HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the decision often comes down to personal preference, and two notable options in the market are the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring. The HMX Cloud - 50g is celebrated for its clacky sound profile and lighter actuation force, which makes it an ideal choice for enthusiasts who crave an engaging and bright typing experience, while also benefiting from a silky smooth feel. In contrast, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring offers a unique tactile experience with its medium-high level of tactility and deep, resonating thocks, thanks to its long, two-staged spring design—perfect for those who appreciate a pronounced feedback with each keystroke. While both switches present distinct auditory and tactile characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, deciding between the two ultimately hinges on whether you favor the smoothness and brightness of a linear switch or the satisfying tactile feedback of a tactile switch. 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
42g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
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 - 50g and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring exhibit contrasting housing materials, which significantly influence their acoustic properties and overall tactile experiences. The Cloud - 50g features nylon for both its top and bottom housings, a material known for its softness and ability to absorb sound. This results in a deeper, fuller sound profile that delivers a more muted auditory experience when typing. The nylon's capacity to dampen vibrations contributes to a dulled, rounded sound, making the Cloud - 50g an appealing choice for users who prefer a quieter, more subdued keystroke.
In stark contrast, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring employs polycarbonate for its top and bottom housings, achieving a sharp and crisp sound profile. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, enhances the clarity and resonance of each keystroke, resulting in a higher-pitched sound that can be more pronounced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate lends itself well to setups utilizing RGB lighting, making this keyboard not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing. The combination of two polycarbonate housings provides an overall experience that emphasizes brightness and clarity, catering to enthusiasts who appreciate the auditory feedback from their switches.
While the housing materials in these two switches differ, users can achieve similar results in terms of tactile experience by considering the interplay between the top and bottom housings of each design. In typing, the nylon of the Cloud - 50g offers a rounded bottom-out sound primarily influenced by the bottom housing, while the higher-pitched punchiness of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring arises predominantly from its polycarbonate structure. Therefore, regardless of the materials chosen, both switches cater to their users by providing a distinctive sound profile and tactile feedback, shaped primarily by the unique contributions of their respective housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch with the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces arise. The Cloud - 50g has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a suitable option for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, ideal for long hours of work or gaming. In contrast, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) features a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial push feel while typing. Therefore, if you're looking for a keyboard with a lighter switch, the HMX Cloud would be the better choice, while the Aflion Shadow is more suited for those who appreciate greater resistance in their keystrokes. Overall, these differing forces illustrate that the Cloud - 50g is more forgiving and easier for extended use, whereas the Shadow (Ink) provides a firmer tactile feedback for a more engaging typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, we find that the Cloud - 50g features a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Aflion Shadow switch offers a slightly longer travel compared to the HMX Cloud by just 0.1 mm. This makes the Cloud - 50g a better choice for those who prioritize quicker response times due to its shorter travel, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring may appeal to users seeking a more substantial keypress experience. Ultimately, the difference in travel distance, although minimal, aligns with the preference for responsiveness versus depth in typing or gaming experiences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cloud - 50g 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 - 50g 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
The sound characteristics of the HMX Cloud - 50g are celebrated for their clacky tone, which provides a bright, sharp auditory experience with each keystroke. This lighter switch is designed to deliver high-pitched sounds that contribute to a crisp and percussive typing atmosphere, making it a fitting choice for those who appreciate a lively and engaging audio feedback while typing. In contrast, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is known for producing deep, resonating thocks, creating a more robust and bassy sound profile. The combination of its tactile feedback with a rich sound might appeal to users who prefer a more substantial auditory experience, emphasizing a stark contrast to the Cloud’s lighter, crisper tones. The sonic outcome will also be influenced by the keyboard build and keycaps used, which can affect the overall resonance and volume of each type.
When it comes to the tactile experience, the HMX Cloud - 50g boasts a silky smooth feel that ensures seamless key presses. This smoothness makes it ideal for those who prefer a frictionless and uninterrupted typing experience, allowing for easy gliding across the keyboard during long typing sessions. Meanwhile, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring offers a spectrum of tactile sensations characterized by its sharp, accented feedback. With its prominent tactile bump, a snappy response, and an elastic bouncy effect when pressed, this switch provides a lively experience that is both engaging and responsive. Additionally, its stepped feel allows for distinct pre-travel and post-travel sensations, appealing to users who enjoy a more dynamic interaction with their keyboard, as opposed to the smoother, more linear experience of the Cloud - 50g.
In conclusion, both the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring offer unique auditory and tactile experiences that can cater to different preferences. The Cloud - 50g is perfect for enthusiasts who appreciate a clacky, high-pitched sound and smooth keypresses, while the Shadow (Ink) caters to those who value deeper tones and a more pronounced tactile feedback. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you favor a bright, effortless typing experience or a rich, engaging tactile sensation with auditory depth.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences regarding typing experience and sound profile. If you lean towards a lighter feel and enjoy a silky smooth typing experience with a clacky sound, the HMX Cloud - 50g is likely your best bet. This switch is particularly suited for those who prioritize speed and want a bright, vibrant auditory feedback while typing or gaming. Conversely, if you’re more inclined towards a tactile feedback sensation that enhances your typing accuracy with a deeper sound, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring would serve you well. Its medium-high tactility, combined with the pronounced bumps and rich thocky tones, cater to users who appreciate a more deliberate and engaging keystroke. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you favor a smooth, fast experience or a more tactile, resonant one.
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