HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring offer distinctive typing experiences. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g is a linear switch known for its clacky sound profile and heavier actuation force, making it ideal for enthusiasts who prefer a bright typing experience with a silky smooth feel. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is a tactile switch loved for its medium-high level of tactility and the unique two-staged spring design that delivers deep, resonating thocks while typing. While the Cloud - 63.5g excels in providing a creamy and high-pitched typing experience, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring stands out with its sharp, accented, and snappy tactile feedback. Both switches have their own advantages and appeal, so the choice ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style. However, let's dive in deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
56g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
20mm dual-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g features nylon top and bottom housings, which are known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to their softer plastic composition. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While both materials offer unique acoustic qualities, the nylon in the Cloud - 63.5g absorbs more sound, creating a rounder sound, whereas the stiffer polycarbonate in the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring produces a more resonant and clear sound.
In terms of aesthetics, the Cloud - 63.5g's nylon top housing offers a classic look, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is more modern and allows for RGB lighting effects due to its translucency. The choice between the two would depend on personal preference and the desired visual impact of the keyboard setup. Additionally, the nylon bottom housing of the Cloud - 63.5g and the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches, with the former creating a duller and rounder sound, while the latter provides a clear and resonant sound.
Overall, while the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring utilize different housing materials for their switches, they each offer unique sound profiles and aesthetic options. The use of nylon in the Cloud - 63.5g creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the polycarbonate in the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring delivers a sharper and crisper sound. Whether one prefers the classic feel of nylon or the modern look of polycarbonate, both options provide excellent acoustic qualities for typing enthusiasts looking to customize their keyboard experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, we see that the Cloud - 63.5g is slightly heavier in terms of actuation force, requiring 56 grams compared to the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring's 55 grams. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Cloud - 63.5g at 63.5 grams and the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring at 63 grams. The Cloud - 63.5g is slightly heavier overall in terms of force required, making it more suitable for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring provides a slightly lighter actuation force while still offering a solid bottom out force, making it a good balance for those who want a medium tactile feel without it being too heavy. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and desired force required for keystrokes.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, we see that the Cloud - 63.5g has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.9 mm compared to the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring's 4 mm. While the Cloud offers a shorter distance, which is preferred by gamers for faster response times, the Shadow provides a slightly deeper press that some users may find more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for travel distance and typing experience. Both switches will deliver a tactile response, but the slight difference in travel distance may be a factor in deciding which one best suits your needs.
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 Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring for $3.57.
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, both the Cloud - 63.5g and the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches are described as producing a clacky and high-pitched sound profile. This means that they will both have a sharp, crisp, and percussive sound when typing, which may be appealing to users who enjoy a bright and vibrant typing experience. Ultimately, you can expect similar results in terms of sound from both switches, but keep in mind that other factors such as keycaps and keyboard build can also influence the overall sound profile.
Moving on to feel, the Cloud - 63.5g switch is praised for its bouncy and creamy typing experience, offering a spring-like feedback sensation with a smooth and buttery feel. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is known for its sharp and accented tactile bump, providing a high level of tactility that is not overwhelming. Additionally, the Shadow switch features longer or dual-staged springs, giving it a snappy and lively typing experience. While the two switches offer different tactile characteristics, both promise a satisfying typing feel that caters to enthusiasts seeking a premium typing experience.
In conclusion, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch each bring unique qualities to the table in terms of sound and feel. The Cloud switch provides a clacky and high-pitched sound profile with a bouncy and creamy feel, while the Shadow switch offers deep thocks and a sharp, accented tactile feedback with a snappy response. Depending on your preference for sound and tactility, both switches offer distinct typing experiences that cater to different user preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two will come down to personal preference and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a bright typing experience with a silky smooth feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-high level of tactility and enjoy deep, resonating thocks while typing, then the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch is the way to go. Consider your preference for sound and feel when making your decision, as the Cloud - 63.5g offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile along with a bouncy and creamy feel, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch provides a clacky and high-pitched sound with a sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped feel. Ultimately, choose the switch that best suits your typing style and preferences to enhance your overall typing experience.
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