Aflion Cloudy Shadow vs. Dareu Holly
An in-depth look at the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Dareu Holly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Aflion's Cloudy Shadow linear switch and Dareu's Holly tactile switch offer unique typing experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Cloudy Shadow provides a bouncy feel with a 63.5g bottom-out force, offering a neutral sound signature and balanced typing experience. On the other hand, the Holly switch features a medium 50g actuation force, combining chirpy and clacky elements for a distinctive typing feel. Choosing between the two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. 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
N/A
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
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Dareu Holly both feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, creating a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. Both switches share these qualities in their top housings, resulting in similar sound profiles and aesthetic appeal when illuminated.
However, where the switches differ is in their bottom housings. The Cloudy Shadow uses a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Dareu Holly also incorporates a nylon bottom housing, offering a similar typing experience with a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. Despite this distinction, both switches benefit from the acoustic properties of nylon in their bottom housings, enhancing the overall typing experience for users.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housings and nylon bottom housings in the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Dareu Holly showcases the versatility of housing materials in mechanical switches. While the top housings contribute to the sound when pressing and releasing keys, the bottom housings affect the bottom-out sound and feel. Despite their differences, both switches offer unique typing experiences thanks to the complementary qualities of their respective housing materials, catering to a variety of preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
In comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Dareu Holly tactile switch, it is evident that the Cloudy Shadow requires a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is considered to be medium-heavy. In contrast, the Holly has an actuation force of 50 grams, with the bottom out force being unknown. The Cloudy Shadow does not have an actuation force, while the Holly's actuation force is lighter than the Cloudy Shadow's bottom out force. Overall, the Cloudy Shadow is heavier in terms of bottom out force, while the Holly is lighter in terms of actuation force. Both switches cater to different preferences in typing experiences, with the Cloudy Shadow offering a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force, and the Holly providing a lighter actuation force for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on whether one prefers a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is considered on the shorter side compared to the Dareu Holly tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Cloudy Shadow offers a slightly quicker response time, which may be preferred by gamers looking for fast and precise key presses. On the other hand, the Holly switch provides a bit more depth to each keystroke, which some users may find more comfortable and satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and typing feel.
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 Dareu Holly has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Holly for $3.76.
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 Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch is known for its low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a mellow tone with a moderate actuation force requirement suitable for most users. On the other hand, the Dareu Holly tactile switch offers a chirpy and clacky sound signature, adding a unique acoustic element to the typing experience. The Holly switch caters to those looking for a more distinctive sound profile compared to the Cloudy Shadow.
When it comes to the feel, the Cloudy Shadow linear switch is described as providing a mild typing experience, offering a gentle and approachable feel for most users. Unfortunately, information regarding the feel of the Dareu Holly tactile switch is not available. Based on the available data, the Cloudy Shadow linear switch seems to prioritize a balanced and bouncy feel, while the Holly tactile switch focuses on delivering a unique and distinctive typing sensation.
In conclusion, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch excels in providing a neutral and balanced typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile and a mild feel. On the other hand, the Dareu Holly tactile switch stands out for its chirpy and clacky sound signature, catering to users looking for a more distinctive typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, with both options offering quality and innovation in the mechanical keyboard market.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium-heavy 63.5g bottom-out force that provides a balanced typing experience with a neutral sound signature and bouncy feel, then the Aflion Cloudy Shadow switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, and a medium 50g actuation force, then the Dareu Holly switch would be the better choice for you. Consider your typing preferences and needs when deciding between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style.
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