Aflion Cloudy Shadow vs. Akko Fairy
An in-depth look at the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Akko Fairy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Akko Fairy linear switch, both switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences and needs. The Cloudy Shadow is praised for its bouncy feel and neutral sound signature, providing a balanced typing experience with a 63.5g bottom-out force. On the other hand, the Akko Fairy is designed for office settings, offering factory-applied lubrication for a smooth typing experience and a medium weight that strikes a perfect balance between resistance and comfort. While the Cloudy Shadow leans towards a more tactile typing experience, the Fairy focuses on providing a quieter and more comfortable option for extended use. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
17mm stainless steel spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Akko Fairy, one noticeable difference is the top housing material. The Cloudy Shadow features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. On the other hand, the Fairy utilizes a nylon top housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. While the Cloudy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing is better suited for RGB lighting due to its translucency, the Fairy's nylon top housing provides a more classic typing experience.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Cloudy Shadow and the Akko Fairy utilize nylon, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer nature. This similarity between the two switches means that the typing experience in terms of sound and feel will be relatively consistent, regardless of which switch you choose. The nylon bottom housing in both the Cloudy Shadow and the Fairy absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, leading to a duller and rounder sound when typing on these switches.
Overall, while the top housing materials of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Akko Fairy differ in terms of their impact on sound profiles, the bottom housing materials are the same. This means that while the top housing may influence the sound when pressing and releasing a key, the bottom housing has more of an impact on the overall typing experience, particularly the bottom-out sound and feel. Whether you prefer the sharper sound profile of the polycarbonate top housing in the Cloudy Shadow or the deeper sound profile of the nylon top housing in the Fairy, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience with their nylon bottom housings.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Akko Fairy linear switch reveals differences in weight that cater to different preferences among keyboard users. The Cloudy Shadow has an actuation force of None grams, making it lighter in terms of force required to trigger a keystroke, while the Fairy requires 50 grams, making it slightly heavier. When it comes to bottom out force, the Cloudy Shadow requires 63.5 grams, which is medium-heavy, whereas the Fairy requires 60 grams, which is medium. Those who prefer a lighter touch may find the Fairy more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Cloudy Shadow. 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 Akko Fairy linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers seeking quicker response times. The Cloudy Shadow offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Fairy's slightly shorter travel distance may appeal to individuals looking for a more responsive key press. Overall, both switches provide a relatively short travel distance compared to more traditional options.
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 Akko Fairy has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Fairy for $3.10.
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 tone, providing a soothing typing experience suitable for various environments. On the other hand, the Akko Fairy linear switch produces a muted and also neutral sound, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a quieter typing experience in office settings or shared spaces. Both switches offer a pleasant sound profile that caters to different preferences, with the Cloudy Shadow leaning towards a bass-heavy tone and the Fairy prioritizing a softer, quieter sound.
In terms of feel, the Cloudy Shadow linear switch is characterized by a mild typing experience, offering a gentle keypress that falls comfortably in the middle-ground zone. In comparison, the Akko Fairy linear switch provides a polished and refined feel, ensuring smooth key travel and reduced friction for a sleek typing experience. Both switches offer a pleasant typing feel that caters to a wide range of users, with the Cloudy Shadow focusing on a mild approachable feel and the Fairy offering a subtle resistance ideal for extended and comfortable use.
Overall, both the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Akko Fairy linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. While the Cloudy Shadow provides a bouncy feel with a low-pitched sound, the Fairy switch offers a more refined and polished typing experience with a muted sound profile. Depending on personal preferences and the desired typing environment, both switches promise a balanced and comfortable typing experience that align well with the demands of daily tasks. Whether choosing the Cloudy Shadow or the Fairy linear switch, users can expect similar results in terms of quality, innovation, and typing satisfaction.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when considering whether to choose the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch or the Akko Fairy linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and needs. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom-out force of 63.5 grams and enjoy a bouncier typing experience with a neutral sound signature, the Cloudy Shadow may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smoother and quieter typing experience with a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, the Fairy switch from Akko may better suit your preferences, especially in office settings or for extended use. Both switches offer different characteristics in terms of sound and feel, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and environment. Ultimately, the decision is yours to make based on what factors are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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