Aflion Cloudy Shadow vs. Outemu Gold
An in-depth look at the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Outemu Gold switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Outemu Gold offer distinctive experiences to users. The Cloudy Shadow, a linear switch, is gaining rapid traction in the industry with its neutral sound signature and bouncy feel, thanks to extended springs. With a 63.5g bottom-out force, it provides a balanced typing experience that reflects Aflion's commitment to quality and innovation. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold is a clicky switch that offers a different typing experience compared to the Cloudy Shadow. While specific information about the Gold switch is not provided, clicky switches are generally favored for their tactile feedback and audible click sound. So, if you're looking for a smooth and quiet typing experience, the Cloudy Shadow may be the way to go, whereas the Outemu Gold would be a great choice for those who enjoy a tactile feedback with audible clicks. 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
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
Both the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Outemu Gold utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiff plastic that produces a clear and resonant sound. The translucent nature of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, the Nylon bottom housing of the Cloudy Shadow and the Gold provides a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the stiffer polycarbonate.
While both the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Outemu Gold share the use of polycarbonate for the top housing, they differ in their bottom housing material. The Nylon bottom housing of the Cloudy Shadow contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound and creating a rounder sound. In contrast, the Gold's Nylon bottom housing offers similar qualities, enhancing the overall typing experience. The split between the two housing materials allows for a balanced sound profile, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key.
In conclusion, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Outemu Gold both offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials. The polycarbonate top housing of both switches creates a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, ideal for clarity and resonance. On the other hand, the Nylon bottom housing of each switch contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound for a rounder tone. Whether using the Cloudy Shadow or the Gold, the combination of housing materials results in a balanced typing experience with distinct sound characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, it is clear that the Gold switch is the lighter option with a lower actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Cloudy Shadow's unknown force. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Cloudy Shadow requiring 63.5 grams and the Gold needing 60 grams. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Outemu Gold switch, as it allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Aflion Cloudy Shadow switch due to its heavier actuation force. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Gold clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Cloudy Shadow offers a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Gold switch. A 3.5 mm travel distance is typically favored by gamers for its quicker response times, while a 4 mm travel distance provides a more substantial depth when pressing down on the key. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference - if you prefer a shorter travel distance for faster responses, the Cloudy Shadow is the way to go. However, if you enjoy a more profound keypress, the Outemu Gold clicky switch with its longer travel distance may be more to your liking.
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 Gold 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 mellow tone that is suitable for various typing environments. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold clicky switch's sound qualities are unknown, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect.
When it comes to feel, the Cloudy Shadow switch is described as offering a mild typing experience, which is gentle and approachable to most users. The extended springs in these switches contribute to a bouncy feel, creating a balanced typing experience with a 63.5g bottom-out force. Unfortunately, the specific feel of the Outemu Gold clicky switch is unknown, making it challenging to draw a comparison between the two switches in terms of tactile feedback.
Overall, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch seems to offer a neutral sound signature and a mild typing experience with a bouncy feel, providing a balanced and enjoyable typing experience. While information on the Outemu Gold clicky switch is limited, it is important to consider personal preferences when choosing between these switches to ensure that you get the desired sound and feel for your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, both switches may offer similar results in terms of their subjective qualities, but it is recommended to test them out in person to determine the best fit for your typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom-out force and a neutral sound signature with a bouncy feel, then the Cloudy Shadow may be the perfect fit for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom-out force and enjoy clicky switches, the Gold switch might be more to your liking. Consider factors such as typing feel, sound profile, and actuation force to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, the choice is yours based on what feels most comfortable and enjoyable for your typing experience.
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