Aflion Cloudy Shadow vs. KTT Miaowu
An in-depth look at the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the KTT Miaowu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Aflion's Cloudy Shadow linear switch offers a balanced typing experience with its neutral sound signature and bouncy feel, thanks to extended springs and a 63.5g bottom-out force. On the other hand, KTT's Miaowu linear switch stands out with enhanced stem stability and smoother keystroke action, utilizing POK in its stems for additional uniqueness. Both switches bring something different to the table - the Cloudy Shadow for its mild and low-pitched sound profile and the Miaowu for its bouncy and clacky typing 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
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
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
Housing materials
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the KTT Miaowu both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to their stiffness. This material is especially beneficial for switches with RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for the light to shine through. In terms of sound quality, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing of a switch results in a clear and resonant sound. Both keyboards also share nylon bottom housings, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on these switches.
While both keyboards feature the same materials for their top and bottom housings, the Cloudy Shadow and the Miaowu may offer slightly different typing experiences due to the qualities of each housing material. The stiffer polycarbonate top housing will have a significant impact on the sound when releasing a key, while the softer nylon bottom housing will influence the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. This split in housing materials allows for a unique combination of qualities in each switch, providing a balance between sharpness and clarity from the polycarbonate and depth and fullness from the nylon.
Overall, the similarities in housing materials between the Cloudy Shadow and the Miaowu result in comparable sound profiles and typing experiences. Both keyboards offer a balance of sharpness and depth in their sound due to the combination of polycarbonate and nylon housings. The use of polycarbonate for the top housing allows for a clear and resonant sound, while the nylon bottom housing adds a deeper and fuller tone. Whether you choose the Cloudy Shadow or the Miaowu, you can expect a satisfying typing experience with a unique blend of sound qualities from the different housing materials.
Weight
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the KTT Miaowu linear switch have significant differences in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Cloudy Shadow has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it medium-heavy, while the Miaowu is lighter with a bottom out force of 50 grams. While the actuation force of the Cloudy Shadow is unknown, the Miaowu has an actuation force of 43 grams, indicating a lighter touch needed to trigger a keystroke. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Miaowu switch, as it requires less force both to actuate and bottom out. On the other hand, the Cloudy Shadow may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and weight.
Travel distance
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the KTT Miaowu linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. This similarity ensures that users will get consistent results and feel when typing or gaming with either switch. Overall, both switches offer a standard travel distance that is neither too short nor too long, providing a comfortable typing experience for users.
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 Miaowu has an MSRP of $4.32 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Miaowu for $3.71.
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
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch is known for its low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a mellow and balanced typing experience suitable for various environments. In contrast, the KTT Miaowu linear switch offers a clacky sound with a sharp and snappy tone, giving a different auditory feedback while typing. When it comes to feel, the Cloudy Shadow switch is described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that falls in a safe middle-ground zone. On the other hand, the Miaowu switch is known for its bouncy feel, providing a spring-like feedback and lively sensation when typing.
Overall, the Cloudy Shadow and Miaowu linear switches offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. If you enjoy a low-pitched and neutral sound with a mild typing feel, the Cloudy Shadow switch would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a clacky sound and bouncy feel that gives a more dynamic typing experience, the Miaowu switch would be the better option. Both switches showcase innovation and quality from their respective manufacturers, providing users with unique typing experiences based on their preferences.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when considering whether to choose the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch or the KTT Miaowu linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom-out force and a more neutral sound profile with a bouncy typing experience, the Cloudy Shadow may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom-out force and a clacky sound profile with a bouncy and spring-like feel, the Miaowu switch might be more suitable for your needs. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what aspects are most important to you in a keyboard switch before making your decision. Ultimately, choose the switch that aligns best with your typing preferences and enjoy the enhanced typing experience it brings.
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