Aflion Cloudy Shadow vs. Durock Ice King Linear
An in-depth look at the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Durock Ice King Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the linear mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Durock Ice King Linear both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Cloudy Shadow by Aflion is known for its bouncy feel and neutral sound signature, providing a balanced typing experience with a 63.5g bottom-out force. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear by Durock boasts a silky smooth typing experience thanks to its full nylon construction and generous factory lube. While the Cloudy Shadow offers a mild and low-pitched typing experience, the Ice King Linear provides a creamy and polished feel. However, let's dive 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
52g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Durock Ice King Linear, it is clear that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This choice results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as nylon's softer properties absorb more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound. However, the Cloudy Shadow's top housing is made of polycarbonate, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to polycarbonate's stiffness and resonant qualities. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear features a nylon top housing, which also contributes to a deep and full sound experience but with a slightly different tone compared to the polycarbonate top housing of the Cloudy Shadow.
While the bottom housings of both switches are composed of nylon, providing similar sound profiles, the key distinction lies in their top housings. The Cloudy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing offers a distinct sharp and resonant sound, ideal for users looking for a clearer and sharper typing experience. In contrast, the Ice King Linear's nylon top housing produces a deeper sound, emphasizing a fuller and more rounded tone during typing. This variation in top housing material showcases how the choice of housing material can impact the overall sound profile and user experience of a switch.
Overall, the choice between the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Durock Ice King Linear ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound and typing feel. The Cloudy Shadow's combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing provides a unique sound experience with a mix of sharpness and fullness. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear's nylon top and bottom housing offer a consistent deep and full sound profile throughout typing. Both switches demonstrate how different housing materials can influence the sound and feel of a switch, catering to a variety of user preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Cloudy Shadow has an actuation force of None grams, making it unclear exactly how much force is needed to trigger a keystroke, while its bottom out force is 63.5 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. In contrast, the Ice King Linear requires 52 grams of force to actuate, making it slightly lighter than the Cloudy Shadow, and has a bottom out force of 62 grams, also falling in the medium range. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Ice King Linear, while individuals seeking a more substantial push feel may opt for the Cloudy Shadow despite not knowing the exact actuation force. Ultimately, both switches offer a balanced typing experience, with the Cloudy Shadow being slightly heavier overall than the Ice King Linear.
Travel distance
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.5mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the travel distance of these two switches, it is clear that they will provide a similar typing experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. This means that users can expect a consistent keypress feel whether they are using the Cloudy Shadow or the Ice King Linear switch. Overall, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance, allowing for quick and responsive typing.
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 Durock Ice King Linear has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice King Linear for $4.20.
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 offers a low-pitched and neutral sound signature, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for various typing environments. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Linear switch produces a subdued sound, offering a dampened and subtle sound profile when pressed. Both switches aim to provide a pleasant typing experience, with the Cloudy Shadow leaning towards a more balanced and moderate sound, while the Ice King Linear opts for a smoother and quieter sound with its subdued profile.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow switch provides a mild typing experience, offering a gentle and approachable feel that falls within a safe middle-ground zone suitable for most users. In contrast, the Durock Ice King Linear switch boasts a silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished feel, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience that minimizes resistance and maximizes fluid key travel. The Ice King Linear switch focuses on delivering a luxurious and effortless typing sensation, enhancing overall smoothness and comfort for the user.
Considering the available information, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Cloudy Shadow emphasizes a balanced and neutral sound with a mild typing feel, the Ice King Linear prioritizes a subdued sound profile paired with a silky and polished typing experience. Ultimately, both switches aim to provide an enjoyable typing experience, though users can expect different levels of sound and feel based on their preferences when choosing between these two options.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch, you should consider the bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel that best suits your preferences. The Cloudy Shadow with its medium-heavy 63.5g bottom-out force, low-pitched and neutral sound, and mild typing feel would be ideal for those seeking a balanced typing experience with a bouncy feel. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear with its medium 62g bottom-out force, subdued sound, and silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished typing feel would be perfect for users looking for a smooth and effortless typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a bouncy, balanced feel or a silky, smooth typing experience.
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