Aflion Cloudy Shadow vs. TTC Light Cloud V2
An in-depth look at the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the TTC Light Cloud V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and TTC Light Cloud V2 both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Cloudy Shadow from Aflion 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 TTC Light Cloud V2 is known for its silent operation and refined typing feel, making it a great choice for those who prefer a delicate and nuanced typing experience. While the Cloudy Shadow offers a more tactile typing experience, the Light Cloud V2 excels in its silent operation. 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
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Gold-plated double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the TTC Light Cloud V2 both feature housings made of nylon, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to other materials. However, the Cloudy Shadow's top housing is made of polycarbonate, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This difference in material will likely result in a more distinct sound experience when typing on the Cloudy Shadow compared to the Light Cloud V2. The Cloudy Shadow's use of polycarbonate in the top housing is also beneficial for those who enjoy RGB lighting, as it allows for better light transmission through the housing.
On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of both the Cloudy Shadow and Light Cloud V2 will contribute to a similar deep and full sound profile when typing on the switches. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, the sound and feel when bottoming out keys on both switches will likely be quite similar. While the differences in the top housing materials may impact the sound when releasing a key, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound profile.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the TTC Light Cloud V2 plays a significant role in shaping the sound profile of the switches. While both switches feature nylon bottom housings that produce a deep and full sound, the Cloudy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound compared to the Light Cloud V2’s nylon top housing. The differences between the top housing materials will likely result in distinct typing experiences, especially for those who value RGB lighting and are sensitive to variations in sound profiles.
Weight
Comparing the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch, it is evident that the Cloudy Shadow requires a heavier force to actuate keystrokes with a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, compared to the Light Cloud V2 with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams. This makes the Light Cloud V2 the lighter option of the two. The actuation force of the Cloudy Shadow is unknown, while the Light Cloud V2 is lighter with 45 grams. Both switches provide a medium typing experience, but the Cloudy Shadow offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force, while the Light Cloud V2 is preferred by those who enjoy a lighter touch for extended typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference for typing feel and force required for key actuation.
Travel distance
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Their travel distances are identical, so you will get similar results in terms of the distance the switch travels.
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 TTC Light Cloud V2 has an MSRP of $6.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Cloud V2 for $5.49.
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, creating a bass-heavy and mellow tone suitable for various typing environments. On the other hand, the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch provides a muted and neutral sound, minimizing noise for a quieter typing experience. Both switches cater to users who prefer a more subtle and refined sound while typing, ensuring a pleasant auditory experience without disturbing those around them.
In terms of feel, both the Cloudy Shadow and Light Cloud V2 switches are described as providing a mild typing experience. This means that users can expect a gentle and approachable feel when typing, with qualities that fall within a safe middle-ground zone. Additionally, the Light Cloud V2 is noted for its easy-to-press and feathery characteristics, offering light actuation force for effortless typing and reduced finger fatigue during extended use. Overall, both switches prioritize comfort and ease of use for users looking for a smooth and responsive typing experience.
In conclusion, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch share similarities in their sound and feel qualities. Both switches offer a neutral sound profile with a focus on providing a balanced and refined typing experience. While the Cloudy Shadow emphasizes a bouncy feel with extended springs and a 63.5g bottom-out force, the Light Cloud V2 stands out for its lightweight nature, making it a preferred choice for those seeking a delicate and nuanced typing feel. Ultimately, newcomers can expect comparable results in terms of sound and feel with either of these switches, depending on their specific preferences and typing needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch, consider your typing preference and environment. If you enjoy a bouncy and balanced typing experience with a slightly heavier bottom-out force, the Cloudy Shadow with its low-pitched and mild feel may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more delicate and nuanced typing experience with a lighter bottom-out force, the Light Cloud V2 with its muted and easy-to-press feel could be more suitable. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard.
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