Aflion Cloudy Shadow vs. Outemu Crystal Brown

Overview

When comparing the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch to the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, it is clear that both have unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Cloudy Shadow is praised for its rapid traction in the industry, offering a bouncy feel and neutral sound signature due to its extended springs, making it ideal for those seeking a balanced typing experience with a 63.5g bottom-out force. On the other hand, the Crystal Brown switch lacks a standout feature but falls into the tactile category. While the Cloudy Shadow is categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Mild', 'Neutral', the Crystal Brown switch lacks clear categorization at this time. Overall, choosing between these switches ultimately depends on personal preferences and typing style. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Aflion Cloudy Shadow Linear

Outemu Crystal Brown Tactile

$5.50

$3.91 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Outemu Crystal Brown both feature polycarbonate top housings, which produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. Additionally, polycarbonate is ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. As such, both switches provide similar sound characteristics and aesthetic benefits with their polycarbonate top housings.

On the other hand, the Cloudy Shadow and the Crystal Brown utilize nylon for their bottom housings. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate, as it absorbs more sound and produces a duller and rounder sound. This difference in bottom housing material between the two switches may result in a noticeable variation in sound when typing, with the Cloudy Shadow offering a more absorbent sound profile compared to the Crystal Brown.

Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housings and nylon bottom housings in the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Outemu Crystal Brown provide a unique typing experience with a balance of sharp, high-pitched sounds from the top housing and deep, full sounds from the bottom housing. While both switches share similarities in their top housing material, the difference in bottom housing material may lead to a noticeable distinction in sound and feel when typing on each switch. Ultimately, the choice between the Cloudy Shadow and the Crystal Brown will depend on individual preferences for sound profiles and typing experiences.

Weight

The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch have significant differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cloudy Shadow has an actuation force of None grams, meaning it is a very light switch to start a keystroke, while the Crystal Brown requires 45 grams of force to actuate. As for bottom out force, the Cloudy Shadow has a heavier 63.5 grams compared to the Crystal Brown's 55 grams. This makes the Cloudy Shadow a heavier switch overall, suitable for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Crystal Brown is lighter and more ideal for users who require longer typing periods without fatigue. Both switches offer unique experiences based on their force requirements, catering to a variety of preferences in typing feel.

Travel distance

In comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, it is clear that the Cloudy Shadow has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm compared to the Crystal Brown's 4 mm. The Cloudy Shadow's shorter travel distance may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times, while the Crystal Brown's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth for some users. Both switches offer different experiences in terms of key press feel, with the Cloudy Shadow being more responsive and the Crystal Brown offering a more substantial press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and what feels more comfortable to the individual user.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Cloudy Shadow linear switch is known for its low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a mellow and balanced typing experience suitable for various purposes. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch's sound characteristics are unknown. In terms of feel, the Cloudy Shadow offers a mild typing experience, making it approachable to most users with its safe and middle-ground qualities. Unfortunately, the feel of the Crystal Brown switch is unspecified.

Overall, both the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Cloudy Shadow excels in providing a bouncy and balanced typing experience with a low-pitched sound signature, the specifics of the Crystal Brown switch's sound and feel are currently unknown. However, it is safe to assume that with similar actuation forces and build quality, users can expect comparable results in terms of overall performance and satisfaction from both switches.

Conclusion

To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch or the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom-out force and a neutral sound signature with a bouncy feel, the Cloudy Shadow may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom-out force and a tactile typing experience, the Crystal Brown switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so carefully consider what factors are most important to you when making your decision.

Mentioned in this article

Aflion Cloudy Shadow Linear

$5.50

$3.91 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Crystal Brown Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more