Aflion Cloudy Shadow vs. TTC Honey
An in-depth look at the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the TTC Honey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and TTC Honey both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Cloudy Shadow, a linear switch, is praised for its bouncy feel and neutral sound signature, making for a balanced typing experience with a 63.5g bottom-out force. On the other hand, the TTC Honey, also a linear switch, stands out for its smooth and creamy feel, with a deep and pleasant sound profile. The Cloudy Shadow is best suited for those who enjoy a mild and neutral typing experience, while the Honey is perfect for those seeking a subdued, creamy, and buttery feel. 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
42g
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
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
25.5 mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
Both the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the TTC Honey use polycarbonate for their top housing material, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. However, the Cloudy Shadow features a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Honey's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound overall.
In terms of aesthetics and sound profile, the top housing of both the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the TTC Honey play a significant role. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of these switches creates a distinctive sound that is sharper and crisper, especially when the key is released. This is particularly important for those who prioritize sound quality in their typing experience. However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing material. While the Cloudy Shadow utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound, the Honey employs polycarbonate, which contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound in the bottom-out phase of typing.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the TTC Honey ultimately impacts the sound and feel of each switch. The split between polycarbonate and nylon in the top and bottom housings of the Cloudy Shadow creates a unique typing experience where the qualities of each material are felt at different points in the key press. In contrast, the consistent use of polycarbonate throughout the TTC Honey results in a more uniform sound profile. Both switches offer distinct advantages based on their housing materials, catering to different preferences in typing feel and sound quality.
Weight
In comparing the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the TTC Honey linear switch, it is evident that the Aflion Cloudy Shadow has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is medium-heavy, while the TTC Honey has a bottom out force of 50 grams, placing it in the lighter category. The actuation force of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow is unknown, whereas the TTC Honey has an actuation force of 42 grams. This means that the TTC Honey linear switch requires less force to trigger a keystroke compared to the Aflion Cloudy Shadow. Both switches offer different typing experiences due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces. Players who prefer a lighter touch may find the TTC Honey more suitable for longer typing sessions, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Aflion Cloudy Shadow. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the TTC Honey linear switch have slightly different travel distances. The Cloudy Shadow has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Honey has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. The Cloudy Shadow, with its slightly shorter travel distance, may provide a quicker and more responsive typing experience compared to the Honey. On the other hand, the Honey's slightly longer travel distance may offer a more satisfying tactile feel for those who prefer a deeper key press. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing experience.
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 Honey has an MSRP of $9.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Honey for $6.78.
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 suitable for a variety of settings. On the other hand, the TTC Honey linear switch is described as producing a subdued sound, offering a dampened and subtle sound signature when pressed. Both switches provide unique sound experiences, with the Cloudy Shadow leaning towards a more neutral tone and the Honey offering a quieter and more subdued auditory experience.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch offers a mild typing experience, providing a gentle and approachable feel for most users. In contrast, the TTC Honey linear switch is known for its creamy, frictionless, buttery, subtle, and polished tactile qualities, allowing for a smooth and effortless typing sensation with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches offer distinct tactile feedback, with the Cloudy Shadow offering a mild typing experience and the Honey providing a creamy and polished feel for comfortable and pleasant typing sessions.
In conclusion, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and TTC Honey linear switches each offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. While the Cloudy Shadow provides a neutral and mild typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, the Honey offers a creamy and polished feel with a subdued sound signature. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between the Cloudy Shadow for a balanced and gentle typing experience or the Honey for a smooth and buttery typing sensation. Ultimately, both switches ensure a satisfactory typing experience for users seeking quality and innovation in their mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the TTC Honey linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a slightly heavier typing experience with a bouncy feel and a neutral sound profile, the Cloudy Shadow with its 63.5g bottom out force may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a smooth and creamy typing feel and a subdued sound profile, the Honey with its 50g bottom out force may be more suited to your preferences. Consider your typing needs and preferences carefully before making a decision to ensure that you choose the switch that best enhances your typing experience.
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