Aflion Cloudy Shadow vs. PH Studio Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the PH Studio Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
In the world of mechanical keyboard switches, two standout options are the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the PH Studio Milk Tea, both linear switches with their own unique characteristics. The Cloudy Shadow, known for its neutral sound signature and bouncy feel thanks to extended springs, offers a balanced typing experience with a 63.5g bottom-out force. On the other hand, the Milk Tea switch, manufactured by BSUN, boasts a high-pitched sound with a muted essence, perfect for prolonged typing sessions with its 43.5g bottom-out force and Ly stem material for effortless keystrokes. While the Cloudy Shadow provides a mild and neutral typing experience, the Milk Tea switch offers a clacky and polished 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
37.5g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
43.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the PH Studio Milk Tea both offer unique qualities that impact the sound profile of the switches. The Cloudy Shadow features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the Milk Tea's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. However, both switches provide a pleasing sound experience, albeit with different tonal characteristics. The translucent nature of polycarbonate in the Cloudy Shadow allows for RGB lighting effects, adding a visual component to the auditory experience that the Milk Tea may lack.
In terms of the bottom housing materials, the Cloudy Shadow utilizes nylon, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. On the other hand, the Milk Tea's POM bottom housing also contributes to the deeper sound profile but with a more muted quality. Despite the difference in materials, both switches offer a tactile typing experience with distinct sound characteristics based on their bottom housing materials. The use of nylon in the Cloudy Shadow absorbs more sound, creating a rounder sound overall, while the POM in the Milk Tea creates a unique and pleasing typing sound.
The combination of different housing materials in the top and bottom of the switches influences the overall sound profile and tactile feel during typing. While the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, the top housing influences the sound when releasing the key. The Cloudy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing provide a combination of sharpness and depth in sound, while the Milk Tea's POM top and bottom housing offer a more consistent, muted sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in sound and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, there is a notable difference in the actuation and bottom out forces. The Cloudy Shadow has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is medium-heavy, while its actuation force is unknown. In contrast, the Milk Tea has a bottom out force of 43.5 grams, making it lighter, and an actuation force of 37.5 grams. The Cloudy Shadow provides a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force, while the Milk Tea offers a lighter touch for those looking to type for longer periods without fatigue. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces of these switches cater to different preferences, with the Cloudy Shadow being heavier and the Milk Tea being lighter in comparison.
Travel distance
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it slightly shorter than the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. While the difference in travel distance between the two switches is minimal, it could still affect the overall typing experience for some users. Gamers may prefer the Cloudy Shadow for its slightly shorter travel distance, providing faster response times during intense gameplay. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the Milk Tea switch with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style, as both offer a balance between responsiveness and key depth.
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 PH Studio Milk Tea has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milk Tea for $4.00.
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 bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for various typing environments. On the other hand, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch presents a unique blend of clacky, high-pitched, marbly, and resonant sounds, creating a sharp, crisp, and percussive auditory experience. This makes the Milk Tea switch stand out for those who appreciate a more distinctive and lively typing sound.
In terms of feel, the Cloudy Shadow switch is described as offering a mild typing experience, providing a gentle and approachable feel that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone. On the other hand, the Milk Tea switch is praised for its polished and silky feel, delivering a smooth and refined typing experience that minimizes friction and enhances overall typing comfort. This makes the Milk Tea switch a preferred choice for users looking for a premium typing feel.
Overall, while the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch focuses on a neutral sound and mild feel, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch offers a more diverse and lively auditory experience along with a polished and silky typing feel. Depending on personal preferences, users can choose between the balanced typing experience of the Cloudy Shadow or the more distinctive sound and refined feel of the Milk Tea switch. Both switches provide quality and innovation, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom-out force and a neutral sound signature with a bouncy feel, the Cloudy Shadow may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom-out force, a unique auditory blend with a high-pitched yet muted sound, and a switch designed for prolonged typing sessions, the Milk Tea switch may be more suited to your needs. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the kind of typing experience you desire.
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