Aflion Cloudy Shadow vs. Outemu Milk Blue
An in-depth look at the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Outemu Milk Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and Outemu Milk Blue offer unique typing experiences for users to consider. The Cloudy Shadow linear switch by Aflion is praised for its neutral sound signature and bouncy feel, thanks to the extended springs, providing a balanced typing experience with a 63.5g bottom-out force. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch doesn't have a specific standout feature but falls into the category of providing a different feel compared to linear switches. If you're looking for a quiet and smooth typing experience, the Cloudy Shadow may be the switch for you. However, if you prefer a more tactile and audible typing experience, the Milk Blue could be the better choice. 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
N/A
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Outemu Milk Blue, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. This material is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. This similarity between the two switches indicates that users can expect a similar sound profile and aesthetics from both when it comes to the top housing material.
However, where the switches differ is in their bottom housing materials. The Cloudy Shadow utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Milk Blue also features a nylon bottom housing, offering the same benefits in terms of sound profile but with a different design. Both switches use nylon for their bottom housing, ensuring that the typing experience will provide a satisfying and rounded sound, but the differences lie in other aspects of the switches.
When considering the impact of the different housing materials on the overall typing experience, it's important to note that the bottom housing will have more influence on the sound and feel when pressing down on a key. In contrast, the top housing will play a larger role in the sound produced when releasing a key. This distinction highlights how the choice of housing material can affect various aspects of typing, from sound profile to tactile feedback. Overall, while both the Cloudy Shadow and the Milk Blue utilize similar materials for their top housing, the differences in their bottom housing materials provide unique characteristics to each switch.
Weight
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch is definitely lighter in terms of actuation force, as it requires None grams compared to the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch's 50 grams. On the other hand, when it comes to bottom out force, the Cloudy Shadow is heavier at 63.5 grams while the Milk Blue's force is unknown. This means that the Cloudy Shadow would provide a lighter typing experience in terms of actuation force, but a heavier feel when it comes to bottoming out. Ultimately, those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Cloudy Shadow, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Milk Blue.
Travel distance
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Milk Blue has a longer travel distance compared to the Cloudy Shadow. The difference of 0.5 mm may not seem like much, but it can make a difference in the typing experience. The Cloudy Shadow would provide a slightly shorter travel distance, which could be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Milk Blue would offer a longer travel distance, suitable for those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. Overall, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference regarding travel distance and typing 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 Milk 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 offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone suitable for a wide range of users. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch's sound profile is unknown, so it's difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect.
In terms of feel, the Cloudy Shadow switch is known for its mild and bouncy tactile feel due to the extended springs, offering a gentle typing experience that falls in a safe middle-ground zone. Unfortunately, the specific feel of the Outemu Milk Blue switch is not provided, making it challenging to contrast it with the Cloudy Shadow in this regard.
Overall, if sound and feel are important factors for you in selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the detailed information available for the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch gives a clearer understanding of what to expect. While the Outemu Milk Blue switch may provide similar results in sound and feel, the lack of specific descriptions makes it harder to gauge its performance compared to the Cloudy Shadow. Ultimately, it's essential to consider your own preferences and needs when choosing between these switches to ensure the best typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, consider your preference for a quiet and balanced typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 63.5 grams. If you value a neutral sound signature and bouncy feel, the Cloudy Shadow is the way to go. However, if you prefer a clicky switch with an unknown bottom-out force and a more pronounced typing experience, the Milk Blue may be the better option for you. Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal preference and typing style. Happy typing!
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