Aflion Cloudy Shadow vs. Outemu Cream Blue
An in-depth look at the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Outemu Cream Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch offer unique typing experiences for users. The Cloudy Shadow is praised for its balanced typing experience, featuring a neutral sound signature and bouncy feel thanks to extended springs, with a bottom-out force of 63.5g. On the other hand, the Cream Blue switch from Outemu offers a clicky typing experience, although specific details about this switch are not provided. Choosing between these switches may depend on personal preferences such as typing feel and sound profile. 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
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Outemu Cream Blue, it is evident that they both utilize nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housing. While both switches share this commonality, the Cloudy Shadow features a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is in contrast to the Cream Blue's nylon top housing, which also contributes to a deeper and fuller sound but with a different overall tone.
The differences in the top housing materials of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Outemu Cream Blue play a significant role in the sound profiles they produce. The Cloudy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing offers a more clear and resonant sound profile, thanks to the stiffness of the plastic material. Conversely, the Cream Blue's nylon top housing creates a less sharp sound compared to polycarbonate, resulting in a deeper and fuller tone. This contrast highlights how the choice of material for the top housing can impact the overall sound experience of a switch. While both switches may have nylon bottom housing, it is the top housing that contributes significantly to the unique sound signature of each.
Overall, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Outemu Cream Blue showcase how different housing materials can influence the sound and feel of mechanical keyboard switches. The Cloudy Shadow's combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing creates a distinct sound profile that is sharp, resonant, and clear. In contrast, the Cream Blue's nylon top and bottom housing offer a deeper and fuller sound experience, with a duller and rounder tone. Despite these differences, both switches demonstrate the importance of housing materials in enhancing the overall typing experience, whether through sharper sound profiles or deeper tones.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, it is evident that the Cloudy Shadow requires None grams of actuation force, whereas the Cream Blue needs 50 grams. Both switches have a bottom out force of 63.5 grams and 65 grams respectively, making them both fall within the medium-heavy range. This means that while the Cloudy Shadow is lighter in terms of actuation force, the Cream Blue offers a slightly heavier initial push. In terms of bottom out force, they both provide a similar typing experience with a medium-heavy feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, slightly shorter than the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The 3.5 mm travel distance of the Cloudy Shadow provides a quicker response time which may be preferred by gamers looking for speed. On the other hand, the 4 mm travel distance of the Cream Blue offers a more substantial feel, making it ideal for those who prefer a deeper key press. In general, shorter travel distances are becoming more popular, but the preference ultimately depends on personal taste and typing style. The choice between the two switches depends on whether you prioritize speed and responsiveness or a more satisfying keystroke 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 Outemu Cream Blue 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
When it comes to sound, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch is known for its low-pitched and neutral sound profile, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch's sound qualities are unknown. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard layout and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Cloudy Shadow linear switch provides a mild typing experience with its extended springs, giving it a bouncy feel that falls in a safe, middle-ground zone. This switch is gentle on the fingers and provides a balanced typing experience with a 63.5g bottom-out force. As for the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch, information on its feel is unavailable.
In conclusion, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch offers a bouncy and mild typing experience with a neutral and low-pitched sound profile, making it a versatile option suitable for various typing preferences. While the information on the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch is limited, it is essential to consider the subjective qualities of both switches when choosing the right one for your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, experimenting with different switches and seeking out personal preferences will help you find the perfect match for your typing needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch, you should choose the Cloudy Shadow if you prefer a neutral sound signature and bouncy feel with a 63.5g bottom-out force for a balanced typing experience. On the other hand, you should opt for the Cream Blue if you are looking for a medium-heavy switch with a 65g bottom-out force and a clicky sound profile. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
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