Kailh Box Navy vs. Aflion Cloudy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the Aflion Cloudy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch can be a tough decision. The Box Navy is perfect for those who prefer a heavy typing experience with a satisfying clicky sound and tactile feedback reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards, while the Cloudy Shadow offers a more balanced typing experience with a neutral sound signature and bouncy feel. While the Box Navy is characterized as 'Sharp', 'Resonant', 'Invigorating', 'Crunchy', 'Stiff', the Cloudy Shadow is categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Mild', 'Neutral'. Each switch has its own advantages and unique characteristics tailored 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
60g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
90g
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
Both the Kailh Box Navy and the Aflion Cloudy Shadow share a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This material is especially beneficial for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for a more vibrant display. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches ensures a clear and resonant sound when typing, making them appealing choices for those who prioritize sound quality in their mechanical keyboards.
In contrast, while the Box Navy and Cloudy Shadow both feature a nylon bottom housing, the material's softer nature leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile with a duller and rounder tone. Nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a more muted typing experience that may appeal to users looking for a quieter option. The differences in bottom housing material between the two switches highlight how material choice can impact the overall sound and feel of typing on a mechanical keyboard.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in the Kailh Box Navy and Aflion Cloudy Shadow allows for a balanced typing experience. The split qualities of each housing material, with the bottom affecting the bottom-out sound and feel and the top influencing the sound when releasing a key, contribute to a harmonious blend of sharpness and depth in the sound profile of both switches. Whether choosing the Box Navy or the Cloudy Shadow, users can expect similar results in terms of sound quality and typing experience due to the shared characteristics of their housing materials.
Weight
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch is on the heavier side compared to the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch. The Box Navy has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 90 grams, providing a substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In contrast, the Cloudy Shadow has an unknown actuation force and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is medium-heavy. This makes the Cloudy Shadow a slightly lighter option compared to the Box Navy. Both switches offer different weight preferences for users, with the Box Navy being suitable for those who enjoy a heavier typing experience, while the Cloudy Shadow is better suited for those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience and overall comfort of using a mechanical keyboard.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch is 3.6 mm, while the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular in the market. Gamers, in particular, may appreciate the faster response times that come with a shorter travel distance. However, those who prefer a more substantial key press may find the longer travel distance of the Box Navy more satisfying. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches depends on personal preference for either a quicker, more responsive key press or a deeper, more tactile experience.
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 Navy 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
In terms of sound, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch offers a resonant and crunchy typing experience, with a higher-pitched sound profile reminiscent of vintage buckling springs keyboards. On the other hand, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch provides a low-pitched and neutral sound, creating a more mellow and balanced typing experience suitable for most users. The choice of sound between the two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference, with the Box Navy offering a more vivid and crisp sound, while the Cloudy Shadow provides a more subtle and versatile sound profile that can cater to a wider range of users.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box Navy switch delivers a sharp, invigorating, and stiff typing experience, with a strong tactile bump that provides intense feedback and requires a higher amount of force to actuate. On the other hand, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow switch offers a mild typing experience, with a gentle and approachable feel suitable for most users. The Box Navy switch is ideal for those who enjoy a firm and reactive typing sensation, while the Cloudy Shadow switch caters to users who prefer a more subtle and easy-going typing experience.
Overall, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch offer distinct and unique typing experiences in terms of sound and feel. The Box Navy provides a more intense and vivid typing experience with its resonant and crunchy sound profile, as well as its sharp and invigorating tactile feel. The Cloudy Shadow, on the other hand, offers a more balanced and versatile typing experience with its low-pitched and neutral sound, as well as its mild and approachable typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on the user's preference for sound, feel, and typing intensity.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a heavy typing experience with a nostalgic clicky sound, then the Kailh Box Navy switches would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more balanced typing experience with a neutral sound profile and a lighter bottom-out force, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switches would be the better option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for actuation force, sound profile, and tactile feedback. Whether you prefer the sharp tactility of the Box Navy or the bouncy feel of the Cloudy Shadow, both switches offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
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