Aflion Cloudy Shadow vs. HMX EMO
An in-depth look at the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the HMX EMO switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Aflion's Cloudy Shadow and HMX's EMO are two mechanical keyboard switches that both offer linear typing experiences, yet provide distinct features for different preferences. The Cloudy Shadow shines with its neutral sound signature and bouncy feel, thanks to extended springs and a 63.5g bottom-out force, offering a balanced typing experience. On the other hand, the EMO by HMX boasts a lively, clacky feel with a lighter 46g bottom-out force, delivering an effortless and smooth typing experience. Each switch has its own unique characteristics that cater to specific typing preferences. 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
46g
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
Ly
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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the HMX EMO both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, which contributes to a clear and resonant sound output. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting effects to shine through, enhancing the aesthetics of the switches. Both switches offer similar advantages and characteristics due to their shared polycarbonate top housing material.
However, the housing materials differ when it comes to the bottom housing of the switches. The Cloudy Shadow features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound signature. Similarly, the EMO also utilizes a nylon bottom housing for a similar typing experience, emphasizing the impact of the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches. Despite the difference in bottom housing material, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with their unique sound profiles.
In terms of performance, the qualities of each housing material are divided between the top and bottom of the switches. While the bottom housing material impacts the bottom-out sound and feel of the keys, the top housing material influences the sound when a key is released. The Cloudy Shadow and the HMX EMO offer a balance of stiffness and softness in their housing materials, catering to different preferences in sound profiles and typing experiences. Overall, both switches showcase the significance of housing materials in creating distinct sound profiles and tactile feedback for mechanical keyboards.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the HMX EMO linear switch, it is evident that they have distinct characteristics. The Cloudy Shadow has an actuation force of None grams, making it easy to trigger keystrokes, while the EMO requires 40 grams for actuation. When it comes to bottom out force, the Cloudy Shadow has a heavier force of 63.5 grams compared to the lighter 46 grams needed for the EMO. This means that the Cloudy Shadow provides a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force, while the EMO offers a lighter touch for those who prefer a softer feel. Overall, the Cloudy Shadow is heavier in both actuation and bottom out force, making it suitable for users who prefer a more sturdy typing experience, whereas the EMO is lighter in both aspects, catering to those who enjoy a smoother keystroke.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch is 3.5 mm, which is the same as the travel distance of the HMX EMO linear switch. This means that both switches offer a consistent typing experience in terms of travel distance. When pressing down on a key equipped with either switch, users will feel a key travel of 3.5 mm. Therefore, whether you choose the Cloudy Shadow or the EMO switch, you can expect similar results in terms of key travel distance.
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 HMX EMO has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the EMO for $2.79.
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
The Cloudy Shadow linear switch offers a low-pitched, neutral sound profile which provides a more bass-heavy and mellow typing experience suitable for various settings. In terms of feel, the Cloudy Shadow provides a mild typing experience, offering a gentle feel that falls within a safe middle-ground zone. On the other hand, the HMX EMO linear switch delivers a lively, clacky feel with a feather-light bottom-out force, making it effortlessly bouncy and satisfying to type on. However, specific information regarding the sound and feel of the EMO switch is unknown. Overall, while the Cloudy Shadow emphasizes a balanced and bouncy typing experience with a moderate 63.5g bottom-out force, the HMX EMO switch focuses on a lively and clacky typing experience with a light 46g bottom-out force. Depending on personal preferences, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing styles. Ultimately, with the Cloudy Shadow providing a more neutral sound and mild feel, and the EMO offering a lively and clacky typing experience, users can expect distinct but satisfying results from both switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the HMX EMO linear switch, consider your preference for bottom-out force and typing experience. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom-out force and a balanced typing experience with a bouncy feel, the Cloudy Shadow may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light bottom-out force and a lively, clacky feel with a smooth and satisfying typing experience, the EMO switch might be more to your liking. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. Choose the switch that best fits your needs and enjoy a great typing experience with either option.
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