Aflion Cloudy Shadow vs. Outemu Maple Leaf
An in-depth look at the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Outemu Maple Leaf 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 Maple Leaf tactile switch each offer unique features to cater to different preferences. The Cloudy Shadow stands out for its rapid traction in the industry, with a bouncy feel and neutral sound signature thanks to extended springs. With a 63.5g bottom-out force, this switch provides a balanced typing experience that showcases Aflion's commitment to quality and innovation. On the other hand, the Maple Leaf switch from Outemu offers a different typing experience with a tactile bump for enhanced feedback while typing. When deciding between the two switches, you may prefer the Cloudy Shadow for its smooth and bouncy feel, whereas the Maple Leaf may appeal to those seeking a more tactile typing experience. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
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 Maple Leaf both offer unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch. The Cloudy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the Maple Leaf's nylon top housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound. The polycarbonate material is stiffer, leading to a more resonant sound, whereas the nylon material is softer and absorbs more sound, creating a duller tone. Both materials offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences in sound.
In terms of bottom housing, both switches use nylon, which further enhances the deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon material's ability to absorb sound contributes to a rounder and duller sound in both switches. This shared bottom housing material ensures consistency in sound quality between the two switches. However, the impact of the bottom housing is more noticeable when pressing down on the switch, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has more influence on the sound when releasing a key.
While the housing materials of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Outemu Maple Leaf differ, they both excel in providing unique sound profiles. The Cloudy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and higher-pitched sound, while the Maple Leaf's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller tone. The shared nylon bottom housing enhances the overall sound quality of both switches, creating a consistent experience in terms of sound absorption and resonance. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in sound characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, we can see that the Cloudy Shadow has a lighter actuation force of None grams, while the Maple Leaf requires 55 grams to actuate. However, both switches have a medium-heavy bottom out force, with the Cloudy Shadow at 63.5 grams and the Maple Leaf at 65 grams. This means that while the Maple Leaf switch requires a slightly heavier initial push to register a keystroke, both switches will feel similar once fully pressed down. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Cloudy Shadow for extended typing or gaming sessions, while those looking for a more substantial typing experience may prefer the slightly heavier actuation force of the Maple Leaf switch. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces of these switches offer different options to cater to various preferences in typing feel.
Travel distance
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are preferred by gamers for faster response times. While the Cloudy Shadow has a slightly longer travel distance, the 0.2 mm difference is unlikely to be noticeable in practical use. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches offer similar results and would be suitable choices for those looking for a shorter key travel 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 Maple Leaf 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 and balanced typing experience suitable for various settings. The extended springs contribute to a bouncy feel, offering a gentle and approachable typing experience that falls into a safe, middle-ground zone in terms of tactility. On the other hand, information on the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch's sound and feel qualities are currently unavailable. However, it can be anticipated that the Cloudy Shadow linear switch may provide a similar typing experience to the Maple Leaf tactile switch, as both switches aim to offer a comfortable and versatile option for users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, you'll want to choose the Cloudy Shadow if you value a balanced typing experience with a neutral sound signature and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams. The Cloudy Shadow's bouncy feel and extended springs provide a unique typing experience that may be preferred by those looking for a switch with a moderate actuation force. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a slightly higher bottom out force of 65 grams and are looking for a tactile switch with a different typing experience, the Maple Leaf may be the better choice for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferred typing feel and sound profile.
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