Aflion Cloudy Shadow vs. KTT Darling
An in-depth look at the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the KTT Darling switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Aflion's Cloudy Shadow and KTT's Darling are both linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique typing experiences. The Cloudy Shadow is known for its neutral sound signature and bouncy feel, thanks to its extended springs and 63.5g bottom-out force. On the other hand, the KTT Darling provides a chewy and substantial typing sensation with a pronounced bounciness and resonant, high-pitched sound upon bottoming out. While the Cloudy Shadow is categorized as low-pitched, mild, and neutral, the Darling is described as bouncy, clacky, high-pitched, and resonant. Each switch has its own strengths, but ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your personal preference 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
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
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 Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the KTT Darling both feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiff plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that will be used with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Cloudy Shadow and the Darling differ in their bottom housing materials. The Cloudy Shadow's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is softer and absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This creates a duller and rounder sound overall.
Despite the similar polycarbonate top housings, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the KTT Darling offer different sound experiences due to their contrasting bottom housing materials. The Cloudy Shadow's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound, while the Darling's nylon bottom housing also contributes to a duller and rounder sound profile. In terms of functionality, the qualities each housing material brings are split between the bottom and top of the switch. When pressing down on the switch, you will feel the impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will influence the sound when releasing a key.
In conclusion, while the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the KTT Darling share the use of polycarbonate top housings for a sharper sound profile, their differing nylon bottom housings result in distinct sound experiences. The Cloudy Shadow's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, while the Darling's nylon bottom housing provides a duller and rounder sound. Both switches showcase the importance of balancing housing materials to create a unique sound profile that caters to different preferences.
Weight
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the KTT Darling linear switch have significant differences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Cloudy Shadow switch has an actuation force of None grams, making it unclear how much force is required to trigger a keystroke, while its bottom out force is 63.5 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. On the other hand, the KTT Darling switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, indicating a lighter touch needed to activate a key, and a bottom out force of 53 grams, which falls into the medium-light category. While the actuation force of the Darling switch is lighter than that of the Cloudy Shadow, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience. Depending on personal preference, some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Darling switch for extended typing sessions, while others may enjoy the heavier bottom out force of the Cloudy Shadow for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on whether one prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the KTT Darling linear switch is the same, with both switches having a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom is identical. As a result, users can expect similar tactile feedback and typing experience from both switches. Overall, the travel distance of these switches is consistent, providing a consistent typing feel for users who prefer a linear switch design.
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 KTT Darling has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Darling for $3.90.
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 is known for its low-pitched and neutral sound profile, offering a mellow and moderate tone suitable for various typing environments. On the other hand, the KTT Darling linear switch delivers a clacky and high-pitched sound with resonant properties, providing a sharp and crisp auditory experience that complements its tactile feedback. Both switches offer distinct auditory feedback, appealing to different preferences based on sound profile.
In terms of 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. On the other hand, the KTT Darling linear switch is described as bouncy, delivering a springy and lively typing sensation with a noticeable rebound effect upon key press. These differences in feel cater to varying preferences, with the Cloudy Shadow offering a more subtle typing experience compared to the dynamic feel of the Darling.
In conclusion, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the KTT Darling linear switch offer contrasting subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Cloudy Shadow provides a neutral and mild typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, the Darling delivers a resonant and bouncy feel accompanied by a clacky, high-pitched sound. Choosing between the two switches will ultimately depend on individual preference for sound and feel, as both switches bring their unique characteristics to the table, promising an engaging and satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch or the KTT Darling linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom-out force and a neutral sound profile with a bouncy feel, the Cloudy Shadow may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom-out force with a pronounced bounciness and a high-pitched, clacky sound profile, the Darling could be the ideal choice. Consider the type of typing experience you are looking for, whether it be a more balanced and mellow feel or a chewy and substantial sensation, when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your individual needs and preferences.
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