Kailh Box White vs. Aflion Cloudy Shadow

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Kailh Box White and the Aflion Cloudy Shadow offer distinct experiences for users. The Box White is a clicky switch that provides maximum audio feedback with a "stepping on autumn leaves"-like crunch and accented tactility while typing. On the other hand, the Cloudy Shadow from Aflion is a linear switch that offers a neutral sound signature and bouncy feel, thanks to extended springs and a 63.5g bottom-out force. While the Box White is resonant, high-pitched, and crunchy, the Cloudy Shadow is low-pitched, mild, and neutral. If you value a clicky typing experience with audible feedback, the Box White may be the switch for you. However, if you prefer a smoother and quieter typing experience with a balanced feel, the Cloudy Shadow could be the better choice. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Kailh Box White Clicky

Aflion Cloudy Shadow Linear

$2.76 per 10

$5.50

$3.91 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Kailh Box White and the Aflion Cloudy Shadow are quite similar in terms of their top housing material, which is polycarbonate for both switches. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, leading to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches with RGB lighting, adding to the aesthetic appeal of both switches. Therefore, users can expect a similar sound profile and performance from the top housing of both switches.

However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Box White features a nylon housing while the Cloudy Shadow also utilizes nylon. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when compared to the stiffer polycarbonate top housing. Despite both switches using nylon for their bottom housing, slight variations may still exist in the typing experience and overall sound produced due to potential differences in the design and construction of the switches.

Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in the Kailh Box White and Aflion Cloudy Shadow allows for a unique typing experience. While both switches offer similar benefits in terms of sound profile and performance thanks to their shared polycarbonate top housing, the differences in the bottom housing material may lead to subtle variations in sound and feel when typing. Ultimately, users looking for a switch with a sharper and crisper sound profile may prefer the Kailh Box White, while those seeking a deeper and fuller sound may lean towards the Aflion Cloudy Shadow.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch, it is evident that the Box White is lighter in terms of actuation force at 50 grams, compared to the Cloudy Shadow whose actuation force is unknown. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Box White requires 60 grams while the Cloudy Shadow needs 63.5 grams, making the latter heavier in this aspect. The Box White provides a medium actuation force and bottom out force, while the Cloudy Shadow falls into the medium-heavy category for bottoming out. This difference in weight can impact the typing experience for users, as a lighter switch may be preferred for extended typing sessions or gaming, while a heavier switch can provide a more substantial feel for those who prefer a stronger push. In cases where the forces are the same or similar, users can expect to get similar results in terms of typing experience and performance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and typing style.

Travel distance

The Kailh Box White clicky switch has a travel distance of 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, making them ideal for individuals looking for faster response times, such as gamers. The difference of 0.1 mm may not be significant for most users, but for those who prefer a slightly deeper keypress, the Box White switch may provide a more satisfying tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and typing feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box White clicky switch offers a resonant and high-pitched experience, likened to the sound of stepping on autumn leaves. This switch provides a sharp and crisp auditory feedback that some users find immersive. On the other hand, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch has a low-pitched and neutral sound signature. The Cloudy Shadow switches produce a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, creating a balanced and unobtrusive typing experience. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the higher-pitched and crunchy sound of the Box White or the more subdued and neutral sound of the Cloudy Shadow.

In terms of feel, the Kailh Box White switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience due to reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch is considered mild, providing a gentle and approachable typing feel that falls in a safe middle-ground zone. The Cloudy Shadow switches are noted for their bouncy feel, thanks to the extended springs that contribute to a unique tactile experience. Users can expect a subtle tactility from the Cloudy Shadow linear switch, while the Box White clicky switch offers a more pronounced tactile feedback with its accented tactility when pressed.

In conclusion, the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch offer distinct sound and feel profiles for users to choose from. The Box White switch provides a more resonant and high-pitched sound along with a polished typing feel, while the Cloudy Shadow switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound with a mild and bouncy typing experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches cater to different typing preferences and provide a unique typing experience. Ultimately, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch, tailored to their specific preferences.

Conclusion

In closing, when deciding between the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch, it all comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a tactile and clicky typing experience with a medium bottom-out force and high-pitched, resonant sound profile, the Box White switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and bouncy typing feel with a slightly heavier bottom-out force, along with a neutral, low-pitched sound profile, then the Cloudy Shadow switch is the better choice for you. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so consider what aspects are most important to you when making your decision.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Box White Clicky

$2.76 per 10

Learn more

Aflion Cloudy Shadow Linear

$5.50

$3.91 per 10

Learn more