Kailh Box Royal vs. Aflion Cloudy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Aflion Cloudy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between two popular mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Royal and the Aflion Cloudy Shadow, you're faced with a decision between a highly tactile switch and a smooth linear switch. The Box Royal is renowned for its intense tactility, offering a sharp and binary feedback that is perfect for those who crave a more aggressive typing experience. On the other hand, the Cloudy Shadow by Aflion is gaining recognition for its buttery smooth linear feel, with a neutral sound profile and bouncy sensation thanks to its extended springs. If you prefer a higher-pitched and sharp tactile feedback, the Box Royal may be the switch for you, while the Cloudy Shadow's low-pitched and mild feel could be a better fit if you enjoy a more neutral 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
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Nylon
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and the Aflion Cloudy Shadow, it is clear that the Box Royal features a nylon top housing while the Cloudy Shadow utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. The nylon top housing of the Box Royal provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller, rounder sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top housing of the Cloudy Shadow results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This highlights a significant difference in sound characteristics between the two switches.
When examining the bottom housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and the Aflion Cloudy Shadow, it is interesting to note that both switches feature a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. Therefore, in terms of the bottom housing, both switches are likely to provide a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel. This similarity in housing material may result in comparable typing experiences for users who prefer the characteristics of nylon in their switches.
Overall, the choice between the Kailh Box Royal and the Aflion Cloudy Shadow may come down to personal preference in sound profile. The nylon top housing of the Box Royal creates a different sound compared to the polycarbonate top housing of the Cloudy Shadow, catering to individuals who prefer a duller, rounder sound or a sharper, crisper sound. However, with both switches featuring a nylon bottom housing, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of the sound profile and feel. Ultimately, individuals looking for switches with different sound characteristics can choose between the Box Royal and the Cloudy Shadow based on their preference for either a deeper, fuller sound or a sharper, crisper sound.
Weight
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch is lighter in actuation force at 45 grams compared to the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch, which has an unspecified actuation force. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Box Royal at 70 grams and the Cloudy Shadow at 63.5 grams, both falling into the medium-heavy category. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Box Royal for a more effortless typing experience, while those seeking a more substantial feel may prefer the Cloudy Shadow. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Royal tactile 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 have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm distance. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Cloudy Shadow for quick response times, while those who prefer a more satisfying keystroke may lean towards the slightly longer travel distance of the Box Royal. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing 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 Royal comes in at $6.25 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 comparing the subjective qualities of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch, it is evident that they offer distinct experiences in terms of sound and feel. The Box Royal stands out for its high-pitched sound profile, delivering a sharp and crisp noise with each keypress, making it ideal for those who prefer a more aggressive tactility. On the other hand, the Cloudy Shadow features a neutral and low-pitched sound, offering a balanced typing experience with a mellow and bass-heavy tone.
As for the feel, the Box Royal is known for its sharp tactile feedback, providing a strong and distinct tactile bump with each press. This intense feedback is favored by those who seek a highly tactile typing experience. Conversely, the Cloudy Shadow offers a mild typing experience, with a more gentle feel that is approachable to most users. The extended springs in the Cloudy Shadow switches contribute to a bouncy sensation, enhancing the overall typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Kailh Box Royal and Aflion Cloudy Shadow switches differ in their sound and feel characteristics, they both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. Whether you prefer a sharp tactility and high-pitched sound like the Box Royal, or a more neutral sound and mild feel like the Cloudy Shadow, both switches provide quality options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when it comes to choosing between the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a sharp and aggressive tactile feedback with a higher pitched sound profile, the Box Royal switches would be a great fit for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more balanced and bouncy typing experience with a neutral sound signature and a slightly lower bottom out force, the Cloudy Shadow switches would be more suitable. Consider how you like your switches to feel and sound, and choose accordingly. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
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