Aflion Cloudy Shadow vs. Bsun Olive
An in-depth look at the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Bsun Olive 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 BSUN Olive offer two distinct typing experiences. The Cloudy Shadow, a linear switch, is praised for its neutral sound signature and bouncy feel, providing a balanced typing experience with a 63.5g bottom-out force. On the other hand, the Olive, a tactile switch, stands out for its resonant, deep sound and pronounced tactile feedback, delivering a satisfying typing experience with a sharp bottom-out. While the Cloudy Shadow offers a mild and neutral typing experience, the Olive provides an invigorating and sharp 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
45g
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
3.40 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow and Bsun Olive both offer unique housing materials for their switches, with the Cloudy Shadow featuring a polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, while the Olive features POM for both the top and bottom housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Cloudy Shadow produces a sharper and crisper sound profile, ideal for those looking for a more resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the POM housing of the Olive creates a deeper and more muted sound, providing a different auditory experience for users.
While the top housings of the Cloudy Shadow and Olive offer different sound profiles due to their material differences, the bottom housings of both switches contribute to a deeper and fuller sound. The nylon bottom housing of the Cloudy Shadow absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that complements the sharper top housing. Similarly, the POM bottom housing of the Olive enhances the deeper sound profile created by the top housing, offering users a consistent typing experience with unique auditory qualities.
Overall, the choice between the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and Bsun Olive comes down to personal preference in sound profile and typing experience. While the Cloudy Shadow may appeal to those looking for a sharper and crisper sound with a mix of sharp top housing and softer bottom housing, the Olive offers a deeper and more muted sound throughout, thanks to its consistent POM housing materials. Both switches provide a unique typing experience, with the housing materials playing a significant role in shaping the sound profile of each keypress.
Weight
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch have different actuation and bottom out forces, with the Cloudy Shadow having a lighter actuation force of None grams compared to the Olive's 45 grams. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force of 63.5 grams and 65 grams respectively, both falling into the medium-heavy category. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Olive switch may be more appealing due to its lower actuation force. On the other hand, those who desire a more substantial push feel may lean towards the Cloudy Shadow switch with its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force required for keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it slightly longer than the Bsun Olive tactile switch which has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for their quick response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may result in a slightly different feel when typing or gaming. If you prefer a slightly deeper key press, the Cloudy Shadow with its longer travel distance may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly shorter and more responsive key press, the Olive switch may be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and what feels most comfortable to the user.
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 Bsun Olive has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Olive for $4.70.
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 is known for its low-pitched and neutral sound profile, offering a mellow tone that is suitable for various environments. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive tactile switch delivers a resonant and deep sound due to its unique design and materials used. The Olive switch stands out for its rich auditory experience, giving users a satisfying sound feedback during typing sessions.
Moving on to the feel, the Cloudy Shadow switch is described as providing a mild typing experience, making it approachable for most users with its balanced feel. In contrast, the Bsun Olive switch is known for its accented and invigorating tactile feedback, offering a sharp and snappy typing sensation that is both responsive and immersive. The Olive switch's design ensures that users can feel a prominent amount of tactility without it being overwhelming or too subtle.
In conclusion, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch offer different but equally compelling experiences for keyboard enthusiasts. While the Cloudy Shadow excels in providing a neutral and mild typing experience with a low-pitched sound, the Bsun Olive stands out for its pronounced tactile feedback and deep, resonant sound. Both switches bring unique qualities to the table, catering to different preferences and typing styles. Ultimately, whether you choose the Cloudy Shadow or the Olive switch, you can expect a high-quality typing experience that meets your needs and preferences.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the BSUN Olive tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a neutral sound profile and a bouncy feel with a medium-heavy bottom-out force, the Cloudy Shadow may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a deep, resonant sound and a tactile feedback with a medium-heavy bottom-out force, the Olive switch could be more to your liking. Consider your typing needs and preferences carefully to determine which switch will provide you with the best typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so explore your options and choose the one that suits you best.
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