Aflion Cloudy Shadow vs. Durock Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Durock Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile switch offer unique typing experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. 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 Light Tactile switch from Durock stands out for its gentle tactility, offering a softer and smoother typing experience compared to sharper tactile switches. While the Cloudy Shadow provides a more neutral and mild typing experience, the Light Tactile switch offers a polished and gentle 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
52g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Durock Light Tactile both feature polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is especially useful for switches that plan to use RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Cloudy Shadow has a nylon bottom housing that creates a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Light Tactile's polycarbonate bottom housing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to polycarbonate.
While both switches share the same polycarbonate top housing material, their differences lie in the bottom housing material. The Cloudy Shadow with its nylon bottom housing elicits a different sound profile compared to the Light Tactile's polycarbonate bottom housing. The split qualities between the top and bottom housing materials are key to how the switch feels and sounds when in use. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key.
Overall, the choice between the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Durock Light Tactile housing materials will depend on personal preference for sound profile. The Cloudy Shadow with its combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials offers a mix of sharpness and depth in sound, while the Light Tactile's consistent polycarbonate housing material provides a crisper and higher-pitched sound profile overall. Both switches showcase the impact that housing materials have on the sound and feel of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch, it is evident that both switches fall into the medium-heavy category. The Cloudy Shadow has a lower actuation force of None grams, making it lighter in that aspect compared to the Light Tactile with 52 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Cloudy Shadow requires 63.5 grams while the Light Tactile needs 67 grams. This indicates that the Light Tactile switch is slightly heavier in terms of bottom out force. Both switches provide a substantial typing experience with a satisfying push feel, catering to those who prefer a heavier touch. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it shorter than the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Cloudy Shadow offers a quicker response time, which may be preferred by gamers looking for speed and precision in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Light Tactile switch provides a slightly deeper key press, offering users a more substantial feel when typing. Both switches fall within the range of modern travel distances, with the Cloudy Shadow being on the shorter end and the Light Tactile being slightly longer. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for keypress depth and response time.
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 Durock Light Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Tactile for $4.25.
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 is known for its low-pitched and neutral sound profile, offering a bass-heavy and mellow tone suitable for various typing environments. On the other hand, the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch also boasts a neutral sound profile, providing a gentle and angelic tactility accompanied by a jelly-like sound signature. Both switches offer a pleasant auditory experience, with the Cloudy Shadow leaning towards a deeper tone and the Light Tactile offering a unique and softer sound.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch is described as providing a mild typing experience, offering a gentle feel that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone. With the extended springs contributing to a bouncy feel, these switches provide a balanced and approachable typing experience. Similarly, the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch is also categorized as mild, providing a gentle typing experience that is comfortable and approachable to most users. Additionally, the polished finish of the Light Tactile switch results in a smoother key travel and reduced friction, enhancing the overall typing experience.
Overall, both the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Cloudy Shadow provides a low-pitched sound and bouncy feel, the Light Tactile offers a gentle tactility and polished finish for a smooth typing experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either of these switches, as they both bring innovation and quality to the mechanical keyboard market.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a more neutral sound and a bouncy feel with a slightly lighter bottom-out force, the Cloudy Shadow may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a gentle tactility and a slightly higher bottom-out force, the Light Tactile may be more to your liking. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and preferences to enhance your overall typing experience.
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