Aflion Cloudy Shadow vs. Haimu Neo White
An in-depth look at the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Haimu Neo White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Haimu Neo White both offer unique characteristics to consider. The cloudy shadow, a linear switch from Aflion, is praised for its neutral sound signature and bouncy feel, thanks to the extended springs, providing a balanced typing experience with a 63.5g bottom-out force. On the other hand, the Neo White, also a linear switch, stands out for its medium weight and slightly reduced total travel, offering a distinctive typing feel and smooth actuation due to the Ly stem. While the Cloudy Shadow is categorized as low-pitched, mild, neutral and the Neo White as mild, neutral, both switches bring something different to the table. 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
58g
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
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
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Haimu Neo White both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiff plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Both switches are also aesthetically pleasing when used with RGB lighting due to the translucency of polycarbonate. In terms of sound, both switches will provide a similar experience thanks to their shared polycarbonate top housing material.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow features a nylon bottom housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Haimu Neo White also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, offering the same qualities of producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Both switches benefit from the use of nylon in the bottom housing, which enhances the typing experience by creating a more muted and satisfying sound when the keys are pressed.
Overall, while the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Haimu Neo White share similarities in their polycarbonate top housing, they differ in their choice of nylon bottom housing. The Cloudy Shadow provides a sharper and crisper sound profile with its polycarbonate top housing and a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon bottom housing. Meanwhile, the Neo White offers a similar sound experience with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, providing a consistent typing experience with a focus on both sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, it is clear that the Cloudy Shadow requires a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams compared to the Neo White's 58 grams. Both switches have an unknown actuation force, but they fall within the medium range. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Neo White switch, as its bottom out force is lighter. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel might prefer the Cloudy Shadow for its heavier bottom out force. Overall, both switches offer a different typing experience based on the force required, allowing users to choose based on their personal preference for typing comfort and feedback.
Travel distance
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Haimu Neo White linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall on the shorter end of the spectrum when compared to the more traditional 4.0 mm travel distance. Gamers may prefer the Cloudy Shadow for its slightly shorter travel distance, allowing for faster response times, while those looking for a more substantial key press may lean towards the Neo White. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key press feel.
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 Haimu Neo White comes in at $2.70 per 10 switches.
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. The extended springs in these switches give them a bouncy feel, making each keystroke satisfying and consistent. On the other hand, the Haimu Neo White linear switch also offers a neutral sound signature, creating a smooth and quiet typing experience. The rare Ly stem in the Neo White contributes to a remarkably smooth actuation, enhancing the overall feel of the switches.
Both the Cloudy Shadow and Neo White switches offer a mild typing experience, appealing to a wide range of users with their gentle characteristics. The 63.5g bottom-out force of the Cloudy Shadow provides a comfortable level of resistance, while the slightly reduced total travel of the Neo White adds a unique touch to the typing feel. Overall, both switches provide a smooth and satisfying typing experience, making them ideal options for those looking for a balanced and comfortable switch.
In conclusion, while the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch have their own unique characteristics, they both offer a pleasant typing experience with their low-pitched sound profile and mild feel. Depending on personal preference and typing style, either of these switches would be a great choice for a newcomer looking for a reliable and enjoyable typing experience. Whether you go with the Cloudy Shadow or the Neo White, you can expect to get similar results in terms of sound and feel, ensuring a consistent and satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, and enjoy a bouncy feel with a neutral sound signature, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 58 grams and value a smooth actuation with a distinctive typing feel, the Haimu Neo White switch would be a better fit. Both switches offer a neutral sound profile and a mild typing experience, making them suitable for a wide range of users. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience and bottom out force.
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