Aflion Cloudy Shadow vs. Aflion Iceberg
An in-depth look at the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Aflion Iceberg switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Imagine the world of mechanical keyboards, where the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and Iceberg switches stand out among the crowd. The Cloudy Shadow, a linear switch, has gained rapid traction for its bouncy feel and neutral sound signature, offering a balanced typing experience with a 63.5g bottom-out force. On the other hand, the Iceberg, also a linear switch, boasts a satisfying smoothness and a fulfilling feel due to its two-stage spring design. While the Cloudy Shadow leans towards a more mild and neutral sound, the Iceberg switch provides a clacky and high-pitched typing experience. If you prioritize a quieter typing experience with a bouncy feel, the Cloudy Shadow might be your choice. However, if you enjoy a more satisfying and snappy feel with a high-pitched sound, the Iceberg could be the one for you. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
No
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
20mm two-stage spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Aflion Iceberg both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in housing is beneficial for switches that plan to use RGB lighting due to its translucency. In terms of aesthetics and sound quality, both switches will provide similar results thanks to the polycarbonate top housing. However, the Cloudy Shadow also features a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Iceberg's polycarbonate bottom housing.
On the one hand, the Cloudy Shadow's nylon bottom housing offers a different sound experience compared to the Iceberg's polycarbonate bottom housing. The softer nylon material absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. This difference in bottom housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience and sound produced by the switches. In contrast, the Iceberg's consistent use of polycarbonate throughout the housing may result in a more consistent sound profile across the entirety of the switch.
Overall, the choice between the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Aflion Iceberg will come down to personal preferences in sound profile and typing experience. While both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharp and resonant sound, the Cloudy Shadow's addition of a nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile. This difference in bottom housing material may be a crucial factor for those looking for a specific sound experience in their mechanical keyboards. Both switches offer unique qualities, allowing users to tailor their typing experience to their preferences.
Weight
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, providing a medium to heavy typing experience. In contrast, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams. The Cloudy Shadow doesn't have a specified actuation force, while the Iceberg has an actuation force of 37 grams, making it lighter in this aspect as well. The lighter actuation force of the Iceberg may appeal to those who prefer a more effortless typing experience, while the heavier bottom out force of the Cloudy Shadow may be favored by those who enjoy a more substantial and tactile typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for actuation force and bottom out force when typing or gaming.
Travel distance
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Aflion Iceberg linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Iceberg switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Cloudy Shadow switch. The Cloudy Shadow switch falls on the shorter end of the traditional travel distance spectrum, while the Iceberg switch is closer to the standard 4.0 mm mark. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Cloudy Shadow switch with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress experience may lean towards the Iceberg switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and playstyle.
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 Aflion Iceberg has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Iceberg for $3.07.
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 offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a mellow and balanced typing experience suitable for various uses. On the other hand, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch has a clacky and high-pitched sound, giving a sharp and crisp feedback when typing. Depending on your preference, you can choose between the more subdued sound of the Cloudy Shadow or the more pronounced sound of the Iceberg.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch is described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that falls into a safe middle-ground zone, making it approachable for most users. Conversely, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch provides a snappy and feathery feel, with super responsive typing due to its two-stage spring design. This lighter actuation force can reduce finger fatigue and make extended typing sessions more comfortable. If you prefer a more subtle resistance and a light typing feel, the Iceberg switch might be the better choice for you.
Considering all the available information, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Aflion Iceberg linear switch offer distinct sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. Whether you prefer a neutral, mellow sound and a balanced typing experience with the Cloudy Shadow, or a sharper, crisper sound and a more responsive, lighter feel with the Iceberg, both switches showcase the quality and innovation that Aflion brings to the mechanical keyboard market. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on your personal typing preferences and the type of typing experience you are looking to achieve.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Aflion Iceberg linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Cloudy Shadow with 63.5 grams may be more suitable for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, the Iceberg with 45 grams may be the better choice. Additionally, consider the sound and feel of each switch. If you prefer a low-pitched and neutral sound with a mild typing experience, the Cloudy Shadow may be the way to go. However, if you prefer a clacky, high-pitched sound with a snappy and feathery feel, then the Iceberg might be more appealing to you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound profile.
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