Aflion Cloudy Shadow vs. Gateron CM
An in-depth look at the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Gateron CM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Gateron CM both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Cloudy Shadow linear switches from Aflion are praised for their neutral sound signature and bouncy feel, thanks to the extended springs, providing a balanced typing experience with a 63.5g bottom-out force. On the other hand, the Gateron CM linear switches stand out for their full nylon housing, delivering a rich, deep sound signature and smooth typing experience due to the impeccable factory lube job. The CM switches also offer a bouncy typing experience with lengthened, dual-staged springs. These differences make the Cloudy Shadow ideal for those who prioritize a balanced typing experience, while the CM switches may appeal to individuals looking for a smoother, richer sound signature. 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
N/A
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
Dual-staged 20mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Gateron CM both utilize nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a similar deep and full sound profile when typing. Nylon's softness allows it to absorb more sound, creating a dulled and rounded sound compared to harder plastics. However, the Cloudy Shadow features a polycarbonate top housing, enhancing its sound profile with a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper tone. The Gateron CM, on the other hand, sticks to nylon for its top housing, emphasizing a consistent deep and full sound throughout typing.
Despite their differences in housing materials, both the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Gateron CM offer a satisfying typing experience with unique sound profiles. The Cloudy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing adds a level of clarity and resonance to its sound, making it ideal for those who prefer a sharp and crisp typing experience. Meanwhile, the Gateron CM's nylon top housing maintains a deep and full sound, catering to those who enjoy a more consistent and rounded tone while typing. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
In terms of construction, the use of different materials for the top and bottom housing in switches like the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Gateron CM allows for a split in the qualities each material brings to the overall typing experience. The bottom housing, typically softer and more sound-absorbent due to materials like nylon, influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. On the other hand, the top housing, such as the polycarbonate in the Cloudy Shadow or the nylon in the CM, impacts the sound when a key is released. This division in housing materials contributes to the overall sound profile and tactile feedback of the switches, providing users with a varied typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Gateron CM linear switch, there are some notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cloudy Shadow has an unknown actuation force and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which falls into the medium-heavy category. On the other hand, the Gateron CM has an actuation force of 55 grams, which is lighter than the Cloudy Shadow, but both switches share the same bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This means that while the Cloudy Shadow requires a bit more force to trigger a keystroke, both switches provide a similar typing experience once the key is fully pressed. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on the user's preference for a lighter or heavier actuation force for their typing or gaming needs.
Travel distance
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron CM linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those seeking faster response times, such as gamers. The Cloudy Shadow is slightly shorter than the CM, but the difference in travel distance between the two is minimal. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on personal preference for a slightly shorter or slightly longer key press feel. Both switches offer a relatively quick and responsive typing experience compared to switches with longer travel distances.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Gateron CM has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CM for $4.25.
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 Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound signature, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone suitable for various typing environments. On the other hand, the Gateron CM linear switch produces a deeper, bassier sound with a thocky profile, creating a rich and satisfying key press experience. While both switches offer distinct sound qualities, users can expect similar results in terms of sound performance depending on the keyboard and keycaps used alongside them.
Moving on to feel, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch provides a mild typing experience, offering a gentle and approachable feel that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone. In contrast, the Gateron CM linear switch delivers a buttery, polished, and creamy typing sensation, ensuring a smooth, effortless, and uniform keystroke experience. With a focus on reduced friction and smooth key travel, users can expect a silky and frictionless typing feel when using the CM switches. Although the feel may vary slightly between the two switches, both promise a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience for users.
In conclusion, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Gateron CM linear switch each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Cloudy Shadow presents a neutral sound and mild feel, the CM switch provides a bassier sound with a buttery and polished typing experience. Depending on personal preferences and typing requirements, both switches can deliver a high-quality and enjoyable typing journey for users, showcasing the innovation and versatility present in the mechanical keyboard market.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a balanced typing experience with a moderate actuation force and a bouncy feel, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch would be an ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a richer, deeper sound profile and a smooth, effortless typing journey, the Gateron CM linear switch may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on whether you value the sound signature and housing material of the CM switch or the neutral sound and extended spring design of the Cloudy Shadow switch. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so consider what factors are most important to you in a keyboard switch before making your choice.
Mentioned in this article
