Aflion Cloudy Shadow vs. Bsun Dragon Fruit
An in-depth look at the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Bsun Dragon Fruit switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Aflion's Cloudy Shadow linear switch and BSUN's Dragon Fruit tactile switch both bring unique qualities to the world of mechanical keyboards. The Cloudy Shadow is praised for its neutral sound signature and bouncy feel, making it a great option for those who prefer a balanced typing experience with a 63.5g bottom-out force. On the other hand, the Dragon Fruit switch is known for its sharp and definitive bottom-out, providing significant tactile feedback and a satisfying bump with each press. While the Cloudy Shadow offers a mild and neutral typing experience, the Dragon Fruit switch delivers an invigorating and sharp feel, along with a clacky sound signature that adds to the overall typing experience. 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Bsun Dragon Fruit feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material's stiffness results in a more clear and resonant sound, making it a popular choice for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. However, while both switches share this housing material for their tops, they differ in their bottom housings. The Cloudy Shadow boasts a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics. On the other hand, the Dragon Fruit also features a nylon bottom housing, emphasizing a rounder and duller sound quality.
Despite their differences in bottom housing material, both switches offer a unique typing experience that is influenced by the specific qualities of their respective housings. The split between top and bottom housings means that the typing experience combines the impacts of both materials, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel and the top housing influencing the sound when releasing a key. This design choice allows for a more nuanced sound profile that takes advantage of the distinct characteristics of each material. While the Cloudy Shadow's nylon bottom housing may emphasize a deeper sound, the Dragon Fruit's design offers a rounder tone, showcasing the versatility of different housing materials in creating a dynamic typing experience.
In summary, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and Bsun Dragon Fruit both utilize polycarbonate top housings to create a sharp and crisp sound profile, ideal for switches with RGB lighting. While they both employ nylon for their bottom housings, the Cloudy Shadow emphasizes a deeper sound, whereas the Dragon Fruit leans towards a rounder tone. The split design of top and bottom housings allows for a nuanced typing experience that combines the unique qualities of each material, resulting in distinct sound profiles for each switch. Whether looking for a sharper or fuller sound, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience that showcases the impact of different housing materials on sound production.
Weight
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch have differing actuation and bottom out forces. The Cloudy Shadow has an actuation force of none grams, meaning that it is a light switch that requires minimal force to register a keystroke. On the other hand, the Dragon Fruit has an actuation force of 45 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Cloudy Shadow. Both switches have a bottom out force of 63.5 grams and 65 grams respectively, making them both medium-heavy switches. The lighter actuation force of the Cloudy Shadow may be preferable for those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, while the slightly heavier actuation force of the Dragon Fruit may appeal to those looking for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm distance. Gamers may prefer the Cloudy Shadow for its slightly longer travel distance, which can provide a more satisfying keystroke feel. On the other hand, those looking for quicker response times may lean towards the Dragon Fruit with its shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and 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 Bsun Dragon Fruit has an MSRP of $4.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Dragon Fruit for $3.83.
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 profile, giving a bass-heavy and mellow tone without being too loud or distracting. On the other hand, the BSUN Dragon Fruit tactile switch provides a clacky sound signature that is engaging and lively, adding an extra level of auditory feedback to each keypress. Both switches offer distinct sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Cloudy Shadow being more subdued and the Dragon Fruit being more dynamic.
When it comes to feel, the Cloudy Shadow linear switch is described as providing a mild typing experience, striking a balance between gentle feedback and ease of use. Meanwhile, the Dragon Fruit tactile switch is known for its accented and invigorating tactile feedback, offering a sharp and snappy feel that is responsive and immersive. The Dragon Fruit switch stands out for its pronounced feedback and engaging typing sensation, while the Cloudy Shadow switch offers a more approachable and versatile typing experience.
Overall, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the BSUN Dragon Fruit tactile switch offer distinct sound and feel profiles that cater to different preferences. The Cloudy Shadow provides a neutral sound and mild feel, making it suitable for a wide range of users, while the Dragon Fruit offers a clacky sound and invigorating tactile feedback for those seeking a more dynamic typing experience. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer quality options that can enhance your typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the BSUN Dragon Fruit tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a bouncy and neutral typing experience with a 63.5g bottom-out force and a low-pitched sound profile, the Cloudy Shadow may be the choice for you. On the other hand, if you seek a switch with a sharp and definitive tactile feedback, paired with a clacky sound signature and a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 65g, the Dragon Fruit could be the ideal option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferred typing feel and sound profile, so choose the switch that aligns best with your preferences and needs in a mechanical keyboard.
Mentioned in this article
