Aflion Cloudy Shadow vs. Outemu Crystal
An in-depth look at the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Outemu Crystal switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Outemu Crystal are two linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique typing experiences. The Cloudy Shadow, known for its neutral sound signature and bouncy feel due to extended springs, provides a balanced typing experience with a 63.5g bottom-out force. On the other hand, the Crystal offers a fairly elastic type feel with a medium-light weight, resulting in a unique linear typing experience. Both switches have neutral sound profiles, but the Cloudy Shadow is categorized as low-pitched, mild, and neutral, while the Crystal is categorized as chirpy, high-pitched, and polished. Each switch has its own advantages - the Cloudy Shadow for its bouncy feel and balanced typing experience, and the Crystal for its unique typing experience and medium-light weight. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Outemu Crystal utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiff plastic that produces a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. However, where the Cloudy Shadow's bottom housing is made of nylon, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound, the Crystal's bottom housing also consists of polycarbonate. This gives the Crystal a consistent sharper and clearer sound profile throughout.
The difference in bottom housing material between the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Outemu Crystal results in variations in sound and feel when typing on the switches. While the Cloudy Shadow's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and rounder sound, the Crystal's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains a sharper and crisper sound profile. This difference will be noticeable when bottoming out a key, with the bottom housing material influencing the sound and feel of the switch. Conversely, the top housing material, both being polycarbonate in this case, will impact the sound when releasing a key, maintaining a consistent sharp and resonant sound profile for both switches.
In conclusion, although the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Outemu Crystal both feature polycarbonate top housing for a similar sharp and clear sound profile, their differences lie in the bottom housing materials. The Cloudy Shadow's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the Crystal's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains a sharper and crisper sound. These differences result in variations in typing experience, with the bottom housing material influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing material affecting the sound upon key release. Ultimately, both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials, providing users with the option to choose the type of typing experience they prefer.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Outemu Crystal linear switch, there are notable differences. The Cloudy Shadow has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it medium-heavy, while its actuation force is not specified. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Outemu Crystal would be the ideal choice, as it requires less force to actuate and bottom out. In contrast, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow would appeal to those who prefer a slightly heavier typing feel for a more substantial keystroke experience. Both switches offer unique benefits depending on individual preference, with the Cloudy Shadow providing a more robust feel, and the Crystal offering a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions.
Travel distance
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the Outemu Crystal linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The difference may seem minimal, but for individuals sensitive to key travel distances, it can make a noticeable impact. Gamers seeking faster response times may lean towards the Cloudy Shadow with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more robust keypress may prefer the Outemu Crystal with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
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 Outemu Crystal comes in at $3.40 per 10 switches.
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 Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for a variety of typing environments. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal linear switch is known for a chirpy and high-pitched sound, giving it a unique acoustic signature that sets it apart from other switches. Depending on personal preference, users may prefer the more neutral sound of the Cloudy Shadow or the distinct chirpy sound of the Crystal.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow switch is described as offering a mild typing experience, providing a gentle and approachable feel that is suitable for a wide range of users. In comparison, the Outemu Crystal switch is known for a polished feel, featuring a smooth and refined finish that results in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Whether users prefer a mild and safe typing experience or a polished and sleek feel, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences.
Overall, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Outemu Crystal linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Cloudy Shadow provides a low-pitched and mild typing experience, the Crystal switch offers a chirpy and polished feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between these two switches to customize their typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer quality and innovation in the mechanical keyboard market, providing users with a balanced and unique typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch or the Outemu Crystal linear switch, you should first consider your preference in terms of bottom out force. If you prefer a slightly heavier typing experience, the Cloudy Shadow with its 63.5g bottom-out force may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing experience, the Crystal with its 55g bottom-out force may be more suitable. Additionally, consider the sound and feel characteristics of each switch. If you prefer a neutral sound profile and a bouncy feel, the Cloudy Shadow may be the way to go. However, if you prefer a chirpy sound profile and a polished feel, the Crystal may be more appealing to you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style.
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