Aflion Cloudy Shadow vs. Outemu Milk Peach
An in-depth look at the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Outemu Milk Peach switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch is gaining rapid traction in the industry, known for its balanced typing experience with a neutral sound signature and bouncy feel due to the extended springs. With a 63.5g bottom-out force, this switch reflects the quality and innovation Aflion brings to the market. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch offers a different typing experience with its own unique characteristics, although information about it is limited. If you're looking for a switch with a neutral sound and balanced feel, the Cloudy Shadow may be the way to go. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 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 housing materials of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Outemu Milk Peach switches share similarities in their polycarbonate top housing. Both switches use polycarbonate, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, leading to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed for RGB lighting. However, while both switches use polycarbonate in their top housing, they differ in their nylon bottom housing. The Cloudy Shadow features a nylon bottom housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Milk Peach also utilizes a nylon bottom housing for a similar sound profile.
Despite sharing similarities in their polycarbonate top housing, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Outemu Milk Peach switches diverge in their overall sound profiles due to their different bottom housing materials. The Cloudy Shadow's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, providing a duller and rounder sound profile. Meanwhile, the Milk Peach's nylon bottom housing also enhances its sound profile by absorbing sound and creating a duller tone. This difference in bottom housing materials affects the overall typing experience and sound produced by each switch, highlighting the importance of both top and bottom housing materials in determining the final sound profile of a mechanical keyboard switch.
In conclusion, while the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Outemu Milk Peach switches have similarities in their polycarbonate top housing, their different bottom housing materials result in distinct sound profiles. The Cloudy Shadow's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the Milk Peach's nylon bottom housing also contributes to a similar sound profile. The combination of materials in the top and bottom housing of each switch plays a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience and sound produced by the switches, showcasing the importance of housing materials in mechanical keyboard switches.
Weight
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Cloudy Shadow has an actuation force of None grams, meaning it is light to press down, while the Milk Peach has an actuation force of 45 grams, which requires a bit more force to trigger a keystroke. Both switches have a bottom out force of None grams, which means the force needed to press all the way down is unknown for the Milk Peach and 63.5 grams for the Cloudy Shadow, making it a medium-heavy switch. This makes the Cloudy Shadow the heavier option compared to the Milk Peach. Depending on personal preference, some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Milk Peach for longer typing sessions, while others may prefer the heavier bottom out force of the Cloudy Shadow for a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches offer shorter travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0mm distance, making them preferred choices for gamers seeking faster response times. The Cloudy Shadow has a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a bit more depth and feedback when typing compared to the Milk Peach. However, both switches offer similar benefits in terms of responsiveness due to their shorter travel distances. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing feel.
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 Peach 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 is characterized by a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone without being too loud or distracting. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch's sound qualities are unknown, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Cloudy Shadow linear switch is described as having a mild feel, providing a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone in terms of tactile feedback. With extended springs contributing to a bouncy feel, users can enjoy a balanced typing experience with a 63.5g bottom-out force. Unfortunately, information on the feel of the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch is unavailable, making it challenging to draw a direct comparison in terms of typing experience.
In conclusion, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch stands out for its neutral sound signature and mild, bouncy feel, offering a balanced and approachable typing experience for users. While the sound and feel qualities of the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch remain unknown, it is possible that users may achieve similar results in certain aspects such as sound and typing experience depending on their preferences and setup. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch or the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch, you should opt for the Cloudy Shadow if you prefer a medium-heavy 63.5g bottom-out force and a neutral sound profile with a low-pitched tone. The extended springs in the Cloudy Shadow provide a bouncy feel, offering a balanced typing experience suitable for both beginners and advanced users. On the other hand, if bottom-out force and sound profile are not significant factors for you, and you are looking for a switch with a unique feel and sound signature, the Milk Peach may be the better choice for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style.
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