Aflion Cloudy Shadow vs. HMX Jammy
An in-depth look at the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the HMX Jammy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch, known for its rapid traction in the industry, is praised for its neutral sound signature and bouncy feel due to extended springs. With a balanced typing experience and a 63.5g bottom-out force, this switch showcases the quality and innovation Aflion brings to the market. On the other hand, the HMX Jammy linear switch stands out with its softer nylon housings and medium-weight design, offering a typing experience that is both muted and deeply satisfying. While the Cloudy Shadow provides a more neutral and mild typing experience, the Jammy switch offers a softer and more satisfying feel. 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
57g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
63g
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
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
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
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the HMX Jammy differ significantly in their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Cloudy Shadow features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiff plastic that leads to a clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Jammy utilizes a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to polycarbonate. These differences in top housing materials directly impact the overall sound experience of the switches.
On the other hand, both the Cloudy Shadow and the Jammy have nylon bottom housings, which share similar characteristics in creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a rounder sound that enhances the overall typing experience. While the top and bottom housings of the switches may be different, the qualities each material brings to the switch are split between the top and bottom, affecting both the bottom-out sound and the sound when releasing a key. Despite the differences in top housing materials, the similar nylon bottom housings of both switches contribute to a consistent sound profile that users can expect from the switches.
Overall, the choice between polycarbonate and nylon housing materials in the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the HMX Jammy ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound characteristics. The Cloudy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper, clearer sound profile, while the Jammy's nylon top housing provides a deeper, fuller sound. Both switches share the benefits of a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a consistent typing experience that is enhanced by the absorbing qualities of the softer plastic. Whether you prefer a crisp and resonant sound or a deeper and rounder sound, both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials.
Weight
In comparing the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the HMX Jammy linear switch, we can see that the Cloudy Shadow has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Jammy's 63 grams. Both switches have a similar bottom out force, but while the Cloudy Shadow has no specified actuation force, the Jammy has an actuation force of 57 grams. This means that the Jammy requires a lighter force to trigger a keystroke compared to the Cloudy Shadow. For those who prefer a lighter actuation force, the Jammy would be the better option, while the Cloudy Shadow would provide a slightly heavier typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the HMX Jammy linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, ideal for those seeking faster response times, especially in gaming. The Cloudy Shadow is slightly shorter in travel distance compared to the Jammy, offering a potentially quicker key press. On the other hand, the Jammy provides a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial keypress feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference for responsiveness versus depth in keypress sensation. Despite the slight difference in travel distance, both switches offer similar functionality in terms of operation.
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 HMX Jammy has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jammy for $2.99.
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 linear switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound signature. The low-pitched nature of these switches provides a bass-heavy and mellow tone, which can be quite soothing to the ears during long typing sessions. The neutral sound profile ensures that the typing experience is not too loud or distracting, making it suitable for various environments and preferences. On the other hand, the sound profile of the HMX Jammy linear switch is unknown, so it's difficult to draw a direct comparison. However, it's important to note that the overall sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch is described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that falls into a safe, middle-ground zone. The extended springs in these switches contribute to a bouncy feel, adding a bit of fun and liveliness to the typing experience. As for the HMX Jammy linear switch, information about its feel is unavailable. Without direct information, we can't make a direct comparison in terms of typing feel.
Overall, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch stands out for its low-pitched and neutral sound profile, along with a mild and bouncy typing feel. These qualities make it a versatile option for those looking for a balanced and enjoyable typing experience. Without information on the sound and feel of the HMX Jammy linear switch, it's difficult to make a direct comparison. However, it's reasonable to assume that both switches, being linear switches, may offer similar results in terms of smooth keypresses without tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and any additional features that may be important to the user.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the HMX Jammy linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom-out force and a neutral sound signature with a bouncy feel, then the Cloudy Shadow may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom-out force with a muted and deeply satisfying typing experience, then the Jammy switch could be more suited to your preferences. Consider your typing preferences, sound preferences, and overall feel when deciding which switch is the right fit for you. Ultimately, both switches offer quality and innovative features that can enhance your typing experience.
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