Aflion Cloudy Shadow vs. Gateron Jupiter Brown
An in-depth look at the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Gateron Jupiter Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Aflion's cloudy shadow linear switch and Gateron's Jupiter brown tactile switch both offer unique features that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The cloudy shadow linear switch is characterized by its neutral sound signature and bouncy feel, thanks to extended springs that provide a balanced typing experience with a 63.5g bottom-out force. In contrast, the Jupiter brown tactile switch offers a more classic keystroke feel with a medium-heavy weight, blending tradition with innovation through its single-stage spring design. While the cloudy shadow is categorized as low-pitched, mild, neutral, the Jupiter brown is categorized as mild, polished, stepped. Choosing between the two switches ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style. However, let's delve 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
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
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
Spring steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Gateron Jupiter Brown, both switches feature polycarbonate top housings. This means that both switches will offer a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the polycarbonate plastic. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting, providing a visually appealing feature for both keyboards. Therefore, users can expect similar sound profiles and aesthetics when using either the Cloudy Shadow or the Jupiter Brown switches.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing materials, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow features a nylon bottom housing while the Gateron Jupiter Brown also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This means that both switches will offer a duller and rounder sound when typing, providing a different tactile experience compared to the top housing's polycarbonate material. Despite this difference, both switches will still offer a high-quality typing experience with their nylon bottom housings.
Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Gateron Jupiter Brown will come down to personal preference and the specific characteristics that each user values in a switch. While both switches share the benefits of polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and crisp sound profile, they diverge in their bottom housing materials with nylon offering a deeper and fuller sound experience. Whether the user prioritizes sound profile, aesthetics, or typing feel, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
In comparing the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, it is evident that the Cloudy Shadow is lighter in terms of actuation force, as it requires None grams compared to the Jupiter Brown's 55 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Cloudy Shadow is slightly lighter at 63.5 grams, while the Jupiter Brown is heavier at 70 grams. Both switches fall under the medium-heavy category in terms of bottom out force. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods may lean towards the Cloudy Shadow, while individuals seeking a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Jupiter Brown due to its heavier actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Jupiter Brown has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Cloudy Shadow. The Cloudy Shadow's shorter travel distance may appeal more to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Jupiter Brown's longer travel distance may provide a more substantial and satisfying keystroke for those who prefer a deeper feel. Both switches offer different experiences in terms of travel distance, so choosing between them depends on personal preference for responsiveness and key feel. Ultimately, while the two switches differ in travel distance, they both offer high-quality performance for different user preferences.
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 Gateron Jupiter Brown comes in at $2.80 per 10 switches.
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 Cloudy Shadow linear switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a quieter and more balanced typing experience. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch is unknown. However, considering the mild and polished characteristics of the Jupiter Brown, it is likely to offer a smooth and refined typing sound.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, both the Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch are described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. Additionally, the Jupiter Brown switch is noted to have a polished finish, resulting in smooth key travel and reduced friction. With the Cloudy Shadow switch having bouncy feel due to extended springs, it may provide a slightly more tactile typing experience compared to the Jupiter Brown.
Taking all the available information into account, both the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch offer high-quality performance with their own unique characteristics. While the Cloudy Shadow excels in providing a balanced typing experience with its bouncy feel and neutral sound profile, the Jupiter Brown combines tradition with innovation by offering a classic keystroke feel with a polished finish. Whether you choose the Cloudy Shadow for its neutral sound and bouncy feel or the Jupiter Brown for its tactile feedback and smooth key travel, you can expect a reliable and satisfying typing experience from either switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch or the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, it ultimately depends on your preference for bottom-out force and typing experience. If you are looking for a slightly lighter bottom-out force and a bouncy typing feel with a neutral sound profile, the Cloudy Shadow may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom-out force with a more traditional tactile typing experience, the Jupiter Brown could be the ideal choice. Both switches offer high precision and quality construction, so in the end, it comes down to your personal preference in terms of typing feel and sound. Ultimately, choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and preferences for an optimal typing experience.
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