Aflion Cloudy Shadow vs. KTT Kang White
An in-depth look at the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the KTT Kang White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow and KTT Kang White are both linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique features and benefits for users. The Cloudy Shadow is praised for its neutral sound signature and bouncy feel, thanks to extended springs, providing a balanced typing experience with a 63.5g bottom-out force. On the other hand, the Kang White stands out for its dazzling typing sound and unparalleled smoothness due to its self-lubricating material. While the Cloudy Shadow is known for its mild and low-pitched feel, the Kang White also offers a similar low-pitched and neutral experience. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences in typing experience. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow and KTT Kang White both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. This material is ideal for switches with RGB lighting capabilities, as its translucency allows for the illumination to shine through. However, despite both switches utilizing polycarbonate for their top housings, the Cloudy Shadow and Kang White may still produce slightly different sound profiles based on other factors such as the keycaps or internal components.
On the other hand, both the Cloudy Shadow and Kang White incorporate nylon bottom housings, which result in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to switches with harder plastic bottom housings. Nylon is known for absorbing more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound that can enhance the overall typing experience. This consistency in housing material for the bottom of the switches may lead to similar typing feel and sound, regardless of other differences between the two switches.
Overall, while the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and KTT Kang White share similarities in their housing materials, their overall sound profiles may still vary due to other factors such as keycap material and internal construction. The different combinations of polycarbonate and nylon in the top and bottom housings of each switch will impact the sound and feel in unique ways, providing users with options to tailor their typing experience to their preferences. Both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different typing styles, making them suitable choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts seeking a specific sound and feel.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the KTT Kang White linear switch, it is evident that there are notable differences between the two. The Cloudy Shadow does not have a specified actuation force, while the Kang White has an actuation force of 45 grams. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Cloudy Shadow at 63.5 grams and the Kang White at 58 grams. This makes the Kang White the lighter option in terms of actuation force, while the Cloudy Shadow provides a slightly heavier typing experience. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Kang White may be the more suitable choice, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Cloudy Shadow offers a more substantial typing feel for users who enjoy a stronger push. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing resistance and overall typing experience.
Travel distance
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, slightly shorter than the KTT Kang White linear switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, with the Cloudy Shadow being the shorter of the two. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Cloudy Shadow due to its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may lean towards the Kang White. Both switches offer a different tactile experience based on their travel distances, but ultimately, they will provide similar results in terms of key actuation.
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 KTT Kang White comes in at $1.99 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, both the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the KTT Kang White switches are described as low-pitched and neutral, offering a mellow and moderate sound profile suitable for various typing preferences. The Cloudy Shadow's sound is characterized by its bass-heavy and balanced tone, while the Kang White boasts a dazzling typing sound due to its self-lubricating material. Ultimately, both switches deliver a pleasant auditory experience that can enhance typing enjoyment.
In terms of feel, the Cloudy Shadow is noted for providing a mild typing experience, offering a gentle and approachable feel that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone. On the other hand, information on the tactile feel of the Kang White switch is unavailable. However, based on the self-lubricating material used in the Kang White switch, it is likely to provide a smooth and comfortable typing experience similar to the Cloudy Shadow. Overall, both switches are likely to offer a satisfying tactile feel that appeals to a wide range of users.
In conclusion, both the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the KTT Kang White linear switches offer impressive sound qualities with their low-pitched and neutral profiles, as well as a comfortable typing feel that caters to different preferences. While the Cloudy Shadow is known for its balanced sound and mild feel, the Kang White's self-lubricating material hints at a smooth typing experience. Ultimately, whether you choose the Cloudy Shadow or the Kang White switch, you can expect a quality mechanical keyboard switch that enhances your typing with its unique characteristics.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the KTT Kang White linear switch, consider the following. If you are looking for a switch with a slightly heavier bottom-out force and a bouncy feel, the Cloudy Shadow would be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a slightly lighter bottom-out force and a self-lubricating material for a smooth typing experience, the Kang White would be the better choice. Both switches offer a low-pitched sound and a neutral typing experience, making them versatile options for various users. Ultimately, your decision should come down to your personal preference in terms of typing feel and bottom-out force. Make sure to consider your own preferences and requirements to determine which switch would best suit your needs.
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