cloudy Shadow is a more medium-heavy option, providing a balance between a lighter typing experience for longer periods and a satisfying push feel. Both switches offer different weight options that cater to individual preferences, ensuring that users can choose the one that best suits their typing needs.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, slightly longer than the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch's 3.5 mm travel distance. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular in keyboards. Gamers may appreciate the faster response time of the shorter travel distance offered by the Cloudy Shadow, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the slightly longer travel distance of the Box Mute Jade. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for key press depth and responsiveness.
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 Mute Jade comes in at $6.50 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
When considering the subjective qualities of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch, it is evident that they offer distinct experiences in both sound and feel. The Box Mute Jade provides a crunchy and accented typing experience with a subtle sound profile, making it ideal for those who enjoy a tactile response with a quieter click. On the other hand, the Cloudy Shadow offers a low-pitched and neutral sound signature, coupled with a mild and bouncy feel due to its extended springs. This switch aims to provide a balanced typing experience with a moderate actuation force, suitable for a wide range of users. It's important to note that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard itself and the keycaps being used. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience. If you are looking for a similar level of performance in terms of sound and feel, both switches offer quality options within their respective categories.
Conclusion
Therefore, when choosing between the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch, consider your preference for key feel and sound. If you enjoy a heavier key press with a distinct clicky sound, the Box Mute Jade may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter key press with a more neutral sound profile, the Cloudy Shadow could be the better option. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you value most. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles, so it's important to choose based on what feels most comfortable to you.
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