Aflion Cloudy Shadow vs. Durock Lupine
An in-depth look at the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Durock Lupine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Durock Lupine both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch is praised for its neutral sound signature and bouncy feel, thanks to its extended springs, providing a balanced typing experience with a 63.5g bottom-out force. On the other hand, the Durock Lupine linear switch stands out for its two-stage long springs, offering a consistent weight distribution when pressed down and a more powerful upward movement on the rebound, accompanied by a classic clacky sound profile. While the Cloudy Shadow offers a low-pitched and mild typing experience, the Lupine provides a neutral and polished feel with a hint of high-pitched sound. Each switch has its strengths, but deciding between them ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
Two-stage long spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Durock Lupine both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, the Cloudy Shadow and Lupine differ in their bottom housing material. The Cloudy Shadow utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Lupine also features a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar deep and full sound profile as the Cloudy Shadow.
Despite their differences in bottom housing material, both the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Durock Lupine offer similar qualities in their top housing material, polycarbonate. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of these switches creates a clear and resonant sound profile, with a sharper and crisper sound compared to other materials. This makes both switches ideal for those who prefer a more defined sound when typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the overall aesthetic of the switches, especially when paired with RGB lighting.
Overall, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Durock Lupine showcase the importance of housing materials in switch design. While both switches share the benefits of polycarbonate top housings, their use of nylon bottom housings sets them apart in terms of sound profiles. The Cloudy Shadow offers a deeper and fuller sound profile with its nylon bottom housing, while the Lupine provides a similar experience with its own nylon bottom housing. As a result, both switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel, making them suitable options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch, it is evident that both switches have an actuation force of None grams, meaning they require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, the Cloudy Shadow has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Lupine, which has a bottom out force of 62 grams. This difference in bottom out force may result in a slightly different typing experience between the two switches. Those who prefer a lighter typing feel may lean towards the Lupine, while individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Cloudy Shadow. Ultimately, both switches offer a balanced combination of actuation and bottom out forces, catering to various typing preferences and needs.
Travel distance
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Durock Lupine linear switch which has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, with the Cloudy Shadow being on the shorter end and the Lupine being slightly longer. Gamers looking for quicker response times may lean towards the Cloudy Shadow due to its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Lupine with its slightly longer travel distance. Overall, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to traditional switches, catering to users who prioritize speed and efficiency in their typing or gaming experience.
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 Lupine has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lupine 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 and Durock Lupine linear switches both offer a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various typing environments. However, the Cloudy Shadow is described as having a low-pitched sound, which can provide a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to the Lupine's high-pitched sound that produces a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. When comparing the two, users who prefer a more subtle and calming typing experience may lean towards the Cloudy Shadow, while those who enjoy a more distinct and sharp sound may opt for the Lupine.
Moving on to feel, both the Cloudy Shadow and Lupine switches are characterized as providing a mild typing experience, making them suitable for a wide range of users. The Cloudy Shadow offers a bouncy feel due to its extended springs, creating a balanced typing experience with a 63.5g bottom-out force. On the other hand, the Lupine features two-stage long springs that provide a consistent weight distribution and a more powerful upward movement on the rebound. Additionally, the Lupine is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, users who prefer a more polished and refined typing feel may lean towards the Lupine, while those who enjoy a bouncier and balanced typing experience may prefer the Cloudy Shadow.
In conclusion, both the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and Durock Lupine linear switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences. While the Cloudy Shadow provides a low-pitched sound and a bouncy typing feel, the Lupine offers a high-pitched sound and a polished typing experience. Users looking for a more mellow and balanced typing experience may prefer the Cloudy Shadow, while those seeking a sharper sound and a more refined typing feel may opt for the Lupine. Ultimately, both switches offer quality and innovation in the mechanical keyboard market, providing users with a range of options based on their personal preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force, the Cloudy Shadow with 63.5 grams may be more suitable for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force, the Lupine with 62 grams may be the better choice. Additionally, consider the sound profile you prefer - the Cloudy Shadow offers a low-pitched and neutral sound, while the Lupine provides a neutral sound with a high-pitched option. When it comes to feel, both switches offer a mild typing experience, but the Lupine stands out for its polished finish, ensuring smooth key travel. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience, sound, and bottom out force.
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