Aflion Cloudy Shadow vs. Jerrzi Coral
An in-depth look at the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Jerrzi Coral switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Jerrzi Coral are both linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique typing experiences. The Cloudy Shadow is best known for its neutral sound signature and bouncy feel, providing a balanced typing experience with a 63.5g bottom-out force. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Coral is celebrated for its distinctively crisp typing feel and lower-pitched resonance, achieving an exquisite balance of sophistication and performance. While the Cloudy Shadow offers a mild and neutral typing experience, the Coral provides a silky feel with low-pitched tones. Both switches have their strengths and appeal, catering to different preferences in typing feel and sound. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Jerrzi Coral are quite similar, with both switches featuring polycarbonate top housings. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile and is particularly beneficial for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. However, while they both have polycarbonate top housings, the Cloudy Shadow has a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the Coral also has a nylon bottom housing, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound.
Despite their similarities in having polycarbonate top housings, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and Jerrzi Coral differ in their bottom housing materials. The Cloudy Shadow's nylon bottom housing adds a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Coral's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound for a duller tone. These differences in bottom housing materials can impact the overall feel and sound of the switches when typing, with the bottom housing having a more significant effect on the bottom-out sound and feel.
In conclusion, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and Jerrzi Coral offer unique sound profiles due to their housing materials. While both switches have polycarbonate top housings that create a sharp and crisp sound, their nylon bottom housings contribute to different tones. The Cloudy Shadow's nylon bottom housing adds depth, while the Coral's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound. These differences make each switch stand out in its own way, offering a range of options for users seeking specific sound profiles in their mechanical keyboards.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Jerrzi Coral linear switch, it is clear that the two switches have different characteristics. The Cloudy Shadow has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch, while the actuation force is not specified. On the other hand, the Coral has an actuation force of 40 grams, indicating a lighter touch, but the bottom out force is unknown. The Cloudy Shadow would provide a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force, while the Coral would be lighter, making it ideal for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on whether one prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5mm, while the Jerrzi Coral linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7mm. In this case, the Jerrzi Coral has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Cloudy Shadow. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may be noticeable to some users. Those who prefer a more responsive feel may opt for the Cloudy Shadow, while those who enjoy a slightly deeper press may lean towards the Coral. Ultimately, both switches offer a shorter travel distance that can cater to different preferences depending on the user's personal preference.
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 Jerrzi Coral has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Coral for $2.30.
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 is known for its low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone suitable for various typing environments. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Coral linear switch also offers a low-pitched sound, which complements its crisp typing feel, creating a delightful auditory experience. Both switches aim to cater to users who appreciate a more subdued sound profile, ensuring a pleasant typing atmosphere for extended periods.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch is recognized for its mild and bouncy typing experience, thanks to the extended springs offering a balanced feel with a 63.5g bottom-out force. In contrast, the Jerrzi Coral linear switch provides a silky smooth typing feel, enhancing the overall typing experience by minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. These differing tactile characteristics cater to different preferences, with the Cloudy Shadow offering a balanced typing experience and the Coral delivering a smoother, more fluid feel with each keystroke.
Overall, both the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Jerrzi Coral linear switch bring unique qualities to the table for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Cloudy Shadow focuses on providing a balanced and bouncy typing experience with a neutral sound profile, the Coral emphasizes a silky smooth feel paired with a low-pitched sound signature. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can achieve a satisfying typing experience with either switch option. Ultimately, both switches offer quality and innovation in their design, ensuring a premium typing experience for newcomers and seasoned mechanical keyboard users alike.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Jerrzi Coral linear switch, you should consider your preference for bottom-out force and typing experience. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 63.5 grams and a bouncy feel, the Cloudy Shadow may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a crisp typing feel with a lower-pitched resonance and prefer switches with no specified bottom-out force, the Coral switch could be more suited to your preferences. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you seek.
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