Aflion Cloudy Shadow vs. Outemu Dustproof Green
An in-depth look at the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Outemu Dustproof Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that come to mind are the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch. The Cloudy Shadow is praised for its rapid rise in the industry, featuring a bouncy feel and neutral sound signature that provides a balanced typing experience with a 63.5g bottom-out force. On the other hand, the Dustproof Green switch from Outemu offers a different experience with a clicky feedback that some users prefer for its tactile response. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
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 Dustproof Green share similarities in their top housing material, both utilizing polycarbonate to create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of both switches. However, while the top housings are the same, the Cloudy Shadow features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Dustproof Green also uses a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a similar typing experience with a duller and rounder sound profile.
Despite the shared characteristics of the top housing material, the differences in the bottom housing of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Outemu Dustproof Green contribute to varying typing experiences. The split qualities of the top and bottom housings impact the sound profile when pressing down and releasing a key, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. While both switches offer a unique typing experience with their choice of housing materials, the Cloudy Shadow's nylon bottom housing may provide a slightly deeper sound compared to the Dustproof Green's nylon bottom housing. Overall, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the housing materials of these switches offers users a range of sound profiles and typing preferences.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Outemu Dustproof Green plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. While both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housing to create a sharp and crisp sound, the use of nylon in the bottom housing results in differences in sound depth and resonance. The impact of the housing materials can be felt when pressing down and releasing keys, with the qualities of the bottom housing influencing the typing experience. Whether you prefer a sharper sound with the Cloudy Shadow's combination of polycarbonate and nylon or a slightly duller sound with the Dustproof Green's nylon housing, both switches offer a unique typing experience tailored to individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch, it is evident that the Cloudy Shadow has a lighter actuation force of None grams compared to the Dustproof Green's 65 grams. On the other hand, the Cloudy Shadow has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is lighter than the Dustproof Green's 80 grams bottom out force. Despite the difference in actuation and bottom out forces, users can expect a similar typing experience from both switches in terms of actuation force, as they both offer a medium to heavy resistance feel. However, those who prefer a heavier typing experience may lean towards the Outemu Dustproof Green switch, while individuals looking for a lighter typing feel may opt for the Aflion Cloudy Shadow switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Dustproof Green has a slightly longer travel distance, making it better suited for those who prefer a deeper key press feeling. On the other hand, the Cloudy Shadow offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with Cloudy Shadow being on the shorter end and Dustproof Green being on the longer end. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key press depth and speed of response.
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 Dustproof Green 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 offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various typing environments. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch's sound qualities are unknown, so it's difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect. However, both switches' sound will be influenced by factors such as the keyboard case and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Cloudy Shadow linear switch provides a mild typing experience with bouncy feel due to its extended springs. This makes it comfortable for extended typing sessions while still offering a balanced tactile feedback. Unfortunately, information regarding the feel of the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch is not available, so it's unclear how it compares in this aspect.
Overall, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch seems to offer a solid balance between sound and feel with its neutral sound signature and mild typing experience. While the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch may offer a different experience, it's difficult to directly compare without further information. For a newcomer looking for a similar typing experience, opting for the Cloudy Shadow switch may yield comparable results in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch, you should consider the bottom out force and your personal preferences. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a balanced typing experience with a neutral sound signature, the Cloudy Shadow is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force and are looking for a clicky switch, the Dustproof Green might be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on factors such as bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel to ensure that you choose the switch that best fits your preferences and typing style.
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