Aflion Cloudy Shadow vs. Jerrzi Honey Bean
An in-depth look at the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Jerrzi Honey Bean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Jerrzi Honey Bean, both linear switches. The Cloudy Shadow is recognized for its balanced typing experience, featuring a neutral sound signature and a bouncy feel thanks to extended springs, with a 63.5g bottom-out force. On the other hand, the Honey Bean switches are praised for their light and linear action, coupled with silent operation, making them ideal for environments where noise reduction is key. While the Cloudy Shadow leans towards a more neutral and mild typing experience, the Honey Bean offers an easy-to-press and feathery touch. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Jerrzi Honey Bean, we find that they both have unique characteristics that contribute to their sound profiles. The Cloudy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, while the Honey Bean's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. However, both materials are known for their pleasing and unique sound profiles, making them popular choices among keyboard enthusiasts who value a premium typing experience.
When it comes to the bottom housing materials, the Cloudy Shadow features a nylon bottom housing that generates a deep and full sound profile thanks to its softer plastic composition. In contrast, the Honey Bean's POM bottom housing also produces a deep and muted sound profile, aligning with the overall sound characteristics of the switch. Despite the differences in material, both switches offer a tactile and satisfying typing experience, showcasing the importance of housing materials in the overall sound and feel of a keyboard switch.
Ultimately, while the Cloudy Shadow and the Honey Bean have different housing materials for both the top and bottom, they each offer a unique sound profile that caters to different preferences. The Cloudy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and more resonant sound, while the Honey Bean's POM top housing delivers a deeper and more muted sound. Similarly, both switches feature bottom housings that enhance the typing experience with their softer plastic composition, showcasing the importance of housing materials in achieving the desired sound profile in a mechanical keyboard.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch, it is evident that they offer different experiences. The Cloudy Shadow has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is medium-heavy, while its actuation force is unknown. On the other hand, the Honey Bean has an actuation force of 42 grams and an unknown bottom out force. This makes the Honey Bean lighter in terms of actuation force compared to the Cloudy Shadow. The Cloudy Shadow, on the other hand, provides a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and weight. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles, with the Cloudy Shadow being heavier and the Honey Bean being lighter in terms of actuation force.
Travel distance
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, with the Honey Bean being slightly longer. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Cloudy Shadow due to its slightly shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may opt for the Honey Bean. In general, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to traditional options, catering to the preferences of individuals who value quick and precise typing or gaming experiences.
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 Jerrzi Honey Bean has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Honey Bean for $3.59.
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 its low-pitched and neutral sound profile, offering a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for various environments. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch is praised for its muted sound, providing a softer and quieter typing experience that is ideal for office settings or shared spaces where noise reduction is a priority. Both switches excel in minimizing noise, with the Cloudy Shadow offering a more neutral tone and the Honey Bean providing a muted sound for a discreet typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch is described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. With a bouncy feel attributed to the extended springs, these switches provide a balanced and comfortable typing experience with a 63.5g bottom-out force. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch is characterized by its easy-to-press and feathery feel, requiring minimal force to activate the keys and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Both switches prioritize comfort and ease of use, with the Cloudy Shadow leaning towards a mild typing experience and the Honey Bean offering a light and responsive feel for enhanced typing performance.
Overall, both the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switches bring unique qualities to the table that cater to different preferences and typing needs. While the Cloudy Shadow excels in providing a balanced and bouncy typing experience with a neutral sound signature, the Honey Bean stands out for its silent operation and easy-to-press feel. Depending on your sound and feel preferences, either of these switches can offer a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that you get similar results in terms of quality and innovation from both options.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch, consider the following guidelines. Opt for the Cloudy Shadow if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams and enjoy a neutral sound signature with a low-pitched tone. These switches provide a balanced typing experience with a bouncy feel due to extended springs, reflecting the quality and innovation Aflion brings to the table. On the other hand, choose the Honey Bean if you desire a switch with no specified bottom out force and a silent operation, perfect for shared environments where minimizing noise is essential. These switches offer a light and linear action with a muted sound, making them ideal for a discreet yet satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel to ensure you find the perfect switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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