Aflion Cloudy Shadow vs. Outemu Brown
An in-depth look at the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Outemu Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch. The Cloudy Shadow stands out for its rapid rise in popularity and innovative features, such as a neutral sound signature and a bouncy feel thanks to extended springs. With a 63.5g bottom-out force, this switch offers a balanced typing experience that showcases the quality and creativity of the Aflion brand. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown switch is praised for its tactile feedback, providing a satisfying bump for typists who prefer a more pronounced key press sensation. While each switch has its own strengths, the Cloudy Shadow is ideal for those seeking a smooth and consistent typing experience, while the Outemu Brown is perfect for individuals who enjoy tactile feedback. 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
53g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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
Nylon
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 the Outemu Brown both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. While both switches have the same top housing material, the differences in their bottom housings affect the overall sound profile.
The Cloudy Shadow uses a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Outemu Brown's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. The split housing materials in these switches mean that the qualities of each material will impact different aspects of the typing experience. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key.
Overall, the choice between the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Outemu Brown comes down to personal preference in sound profile. Both switches offer unique characteristics based on their housing materials, with the Cloudy Shadow providing a sharper and crisper sound due to its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing combination. Meanwhile, the Outemu Brown's consistent use of polycarbonate in both top and bottom housing results in a more uniform sound profile. Whether you prefer a deeper, fuller sound or a sharper, higher-pitched sound, each switch offers a distinct typing experience based on its housing materials.
Weight
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and Outemu Brown tactile switch both fall into the category of medium-heavy switches in terms of their bottom out force. The Aflion Cloudy Shadow has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, slightly lighter than the Outemu Brown's 65 grams. However, the actuation force for the Cloudy Shadow is unknown, while the Brown requires 53 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. This means that the Brown switch has a lighter actuation force compared to the Cloudy Shadow, providing a slightly lighter typing experience. Both switches offer a tactile feedback, but the Cloudy Shadow is linear, while the Brown is tactile. Overall, those who prefer a lighter actuation force may lean towards the Outemu Brown, while those who prefer a heavier bottom out force might opt for the Aflion Cloudy Shadow for a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the Outemu Brown tactile switch. The Cloudy Shadow offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it preferred by gamers for its fast actuation. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown switch provides a bit more depth and tactile feedback with its longer travel distance, which some users may find more satisfying for typing or general use. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and whether one values a shorter or longer travel distance for their typing 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 Outemu Brown comes in at $3.10 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 more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. This makes it suitable for a variety of typing environments, from quiet office settings to home use. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown tactile switch's sound characteristics are unknown, but it is important to note that the overall sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Cloudy Shadow linear switch is described as offering a mild typing experience, with a gentle feel that falls in a safe, middle-ground zone. The extended springs in the Cloudy Shadow contribute to a bouncy sensation while typing, providing a unique tactile experience. The feel of the Outemu Brown tactile switch is not specified, but it is important to consider that tactile switches typically offer a noticeable bump during actuation, providing feedback to the user.
Overall, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you are looking for a switch with a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, as well as a mild and bouncy typing experience, the Cloudy Shadow may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer tactile feedback during typing, the Outemu Brown switch may provide the tactile response you are seeking. Ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, it is important to consider your typing preferences and environment. If you are looking for a balanced typing experience with a bouncy feel and a neutral sound signature, the Cloudy Shadow with its 63.5g bottom-out force may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy tactile switch with a slightly higher bottom-out force of 65g, the Outemu Brown switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you are seeking.
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