HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Aflion Cloudy Shadow
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Aflion Cloudy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Aflion Cloudy Shadow both offer unique characteristics to cater to different preferences. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g, a linear switch, is best known for its clacky sound profile and heavier feel, making it a popular choice for enthusiasts seeking a bright typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow, also a linear switch, stands out for its neutral sound signature and bouncy feel, thanks to the extended springs in the switch. With a 63.5g bottom-out force, the Cloudy Shadow offers a balanced typing experience. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences, so choosing between them ultimately depends on your personal typing style and 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
56g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Aflion Cloudy Shadow, we see that the HMX Cloud features a nylon top housing, while the Aflion Cloudy Shadow utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. The nylon top housing of the HMX Cloud offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer plastic nature, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller, rounder sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top housing of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, as polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that leads to a clearer and more resonant sound. This contrast in sound profiles highlights how the choice of housing material can greatly impact the overall typing experience.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Aflion Cloudy Shadow feature nylon bottom housings. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The similar choice in bottom housing material for both switches suggests that they will provide a comparable typing experience in terms of sound profile. However, the impact of the bottom housing material on the overall typing feel and sound cannot be overlooked, as it plays a significant role in the switch's bottom-out sound and feel.
In considering the impact of using different housing materials for the top and bottom of a switch, it is important to note that each material brings unique qualities to the overall typing experience. While the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel of a switch, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound produced when a key is released. This distinction underscores the importance of carefully selecting housing materials to achieve the desired sound profile and typing feel. Ultimately, whether it be nylon or polycarbonate, the choice of housing material will significantly shape the overall user experience with the switch.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch show some differences. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g has an actuation force of 56 grams, while the actuation force of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow is unknown. However, both switches have a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making them both medium-heavy in terms of force required to fully press the key. In terms of weight, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g is lighter due to its lower actuation force compared to the Aflion Cloudy Shadow, making it a good choice for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. The Aflion Cloudy Shadow, on the other hand, provides a more substantial typing experience with a potentially higher actuation force, suitable for users who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing experience and key press resistance.
Travel distance
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch boasts a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are preferred by gamers for their faster response times. However, the Cloudy Shadow offers an even quicker key press due to its slightly shorter travel distance. On the other hand, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g provides a bit more depth to each keystroke, which may be preferred by those looking for a more substantial feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference regarding travel distance and keypress responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cloud - 63.5g for $2.99.
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
In terms of sound, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, providing a sharp and snappy typing experience favored by enthusiasts seeking a bright and percussive sound. On the other hand, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow switch boasts a more neutral and low-pitched sound signature, making it suitable for a wider range of users who prefer a more mellow and bass-heavy tone. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference in terms of sound characteristics and how they complement the overall typing experience.
Moving on to feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch is known for its bouncy and creamy tactile experience, offering a lively and smooth typing sensation that enhances the overall typing feel. In contrast, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow switch provides a mild and gentle typing experience, with qualities that fall into a safe middle-ground zone, catering to a broader audience looking for a more approachable tactile feedback. Depending on whether you prefer a more elastic and spring-like keystroke or a gentler typing feel, the choice between these two switches will ultimately come down to personal preference and typing style.
Taking into consideration the sound and feel qualities of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switches, it is evident that each switch offers a unique typing experience tailored to different preferences. While the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch excels in providing a clacky and bouncy typing feel with a high-pitched sound profile, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow switch stands out for its neutral sound signature and gentle tactile feedback. Depending on whether you prioritize sound brightness and springy keypresses or prefer a more balanced and mellow typing experience, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different user preferences. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual tastes and the desired typing feel and sound profile.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch, it is important to consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you enjoy a bright and clacky typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, then the Cloud - 63.5g may be the switch for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a neutral sound profile and a bouncy feel with a 63.5g bottom out force, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow switch would be a great choice. Ultimately, your decision should align with your personal typing preferences to ensure a satisfying keyboarding experience.
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