Aflion Cloudy Shadow vs. TTC Gold Red
An in-depth look at the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the TTC Gold Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the TTC Gold Red, both linear switches. The Cloudy Shadow from Aflion is known for its balanced typing experience, featuring a neutral sound signature and bouncy feel thanks to extended springs, with a 63.5g bottom-out force. On the other hand, the Gold Red from TTC offers a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance, adding a touch of personality to your keyboard with its snappy sound profile. While both switches provide a pleasant typing experience, the Cloudy Shadow leans towards a more balanced and subtle feel, while the Gold Red offers a bit more personality and smoothness. 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
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and TTC Gold Red switches share similarities as both feature a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, where they differ is in their nylon bottom housing. The Cloudy Shadow's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to the material's softer nature that absorbs more sound. Similarly, the Gold Red's nylon bottom housing also contributes to a rounder sound, providing a different typing experience compared to the polycarbonate top housing.
While both switches benefit from the use of polycarbonate in their top housings, the contrasting nylon bottom housings of the Cloudy Shadow and Gold Red switches offer unique typing experiences. The Cloudy Shadow's nylon bottom housing emphasizes a deeper sound profile, while the Gold Red's nylon bottom housing creates a rounder sound. These differences can be felt when typing on the switches, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing having a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel.
In conclusion, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and TTC Gold Red switches offer a blend of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials to create distinct typing experiences. While both switches benefit from the sharp, crisp sound profile of polycarbonate in their top housings, the differing nylon bottom housings contribute to deeper and rounder sound profiles, respectively. Whether you prefer a fuller sound with the Cloudy Shadow or a rounder sound with the Gold Red likely depends on individual typing preferences and desired sound profiles. Ultimately, both switches offer a unique combination of housing materials to cater to different typing styles.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch, it is evident that the Gold Red switch is lighter in both aspects. The Cloudy Shadow has no specific actuation force mentioned, while the Gold Red has an actuation force of 43 grams, making it lighter in this aspect. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Cloudy Shadow is 63.5 grams, which is heavier compared to the Gold Red's 50 grams bottom out force. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Gold Red switch for a smoother typing experience and less finger fatigue over extended use, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Cloudy Shadow switch. In terms of actuation and bottom out forces, the Gold Red provides a lighter touch overall.
Travel distance
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the TTC Gold Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Cloudy Shadow has a shorter travel distance compared to the Gold Red. A shorter travel distance can be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times, while a longer travel distance may provide a more substantive key press feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and what feels more comfortable to the user. Both switches offer different experiences due to their varying travel distances.
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 TTC Gold Red has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red for $3.28.
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 having a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, creating a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for various environments. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red linear switch offers a thocky and low-pitched sound with a moderate actuation force requirement, adding a deep, rich, and satisfying sound to your typing experience. Both switches provide unique sound characteristics that can enhance the overall typing feel depending on personal preferences and the keyboard setup.
Moving on to feel, both the Cloudy Shadow and Gold Red switches are described as offering a mild typing experience, providing a gentle feel that is approachable to most users. The Gold Red switch, however, adds additional qualities such as being silky, subtle, and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance and a refined finish for sleek key travel. The extended springs in the Cloudy Shadow switches contribute to a bouncy feel, enhancing the overall typing experience with a balanced 63.5g bottom-out force.
In conclusion, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch both offer unique sound profiles and gentle typing experiences, catering to different preferences and typing styles. While the Cloudy Shadow is known for its low-pitched and neutral sound, as well as a bouncy feel, the Gold Red stands out with its thocky sound and additional silky, subtle, and polished feel. Depending on personal preferences and the desired typing experience, both switches can provide a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience for newcomers in the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch, consider the bottom out force you prefer. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Cloudy Shadow with 63.5 grams is a great option for a balanced typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, the Gold Red with 50 grams provides a buttery smooth typing experience with a touch of personality in its sound profile. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your typing preference and whether you prefer a heavier or lighter feel when typing.
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