Aflion Cloudy Shadow vs. Durock Medium Tactile
An in-depth look at the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Durock Medium Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Durock Medium Tactile. The Cloudy Shadow, a linear switch, is renowned for its neutral sound signature and bouncy feel, thanks to the extended springs that provide a balanced typing experience with a 63.5g bottom-out force. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile, a tactile switch, offers a pronounced yet balanced tactility with a jelly-like sound signature that many users appreciate. While the Cloudy Shadow is characterized by being low-pitched, mild, and neutral, the Medium Tactile stands out for being accented, stepped, mild, and polished. Both switches have their unique qualities that make them appealing for different preferences and typing styles. 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
65g
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 Medium Tactile both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is known for being a relatively stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. However, despite these similarities in top housing material, the differences in their bottom housings provide a contrasting experience. The Cloudy Shadow uses a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer plastic property that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile also features a nylon bottom housing, offering a similar typing experience with a duller and rounder sound compared to the Cloudy Shadow's crisper sound.
While both the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Durock Medium Tactile share similarities in their top housing material of polycarbonate, their differences lie in their bottom housings. This distinction in housing materials affects the sound and feel of typing on the switches, with the Cloudy Shadow's nylon bottom housing producing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Medium Tactile's nylon bottom housing. The impact of the bottom housing is more prominent during the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Despite these differences, the overall typing experience on both switches is likely to be similar due to the shared top housing material.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in keyboard switches like the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Durock Medium Tactile plays a significant role in the sound profile and typing experience. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and crisp sound, their nylon bottom housings offer contrasting sound profiles with the Cloudy Shadow providing a deeper and fuller sound compared to the Medium Tactile. The split in qualities between the top and bottom housings means that the typing experience on each switch will have a unique blend of characteristics influenced by the different materials used. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference in sound and feel.
Weight
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch have similar weights in terms of actuation force, both being unknown. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Cloudy Shadow is slightly lighter at 63.5 grams compared to the Medium Tactile's 65 grams. This means that the Cloudy Shadow may provide a slightly lighter typing experience in terms of the force required to fully press the key. Those who prefer a lighter touch may find the Cloudy Shadow more appealing for extended typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile may appeal to those who enjoy a slightly heavier push feel for a more substantial typing experience. In general, the actuation force and bottom out force of a switch play a crucial role in determining the typing experience, and individuals should choose based on their preferences for a lighter or heavier feel.
Travel distance
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch. The Cloudy Shadow offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers who prioritize speed. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile switch provides a bit more depth and feedback with its longer travel distance, which may be favored by those who enjoy a more substantial key press. Both switches offer different tactile experiences based on their travel distances, so choosing between them ultimately depends on personal preference.
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 Medium 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 Medium 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 offers a low-pitched and neutral sound signature, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for most typing intents and purposes. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch has a jelly-like sound signature, giving it a unique and pronounced yet balanced tactility. While the Cloudy Shadow provides a more neutral sound experience, the Medium Tactile offers a distinct sound profile that may appeal to users looking for a different auditory experience.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch is described as providing a mild typing experience, offering a gentle and approachable feel for most users. In contrast, the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch is characterized as providing an accented and stepped tactility, striking a balance between a tactile response that is prominent without being overwhelming. Additionally, the Medium Tactile switch is noted for its polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience that reduces friction and enhances key travel.
Overall, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Cloudy Shadow provides a neutral and mild sound and feel, the Medium Tactile offers a unique jelly-like sound signature and a tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Depending on personal preferences, users can choose between the balanced typing experience of the Cloudy Shadow or the pronounced tactility and unique sound profile of the Medium Tactile. Regardless of the choice, both switches promise quality and innovation from their respective manufacturers.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a balanced typing experience with a neutral sound signature and bouncy feel, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch with its 63.5g bottom-out force would be a good choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a pronounced yet balanced tactility with a jelly-like sound signature, the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch with its 65g bottom-out force might be more to your liking. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience.
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