Aflion Cloudy Shadow vs. Gateron North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Gateron North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Gateron North Pole V2 are both linear mechanical keyboard switches, each offering unique features that cater to different preferences. The Cloudy Shadow excels in providing a bouncy typing experience with its extended springs and neutral sound signature. With a 63.5g bottom-out force, it offers a balanced typing experience that reflects Aflion's commitment to quality and innovation. On the other hand, the Gateron North Pole V2 stands out for its gummy feel and deep, muted sound profile, providing a satisfying typing experience. While the Cloudy Shadow offers a mild and neutral typing experience, the North Pole V2 is characterized by its gummy, creamy, subdued, bouncy, and polished attributes. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference and specific typing needs; 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
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Ink Housing Material
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
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 Gateron North Pole V2 both feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches using RGB lighting. However, the Cloudy Shadow's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the North Pole V2's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
While both switches share a polycarbonate top housing, they differ in their bottom housing materials. The Cloudy Shadow utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, emphasizing a deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, the North Pole V2 retains a polycarbonate bottom housing, maintaining a sharper and crisper sound profile. This difference in housing materials impacts the overall sound and feel of the switches, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing affecting the sound upon key release. Despite these variations, both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their respective housing materials.
In summary, the choice of housing materials in switches such as the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Gateron North Pole V2 significantly impacts the sound and feel of typing. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and crisp sound profile, the Cloudy Shadow's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound compared to the North Pole V2's polycarbonate bottom housing. Ultimately, understanding the qualities of different housing materials can help enthusiasts tailor their typing experience to suit their preferences in terms of sound and feel.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch, it is clear that the Cloudy Shadow requires None grams of force to actuate, whereas the North Pole V2 requires 50 grams. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Cloudy Shadow at 63.5 grams and the North Pole V2 at 65 grams, both falling in the medium-heavy range. This means that while the North Pole V2 is lighter to actuate, both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of bottoming out. When considering weight, some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the North Pole V2 for extended typing sessions or gaming, while others may gravitate towards the Cloudy Shadow for a slightly heavier push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it the shorter option compared to the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Cloudy Shadow offers a slightly shallower travel, which may appeal to those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the North Pole V2 provides a bit more depth in the key press, which some users may find more satisfying for typing or other tasks. Both switches offer a balance between travel distance and responsiveness, but the choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference based on the user's typing style and needs.
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 North Pole V2 has an MSRP of $6.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the North Pole V2 for $5.70.
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. In contrast, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch produces a more subdued sound, offering a dampened and subtle sound signature that is not completely silent but still pleasing to the ears. Ultimately, both switches deliver unique sound characteristics that will cater to different preferences, with the Cloudy Shadow leaning towards a balanced sound and the North Pole V2 offering a more muted experience.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch is known for its mild typing experience, providing a gentle and approachable feel that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone. On the other hand, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch offers a gummy and creamy typing sensation, with a unique chewy feel that resembles bottoming-out on a trampoline or a gummy bear. Additionally, the North Pole V2 switch is described as bouncy and polished, providing a spring-like feedback and a smooth key travel experience. While both switches offer distinct tactile qualities, the Cloudy Shadow focuses on a mild and balanced typing feel, while the North Pole V2 leans towards a more playful and creamy sensation.
In conclusion, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch each bring their own set of subjective qualities to the table. The Cloudy Shadow excels in providing a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, paired with a mild and gentle typing feel that caters to a wide range of users. On the other hand, the North Pole V2 stands out with its subdued sound signature and gummy, creamy typing experience that offers a more playful and bouncy feel. Ultimately, whether you prefer a balanced and mellow sound or a chewy and smooth typing feel, both switches offer unique characteristics that are sure to enhance your typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom-out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a slightly lighter bottom-out force of 63.5 grams and a neutral sound profile with a bouncy typing feel, the Cloudy Shadow may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a bottom-out force of 65 grams along with a subdued sound profile and a gummy, creamy typing feel, the North Pole V2 could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound profile.
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