HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Aflion Shadow ink single spring tactile switch, there are a few key factors to consider. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g is known for its clacky sound profile and heavier feel, providing a bright and satisfying typing experience for enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow ink single spring switch offers a medium level of tactility with a lower actuation and bottom-out force, resulting in a more approachable typing experience. While the HMX Cloud switch is categorized as bouncy, clacky, creamy, high-pitched, the Aflion Shadow switch is categorized as bouncy. Both switches have their own unique benefits, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
55g
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring, we see that the Cloud features nylon top and bottom housings, while the Shadow uses polycarbonate for both. The nylon top housing of the Cloud provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top housing of the Shadow offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile with its stiffer plastic composition leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Both materials have their unique characteristics that cater to different sound preferences.
In terms of aesthetics, the Cloud's nylon top and bottom housings contribute to a consistent sound profile throughout key presses, as the material absorbs sound and creates a deeper tone both when pressing down and releasing a key. Whereas the Shadow's polycarbonate top and bottom housings create a more consistent and clear sound profile, with a sharper sound when pressing down and releasing a key. The use of clear polycarbonate in the Shadow also allows for RGB lighting effects, enhancing the visual appeal of the switch.
Overall, while the Cloud and Shadow differ in their housing materials with nylon and polycarbonate, respectively, both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The Cloud's nylon housing provides a softer and rounder sound, while the Shadow's polycarbonate housing offers a sharper and clearer sound. Whether one prefers a deeper and fuller sound or a sharper and crisper sound, both switches deliver unique qualities that enhance the typing experience.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch reveals their differences in weight. The Cloud - 63.5g has a heavier actuation force of 56 grams and bottom out force of 63.5 grams, providing a medium-heavy feel. In contrast, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring offers a lighter touch with an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, falling into the medium-light category. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Shadow (Ink) switch, as it requires less force to actuate. On the other hand, the Cloud - 63.5g switch is better suited for individuals who enjoy a more substantial push feel when typing. Despite their differences, both switches offer a smooth typing experience, with the potential for similar results depending on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch is 3.9 mm, while the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Aflion Shadow has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the HMX Cloud. The difference may not be significant, but for those who are sensitive to small variations in key travel, it could make a difference. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Cloud being slightly shorter. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference - whether one prefers a slightly shorter travel distance for quicker response times or a slightly longer travel distance for a more substantial keypress feel.
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) Single 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) Single 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, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, providing a sharp and bright typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch is known for its deep and thocky sound, giving a more rich and bassy feel. Both switches offer distinct sound qualities that cater to different preferences, with the HMX Cloud - 63.5g leaning towards a sharper sound and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch providing a deeper tone.
In terms of feel, the Cloud - 63.5g switch is recognized for its bouncy and creamy typing experience, offering a smooth and buttery sensation when typing. The keys have a lively feel, providing a rebound effect when pressed. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch also offers a bouncy feel, giving a spring-like feedback sensation that adds to the typing experience. Both switches provide a pleasant tactile feedback but in slightly different ways, with the Cloud - 63.5g emphasizing a smoother feel while the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch focuses on a more lively and elastic feedback.
Considering both switches, individuals seeking a brighter and clacky sound profile along with a silky smooth feel may find the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch more suitable for their preferences. On the other hand, those looking for a deeper and thocky sound, along with a medium level of tactility and approachable tactility, may prefer the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, consider the specific qualities each switch offers. If you are someone who enjoys a brighter, clacky sound profile and prefers a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Cloud - 63.5g may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a deep and thocky sound profile, a medium-light bottom out force, and a more approachable level of tactility, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch would suit your preferences better. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and sound preferences.
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