Aflion Cloudy Shadow vs. Everglide Oreo
An in-depth look at the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Everglide Oreo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch both offer unique typing experiences. The Cloudy Shadow 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 Oreo switch boasts a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, followed by a cushioned sensation when bottoming out, striking the perfect balance between satisfying keystrokes and comfort. While the Cloudy Shadow leans towards a mild and neutral typing experience, the Oreo switch offers an accented and chirpy 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
55g
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
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 Everglide Oreo both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially useful for switches that utilize RGB lighting. However, the Cloudy Shadow distinguishes itself with a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is softer than polycarbonate and absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the Oreo's polycarbonate bottom housing.
Despite both switches utilizing a polycarbonate top housing, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Everglide Oreo differ in their bottom housing materials. While the Oreo maintains a polycarbonate bottom housing, the Cloudy Shadow opts for a nylon bottom housing. This difference in materials affects the overall sound profile and feel of the switches. The Cloudy Shadow's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound when typing, compared to the Oreo's sharper and crisper sound produced by the polycarbonate bottom housing. The choice of bottom housing material can significantly impact the typing experience and the overall sound quality of the switch.
When using switches with different top and bottom housing materials, such as the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Everglide Oreo, each housing material brings its own unique qualities to the typing experience. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. In this case, the Cloudy Shadow's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Oreo's polycarbonate bottom housing offers a sharper and crisper sound. Understanding how each housing material contributes to the overall sound profile can help users choose the switch that best suits their preferences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch, we see distinct differences. The Aflion Cloudy Shadow has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy option. In contrast, the Everglide Oreo has a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams, falling into the medium-light category. While the actuation force of the Cloudy Shadow is not specified, the Oreo has an actuation force of 45 grams, indicating a lighter touch needed to trigger a keystroke. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Everglide Oreo may be the preferred choice, allowing for longer typing sessions with less strain. On the other hand, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow would be suitable for those who enjoy a more substantial push feel while typing, providing a more satisfying tactile response. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it shorter than the Everglide Oreo tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. While both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, the shorter travel distance of the Cloudy Shadow may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Oreo may provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key feel and responsiveness.
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 Oreo has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Oreo for $4.19.
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 switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, making them suitable for a variety of environments and preferences. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch is described as having a chirpy sound, which sets them apart from other switches in terms of their unique acoustic signature. Both switches offer distinct sound qualities that can enhance the overall typing experience, depending on individual preferences and the setup in which they are used.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch provides a mild typing experience that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone, making them approachable to a wide range of users. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch offers an accented and stepped tactile sensation, providing a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or too subtle. These qualities make the Oreo switches a delightful option for those who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback during typing sessions.
Overall, both the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch offer unique subjective qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. While the Cloudy Shadow switch provides a balanced and neutral sound profile with a mild typing experience, the Oreo switch offers a chirpy sound and a more pronounced tactile sensation. Choosing between the two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience that an individual is seeking. Ultimately, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch option, depending on their individual preferences and needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch, consider your preference for bottom-out force. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom-out force, the Cloudy Shadow with 63.5g may be the better choice for you. Additionally, if you enjoy a more neutral sound profile with a bouncy feel, the Cloudy Shadow would be a great option. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom-out force and enjoy a crisp and responsive tactile bump followed by a cushioned sensation, the Everglide Oreo with 55g may be more to your liking. The Oreo also offers a unique chirpy sound profile and an accented and stepped tactile feel. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you are looking for. Choose the switch that best suits your needs and allows you to type comfortably and efficiently.
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