HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to explore are the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Aflion Windy Shadow. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g is a linear switch known for its clacky sound profile and heavier feel, catering to enthusiasts who enjoy a bright typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow is also a linear switch that offers a neutral sound profile and a distinctive bounce from its extended spring, with a more medium-light touch at 55g bottom-out. While both switches have their unique characteristics, such as the creamy and high-pitched qualities of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the mild and low-pitched aspects of the Aflion Windy Shadow, ultimately the best switch for you will depend on your personal preferences 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
N/A
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
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
19.7mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Aflion Windy Shadow, it is clear that they both use nylon for their bottom housing. This means that both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound, making typing on these switches a more satisfying experience with a softer touch and quieter sound compared to switches with harder plastic housings.
However, the key difference lies in the top housing material used. The Cloud - 63.5g features a nylon top housing, while the Windy Shadow utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing. The use of polycarbonate in the Windy Shadow creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the polycarbonate top housing of the Windy Shadow allows for RGB lighting to shine through, providing a visually appealing aesthetic element that the Cloud - 63.5g does not offer with its nylon top housing.
In terms of overall typing experience and sound profile, while both switches offer a deep and full sound due to their shared nylon bottom housing, the differences in top housing material play a significant role. The Cloud - 63.5g's nylon top housing provides a softer and more absorbent sound, while the Windy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in sound profile and aesthetics, with the Cloud - 63.5g offering a more subdued typing experience and the Windy Shadow providing a brighter and more visually striking option with its translucent polycarbonate top housing.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch differ in weight, with the Cloud being the heavier of the two. The Cloud - 63.5g requires an actuation force of 56 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it medium-heavy in terms of force. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow has an unknown actuation force and a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is considered medium-light. The variance in force between the two switches caters to different preferences in typing experience. Some may favor the lighter actuation force of the Windy Shadow for extended typing sessions, while others may prefer the heavier actuation force of the Cloud for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in typing force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch is 3.9 mm, while the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Cloud - 63.5g has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Windy Shadow. The Cloud - 63.5g may provide a bit more depth and feedback when typing, while the Windy Shadow may offer a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular particularly among gamers seeking faster input. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either a slightly longer or shorter travel distance.
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 Windy 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 Windy 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 percussive typing experience favored by enthusiasts seeking a bright and crisp response. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow switch produces a neutral and low-pitched sound, offering a more mellow and bass-heavy tone compared to the Cloud - 63.5g. Both switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound, with the Cloud - 63.5g being more lively and sharp, while the Windy Shadow is more moderate and mellow, suitable for a wider range of users.
As for feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch is known for its bouncy and creamy sensation, providing a spring-like and smooth typing experience that is both lively and silky. In contrast, the Aflion Windy Shadow switch offers a mild typing experience, with a more gentle and approachable feel that falls within a safe middle-ground zone. Both switches offer unique tactile feedback, with the Cloud - 63.5g emphasizing a vibrant bounce and smooth sensation, while the Windy Shadow focuses on a comfortable and mild experience.
Overall, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and Aflion Windy Shadow linear switches present contrasting qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Cloud - 63.5g offers a clacky and bouncy typing experience with a high-pitched sound profile, the Windy Shadow provides a neutral and mild feel with a low-pitched sound. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the bright and lively response of the Cloud - 63.5g or the more mellow and comfortable feel of the Windy Shadow. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, ensuring that users can achieve their desired typing experience with either option.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, you should consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a brighter, clacky sound profile and a heavier bottom out force, then the Cloud - 63.5g would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a neutral sound profile with a distinctive bounce from an extended spring and a medium-light bottom out force, then the Aflion Windy Shadow would suit your preferences better. Ultimately, your choice should be based on the sound and feel that you find most comfortable and enjoyable for your typing needs.
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