TTC Brother vs. Aflion Cloudy Shadow
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the Aflion Cloudy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch are two popular options to consider. The TTC Brother is highly regarded for its lightweight nature, with a breezy actuation of just 37g, making typing feel effortless and tactile. Its satisfyingly crunchy sound signature is sure to please fans of clicky switches, while the tactile bump strikes a perfect balance between feedback and subtlety. On the other hand, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linears are gaining recognition for their neutral sound signature and bouncy feel, thanks to the extended springs. With a 63.5g bottom-out force, these switches offer a balanced typing experience that showcases the quality and innovation of the brand. When choosing between these switches, the Brother is ideal for those who enjoy a clicky and easy-to-press key feel, while the Cloudy Shadow is suited for users who prefer a low-pitched and mild 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
37g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial 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
17.5mm spring
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Brother and the Cloudy Shadow both feature polycarbonate top housing, leading to a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This is attributed to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which allows for a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. The similarities in the top housing material between the Brother and the Cloudy Shadow result in comparable sound profiles and aesthetic appeal when used in keyboards.
On the other hand, the Brother and the Cloudy Shadow differ in their choice of bottom housing material, with the Brother utilizing nylon. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller, rounder sound. The Cloudy Shadow also features nylon bottom housing, resulting in a similar tactile experience and sound profile as the Brother, providing a comfortable typing experience with a different bottom-out sound and feel compared to the top housing material.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in the Brother and the Cloudy Shadow results in a unique typing experience. The split between the two housing materials allows for a balance of sharp and crisp sound from the top housing and a deeper, fuller sound from the bottom housing. This combination offers users the opportunity to customize their typing experience based on their preferences for sound and feel when pressing down on keys and releasing them.
Weight
The TTC Brother clicky switch has a light actuation force of 37 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes with a gentle press. However, the bottom out force for the Brother is unknown, so it is unclear how much force is needed to fully press the key. In contrast, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch does not specify an actuation force, but it has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This means that the Cloudy Shadow requires more force to fully press the key compared to the Brother. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Brother switch may be more suitable, while the Cloudy Shadow would be a better choice for those who prefer a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for typing force and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The TTC Brother clicky switch and the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch both have the same travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, users will experience a similar travel distance sensation. Both switches provide a consistent typing experience in terms of how far down the key travels. This makes them ideal choices for those who prefer a specific travel distance in their mechanical keyboard switches. Users can expect to get similar results in terms of key travel with either the TTC Brother clicky switch or the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Brother has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Brother for $3.30.
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.
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 it comes to sound, the TTC Brother clicky switch is renowned for its crunchy and precise sound profile, perfect for those who enjoy a satisfying click with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch offers a more neutral and low-pitched sound, providing a mellow tone that is suitable for various environments. Both switches offer distinct auditory experiences, catering to different preferences based on individual tastes and working environments.
In terms of feel, the Brother clicky switch offers an easy-to-press sensation with a stepped tactile bump, providing a responsive and low-impact typing experience. In contrast, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch offers a mild typing feel, making it approachable and comfortable for a wide range of users. While the Brother switch excels in its tactile feedback, the Cloudy Shadow switch prioritizes a gentle typing experience, ensuring that both switches offer unique sensations for users to enjoy.
Considering all available information, the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch present distinctive qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Brother switch excels in providing a crunchy and tactile sound with an easy-to-press feel, ideal for those who prioritize precise feedback during typing sessions. On the other hand, the Cloudy Shadow switch offers a neutral and low-pitched sound with a mild and approachable typing sensation, catering to users looking for a comfortable and versatile typing experience. Ultimately, users can expect to receive satisfying results from both switches, with each offering a unique blend of characteristics to enhance their mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the TTC Brother clicky switch or the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prioritize a light and tactile typing experience with a satisfyingly crunchy sound, the Brother switch would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a balanced typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom-out force and a neutral sound profile, the Cloudy Shadow switch may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles, so it's essential to consider what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch before making your decision.
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