Aflion Cloudy Shadow vs. PH Studio Jacaranda
An in-depth look at the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the PH Studio Jacaranda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the PH Studio Jacaranda are two linear switch mechanical keyboards that offer unique features to enhance your typing experience. The Cloudy Shadow, known for its neutral sound signature and bouncy feel due to extended springs, provides a balanced typing experience with a 63.5g bottom-out force, reflecting the quality and innovation Aflion brings to the market. On the other hand, the Jacaranda, manufactured by KTT, stands out with its gentle bottom-out of 43.5g and clacky sound signature, offering a crisp and audible feedback with every press. While the Cloudy Shadow offers a mild and neutral typing experience, the Jacaranda provides a silky, resonant feel. Ultimately, both switches have their strengths, and the choice between them will depend on your personal preference. 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
39g
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
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
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
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Housing materials
Both the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the PH Studio Jacaranda feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known for creating sharp, higher-pitched, and crisp sound profiles. This is because polycarbonate is a stiff plastic that resonates well, resulting in clear sound quality. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. While both switches have the same top housing material, their differences lie in the nylon bottom housing. The Cloudy Shadow's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Jacaranda's nylon bottom housing also provides a deeper sound profile due to its softer nature.
The contrasting nylon bottom housings of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the PH Studio Jacaranda illustrate how different materials can impact the sound and feel of a switch. While both switches offer a deeper and fuller sound profile with their nylon bottom housing, the Cloudy Shadow's bottom housing may create a slightly duller and rounder sound compared to the Jacaranda's bottom housing. This difference in sound profiles showcases how housing materials can affect the overall typing experience. Despite the variance in bottom housing material, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with their unique sound profiles.
In conclusion, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the PH Studio Jacaranda share similarities in their polycarbonate top housing, offering sharp, higher-pitched, and crisp sound profiles. However, the switches differ in their nylon bottom housing, with the Cloudy Shadow providing a slightly duller and rounder sound compared to the Jacaranda. These differences highlight how the choice of housing material can impact the overall sound profile and typing experience of a switch. Whether one prefers a sharper sound or a deeper sound, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different user preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch, it is evident that they differ in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Cloudy Shadow has an actuation force of None grams, while the Jacaranda has an actuation force of 39 grams, making the Jacaranda lighter in this aspect. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Cloudy Shadow requires 63.5 grams, which is heavier compared to the Jacaranda's 45 grams. This means that the Cloudy Shadow provides a more substantial typing experience, requiring a stronger push feel, while the Jacaranda offers a lighter touch for extended typing sessions. Both switches have their strengths, with the Cloudy Shadow being heavier overall and the Jacaranda being lighter, catering to different preferences and needs.
Travel distance
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switches both have a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing their travel distances, it is evident that both switches offer the same tactile experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. Users can expect similar results when using either switch, as they both provide a consistent travel distance for a smooth typing experience. Whether opting for the Cloudy Shadow or the Jacaranda linear switch, users can enjoy a reliable typing experience with a consistent travel distance.
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 PH Studio Jacaranda has an MSRP of $3.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jacaranda for $3.30.
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 characterized by a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone with a moderate actuation force requirement suitable for various users and environments. On the other hand, the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch stands out with a clacky, high-pitched, and resonant sound, offering a sharp, crisp, and immersive auditory experience with its distinct characteristics. Depending on personal preference and setup, users can achieve different sound outcomes with these switches.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch is described as offering a mild typing experience, providing a gentle and approachable feel that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone. Conversely, the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch is noted for its silky typing experience, delivering an exceptionally smooth feel that enhances overall typing smoothness and minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Both switches offer unique tactile sensations that cater to different preferences and typing styles.
In conclusion, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and PH Studio Jacaranda linear switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cloudy Shadow provides a balanced and bouncy typing experience with a low-pitched and neutral sound, while the Jacaranda stands out with a clacky and resonant sound profile paired with a silky smooth typing feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between these switches to enhance their typing experience. It's important to consider personal preferences, typing style, and setup to determine which switch would best suit individual needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you value a balanced typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force and neutral sound signature, the Cloudy Shadow may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light bottom out force, a clacky sound profile, and a uniquely bouncy sensation with each keystroke, the Jacaranda switch may suit your preferences better. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and the overall experience you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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