Aflion Cloudy Shadow vs. Bsun Hutt
An in-depth look at the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Bsun Hutt switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch is highly regarded 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, this switch offers a unique combination of quality and innovation that has quickly gained traction in the industry. On the other hand, the Bsun Hutt tactile switch stands out for its medium-heavy spring and prominent tactile bump, providing a distinctive and enjoyable typing experience with a balanced sound profile. While the Cloudy Shadow offers a mild and neutral typing experience, the Hutt switch is snappy, invigorating, sharp, accented, and resonant. Ultimately, when deciding between these two switches, it's best to dive deeper into their unique characteristics to determine which one suits your typing preferences best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
49g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
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
20.5mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
Both the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Bsun Hutt feature polycarbonate top housings, which create sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profiles. The use of polycarbonate in both switches results in a more clear and resonant sound profile, making them ideal for those who prioritize sound quality in their typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, adding a visual element to these switches. Overall, the polycarbonate top housings of the Cloudy Shadow and the Hutt offer similar benefits in terms of sound quality and aesthetics.
However, when it comes to the bottom housings, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow utilizes nylon while the Bsun Hutt also features a nylon bottom housing. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound, creating a duller and rounder sound that appeals to those seeking a quieter typing experience. The nylon bottom housing of both the Cloudy Shadow and the Hutt contributes to the overall sound profile of the switches, providing a different tactile experience compared to the polycarbonate top housings.
In terms of overall typing experience, the differences in housing materials between the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Bsun Hutt result in unique sound profiles and tactile feedback. While both switches share the benefits of using polycarbonate in their top housings, the nylon bottom housings offer distinct characteristics that impact the sound and feel of typing on each switch. Whether you prefer the sharper sound profile of polycarbonate or the deeper sound profile of nylon, both the Cloudy Shadow and the Hutt provide options for customization in your typing setup.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Bsun Hutt tactile switch, it is clear that the Hutt is the lighter of the two with an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 49 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. In contrast, the Cloudy Shadow has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams, but its actuation force is not specified. Both switches offer different typing experiences, with the Cloudy Shadow providing a more substantial feel due to its heavier bottom out force, while the Hutt offers a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Bsun Hutt tactile switch both have a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Additionally, both switches offer consistent and reliable keypress feedback, ensuring a smooth typing experience. So, whether you opt for the Cloudy Shadow or the Hutt, you can expect similar results 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 Bsun Hutt has an MSRP of $6.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hutt for $5.39.
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 comparing the sound qualities of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch to the Bsun Hutt tactile switch, the Cloudy Shadow offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, creating a mellow and balanced typing experience suitable for various settings. On the other hand, the Hutt switch provides a resonant and sharp sound profile, delivering a more immersive and distinct auditory feedback while typing. Depending on personal preference and setup, users can expect a unique sound experience with each switch.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Cloudy Shadow is known for its mild and approachable typing experience, offering a gentle and moderate feel that caters to a wide range of users. In contrast, the Hutt switch is described as snappy, invigorating, sharp, and accented, providing a super responsive and immersive typing sensation with a pronounced tactile feedback that can be felt distinctly with each keypress. Users looking for a more dynamic and tactile typing experience may prefer the Hutt switch over the Cloudy Shadow.
In conclusion, while the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Bsun Hutt tactile switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities, both switches provide a unique and innovative typing experience for users. Depending on individual preferences for sound pitch, feel intensity, and typing feedback, users can select the switch that best suits their needs and enhances their overall typing experience. Whether choosing the Cloudy Shadow for its balanced and mellow attributes or the Hutt for its immersive and tactile qualities, users can expect quality and innovation from both switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch or the Bsun Hutt tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a neutral sound signature with a bouncy feel, the Cloudy Shadow may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light bottom out force with a prominent tactile bump and a resonant sound profile, the Hutt switch may be more suited to your preferences. Consider the sound, feel, and typing experience that best align with your preferences to make the decision that will optimize your typing comfort and enjoyment. Ultimately, both switches offer unique features that cater to different typing preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your needs.
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