Aflion Cloudy Shadow vs. Gateron Melodic
An in-depth look at the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Gateron Melodic switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch offer unique typing experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Cloudy Shadow boasts a 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 Gateron Melodic brings new life to the clicky switch category with smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems, delivering a classic clicky sound with tactile feedback and smoothness. While the Cloudy Shadow is ideal for those seeking a mild and neutral typing experience, the Melodic appeals to users looking for a buttery, resonant, invigorating, and crunchy typing sensation. 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
60g
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Gateron Melodic, both switches feature polycarbonate top housings which result in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, the Cloudy Shadow's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Melodic's nylon bottom housing, which absorbs more sound and produces a duller and rounder sound.
While both the Cloudy Shadow and the Melodic share the same polycarbonate top housing, their nylon bottom housings offer slightly different sound profiles. The Cloudy Shadow's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound when typing, while the Melodic's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This difference in bottom housing material may affect the overall typing experience for users, as the bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.
Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Gateron Melodic may come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile. Both switches offer a sharp and crisp sound due to their polycarbonate top housings, but the Cloudy Shadow's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper sound while the Melodic's nylon bottom housing produces a rounder sound. Users who prefer a sharper sound may lean towards the Cloudy Shadow, while those who prefer a more muted sound may opt for the Melodic. Overall, both switches offer a unique typing experience based on their housing materials.
Weight
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch have different weights when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces. The Cloudy Shadow has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Melodic switch, which has a bottom out force of 60 grams. Both switches have a "None" actuation force, meaning they do not provide specific information on the force required to trigger a keystroke. The Cloudy Shadow offers a medium-heavy typing experience, while the Melodic switch provides a medium typing experience. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Melodic switch may be the better choice for longer typing sessions or gaming, while the Cloudy Shadow provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, it is evident that the Cloudy Shadow has a shorter travel distance of 3.5mm while the Melodic has a longer travel distance of 4mm. The Cloudy Shadow provides a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers who value speed. On the other hand, the Melodic offers a more substantial keypress, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for travel distance and typing style.
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 Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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, providing a mellow and balanced typing experience suitable for various settings. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch delivers a resonant and crunchy sound, bringing a higher-pitched and immersive auditory experience with crisp feedback. Depending on personal preferences, users can choose between the soothing tones of the Cloudy Shadow or the vibrant clicks of the Melodic to enhance their typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow switch provides a mild and bouncy typing sensation, offering a gentle and approachable experience for most users. With its extended springs and 63.5g bottom-out force, typists can enjoy a balanced feel with each keystroke. Conversely, the Gateron Melodic switch offers a buttery and invigorating typing experience, ensuring smooth and fluid key presses with pronounced feedback and snappy feel. Whether users prefer a gentler touch or a more reactive response, both switches cater to different typing preferences.
Overall, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch offer distinct sound and feel profiles to cater to different preferences. While the Cloudy Shadow provides a neutral and mild typing experience, the Melodic delivers a resonant and invigorating feel. Depending on whether users prioritize sound, feel, or a combination of both, they can choose between these switches to enhance their mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that can elevate the typing experience, allowing users to enjoy a customized and satisfying feel with each keystroke.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, consider your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a slightly heavier typing experience, the Cloudy Shadow with a bottom out force of 63.5 grams might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing experience, the Melodic with a bottom out force of 60 grams could be more suited to your preferences. Additionally, think about the sound and feel you desire in a mechanical keyboard switch. If you prefer a more neutral, low-pitched sound and a mild typing experience, the Cloudy Shadow may be the better option for you. However, if you enjoy a resonant, crunchy sound and an invigorating, buttery feel while typing, the Melodic switch might be more up your alley. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel when selecting between these two switches.
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