Aflion Cloudy Shadow vs. KTT Lightning
An in-depth look at the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the KTT Lightning switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the KTT Lightning are both linear switches that offer unique typing experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Cloudy Shadow from Aflion is known for its neutral sound signature and bouncy feel, thanks to extended springs that provide a balanced typing experience with a 63.5g bottom-out force. On the other hand, the KTT Lightning switches are popular for their "speed" designation, making them ideal for situations where milliseconds can make a difference between victory and defeat. These switches offer a slick typing feel with a clacky sound profile, providing a polished and subtle typing experience. While the Cloudy Shadow offers a mild and low-pitched typing experience, the Lightning switches provide a high-pitched and clacky 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
43g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.00 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
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 Lightning both feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in both switches results in a more clear and resonant sound, especially beneficial for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. While the top housing plays a significant role in the sound when releasing a key, the differences in other housing materials can affect the overall typing experience.
On the other hand, the Cloudy Shadow's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, contrasting with the Lightning's polycarbonate bottom. Nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This difference in bottom housing materials can impact the overall typing experience, providing users with a variety of options depending on their sound preferences.
Overall, the combination of different housing materials in the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and KTT Lightning switches showcases how each component can affect the sound profile and typing feel. While both switches share polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and clear sound, their differing bottom housing materials offer users distinct audio experiences. Depending on personal preferences, users can choose between a deeper, fuller sound with nylon bottom housings or a crisper sound with polycarbonate top housings when selecting a switch for their mechanical keyboard.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch, it is evident that they differ in weight. The Cloudy Shadow has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it heavier compared to the Lightning switch, which requires only 50 grams to bottom out. While the actuation force of the Cloudy Shadow is not specified, the Lightning switch has an actuation force of 43 grams. This means that the Lightning switch is lighter in both actuation and bottom out force, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the Cloudy Shadow offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether one prefers a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the KTT Lightning linear switch has a travel distance of 3 mm. The Cloudy Shadow has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Lightning switch, which means that it may provide a slightly deeper press when activated. In comparison, the Lightning switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which can result in a quicker response time. Both switches are shorter than the traditional 4.0mm travel distance, making them suitable for those looking for faster key presses. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference - whether you prioritize a deeper key press or a faster 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 KTT Lightning comes in at $3.41 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
In terms of sound, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch is known for its low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a more mellow and balanced typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Lightning linear switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound with a chirpy element, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. While the Cloudy Shadow switch is more soothing and neutral in its sound signature, the Lightning switch provides a more crisp and bright sound with a unique chirpy sound element, catering to different preferences in sound aesthetics.
Moving on to feel, the Cloudy Shadow linear switch is described as offering a mild typing experience, with a gentle and approachable feel that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone. In contrast, the KTT Lightning linear switch is noted for its subtle resistance and polished finish, providing a light and smooth typing feel with reduced friction and sleek key travel. The Cloudy Shadow switch offers a bouncy feel due to the extended springs, while the Lightning switch provides a slick typing feel, catering to different preferences in typing experience.
Considering all the available information, it is evident that the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch have distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Cloudy Shadow switch offers a more neutral and mellow sound profile with a mild typing experience, the Lightning switch provides a clacky and high-pitched sound with a subtle resistance and polished finish for a smooth typing feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing styles and preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, when considering whether to choose the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch or the KTT Lightning linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and intended use. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a balanced typing experience with a neutral sound profile, the Cloudy Shadow may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a lighter bottom out force and a slick typing feel with a clacky sound profile, the Lightning switch could be more suitable. Consider factors such as your typing style, preferred sound profile, and desired typing experience when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences and needs in the mechanical keyboard community.
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