Aflion Cloudy Shadow vs. Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade)
An in-depth look at the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch, both offering unique typing experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Cloudy Shadow, known for its neutral sound signature and bouncy feel, provides a balanced typing experience with a 63.5g bottom-out force. On the other hand, the Moyu Black stands out for its sharp tactile feel, featuring a strong downstroke bump and an even sharper upstroke bump for a hypertactile sensation. While the Cloudy Shadow offers a mild and neutral typing experience, the Moyu Black provides an accented, resonant, and sharp feel. If you prefer a more bouncy and balanced typing experience, the Cloudy Shadow may be the switch for you. However, if you desire a sharp and impactful typing experience with strong tactile feedback, the Moyu Black might be your preferred choice. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
PBT
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
PBT
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade), one key difference lies in their top housings. The Cloudy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, which results in a more resonant sound. In contrast, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade)'s PBT top housing offers a neutral sound profile that is neither very crisp nor dull. While the Cloudy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing is ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency, the PBT top housing of the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) remains relatively unseen.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of these switches also showcase a difference in material. The Cloudy Shadow utilizes a nylon bottom housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile as it absorbs more sound with its softer plastic composition. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to the top housing's crisp profile. In comparison, the PBT bottom housing of the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) also offers a neutral sound profile similar to its top housing, maintaining a consistent sound experience throughout the switch.
Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) comes down to personal preference in sound profile. While the Cloudy Shadow with its polycarbonate and nylon housings delivers a sharper and fuller sound, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) maintains a more neutral sound profile throughout with its PBT top and bottom housings. Both switches offer unique qualities based on their housing materials, catering to different preferences when it comes to the overall typing experience.
Weight
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch has a unique feature where it does not require any actuation force to trigger a keystroke, making it extremely light in terms of pressing down. However, it requires 63.5 grams of force to bottom out, which is considered to be a medium-heavy weight. On the other hand, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch has an actuation force of 50 grams, making it slightly lighter than the Cloudy Shadow, and a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is also medium-heavy. In terms of weight, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) is the lighter option between the two, offering a smoother and faster typing experience, while the Cloudy Shadow provides a more substantial typing feel with a heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key press weight and typing experience.
Travel distance
The Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch which has a 3.5 mm travel distance. While both switches fall within the typical range of tactile switch travel distances, with 4 mm being more traditional, the Cloudy Shadow offers a slightly shorter travel distance which may appeal to those looking for a quicker response time, such as gamers. However, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) provides a bit more depth to the key press, which some users may prefer for a more substantial feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired 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 Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) has an MSRP of $12.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) for $7.59.
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 switches offer a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a mellow and balanced typing experience suitable for various settings. On the other hand, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switches deliver a resonant and sharp sound profile, creating a more immersive and energetic typing sensation. Each switch provides a unique auditory experience that can complement different preferences and environments, with the Cloudy Shadow offering a more subdued sound and the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) producing a sharper and more distinct sound.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switches provide a mild and gentle typing experience, with a bouncy feel due to the extended springs. This mild characteristic is approachable for most users, offering a comfortable and consistent typing feel. In contrast, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switches offer an accented and sharp tactile sensation, with a strong and crisp tactile bump that is prominent and distinctive. This sharp tactility adds a level of intensity to each keypress, creating a unique and impactful typing experience.
Overall, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switches and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a more balanced and mellow typing experience, the Cloudy Shadow switches would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more immersive and intense typing sensation with a sharp tactile feedback, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches would be the ideal option. Both switches bring innovation and quality to the mechanical keyboard market, catering to different preferences and typing styles. Choose the switch that aligns with your desired typing experience for optimal satisfaction.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch or the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch, you should first consider your preference for typing experience. If you are looking for a balanced and bouncy feel with a neutral sound signature, along with a medium-heavy bottom-out force, then the Cloudy Shadow would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a sharp tactile feel with a unique blend of PBT housing, a strong downstroke and upstroke bump, and a medium-heavy bottom-out force for a distinctive typing experience, then the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing feel and sound profile, as both switches offer different but exceptional features for a great typing experience.
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