Aflion Cloudy Shadow vs. KTT Glimp
An in-depth look at the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the KTT Glimp switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the KTT Glimp mechanical keyboard switches, there are key differences to consider. The Cloudy Shadow is a linear switch known for its bouncy feel and neutral sound signature, making it a popular choice for those who prioritize a balanced typing experience with a 63.5g bottom-out force. On the other hand, the Glimp switch offers a medium-light tactile feedback with comfortable actuation force, appealing to users who enjoy a satisfying and responsive typing feel along with a slightly clacky sound profile. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
18mm spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the KTT Glimp both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. This makes them ideal for switches if you plan to use RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the lighting to shine through. However, the Cloudy Shadow's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Glimp's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use this material.
Although both switches have polycarbonate top housings, the differences in their bottom housings can have a significant impact on the overall sound and feel of the switches. The Cloudy Shadow's use of nylon for the bottom housing contributes to a unique typing experience with a deeper sound profile, while the Glimp's polycarbonate bottom housing may provide a different typing sensation. The qualities of each housing material will be felt differently when typing on the switches, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing impacting the sound when releasing a key.
In conclusion, while the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the KTT Glimp share similarities in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing, their choice of bottom housing material sets them apart in terms of sound profiles and typing experiences. The Cloudy Shadow's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, while the Glimp's polycarbonate bottom housing may provide a different typing sensation. Ultimately, the combination of housing materials in each switch contributes to their overall sound and feel when typing, making them unique choices for keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Actuation force of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch is not specified, making it unclear how much force is needed to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, the KTT Glimp linear switch has an actuation force of 43 grams, making it lighter than the Cloudy Shadow in terms of triggering a keystroke. When it comes to bottoming out, the Cloudy Shadow has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is considered medium-heavy, while the Glimp has a bottom out force of 53 grams, placing it in the medium-light category. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Glimp would be the better choice, allowing for longer typing sessions without as much fatigue. For users who prefer a more substantial typing feel, the Cloudy Shadow might be preferred for its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the weight of the keyswitches plays a significant role in the typing experience, with lighter switches being more suitable for extended typing sessions and heavier switches offering a more robust feel.
Travel distance
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it shorter than the KTT Glimp linear switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Cloudy Shadow offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, which is preferred by gamers looking for faster reactions. On the other hand, the Glimp provides a deeper press with its longer travel distance, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distances, allowing users to choose between a quicker, more responsive keypress or a more deliberate and satisfying press.
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 Glimp has an MSRP of $3.84 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glimp for $3.45.
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, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for various typing environments. On the other hand, the KTT Glimp linear switch presents a clacky and neutral sound profile, featuring a sharp and snappy sound that adds a crisp and bright auditory element to typing sessions. Both switches cater to different preferences in sound, with the Cloudy Shadow offering a more subdued tone while the Glimp delivers a more pronounced and percussive sound.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch provides a mild typing experience characterized by a gentle feel that falls within a safe middle-ground zone that appeals to a wide range of users. In contrast, the KTT Glimp linear switch offers a creamy typing experience with smooth and buttery key presses thanks to potential lubrication within the switch or specific materials used, allowing for effortless keystrokes that glide easily across the keys. Both switches prioritize comfort and tactile feedback, with the Cloudy Shadow focusing on a more approachable feel and the Glimp emphasizing a luxurious and silky typing sensation.
Overall, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the KTT Glimp linear switch offer distinct qualities in sound and feel that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Cloudy Shadow provides a balanced and neutral typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, the Glimp delivers a more tactile and clacky feel coupled with a creamy sound signature. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch, as they both offer unique qualities that enhance the overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the KTT Glimp linear switch, the choice ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a slightly heavier 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 enjoy a medium-light bottom-out force with a clacky sound profile and a creamy typing experience, the Glimp switch could be the ideal choice. Consider factors such as sound, feel, and actuation force to make an informed decision that aligns with your typing needs and preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, so choose the one that best suits your individual style.
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