Aflion Cloudy Shadow vs. Outemu Red
An in-depth look at the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Outemu Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Outemu Red both offer linear typing experiences, but with some key differences. The Cloudy Shadow, with its rapid traction in the industry, is praised for its neutral sound signature and bouncy feel thanks to extended springs. The 63.5g bottom-out force provides a balanced typing experience, reflecting Aflion's commitment to quality and innovation. On the other hand, the Outemu Red switch is known for its smooth linear feel without any specific standout features. While the Cloudy Shadow is categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Mild', 'Neutral', the Red switch doesn't fall into any specific category. Both switches have their strengths and appeal to different preferences, but diving deeper into their individual characteristics will help you determine which one is the best fit for your typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.10 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
The housing materials of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Outemu Red switches offer a different experience when it comes to sound profiles. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic that resonates sound more clearly. However, the Cloudy Shadow's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Red's nylon bottom housing. The softer nylon material absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that contrast with the sharpness of the top housing.
In terms of aesthetics, both the Cloudy Shadow and the Outemu Red switches benefit from the translucency of polycarbonate in their top housing. This makes them ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting, as the clear housing allows the light to shine through. However, the impact of the housing materials extends beyond visuals, as the bottom housing material also influences the overall sound and feel of each switch. While both switches provide unique sound profiles due to their housing materials, the split between top and bottom housing means that the qualities of each material are felt differently when typing on the switches.
Overall, the use of different housing materials in the Cloudy Shadow and Outemu Red switches allows for a varied typing experience for users. The combination of polycarbonate top housing for a crisper sound and nylon bottom housing for a deeper sound creates a well-rounded typing experience on the Cloudy Shadow. In contrast, the Outemu Red switches provide a sharper sound profile overall due to the consistent use of polycarbonate material throughout. Despite these differences, both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in achieving specific sound profiles and aesthetics in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, it is clear that there are some notable differences. The Cloudy Shadow has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Red's 62 grams. However, the actuation force of the Red is 46 grams, while the Cloudy Shadow's actuation force is unknown. This means that the Red switch requires less force to trigger a keystroke compared to the Cloudy Shadow. In terms of weight, some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Red for longer typing sessions, while others may appreciate the slightly heavier bottom out force of the Cloudy Shadow for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Outemu Red has a longer travel distance compared to the Cloudy Shadow. The 0.5 mm may not seem like a huge difference, but it can impact the overall typing or gaming experience. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Cloudy Shadow, while those who enjoy a more robust keypress may lean towards the longer travel distance of the Outemu Red. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and responsiveness.
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 Red 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 Cloudy Shadow linear switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a mellow tone that is suitable for various typing environments. The extended springs in this switch contribute to a bouncy feel, offering a balanced typing experience with a 63.5g bottom-out force. On the other hand, the Outemu Red linear switch's sound profile is unknown. In terms of feel, the Cloudy Shadow switch is described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that most users will find approachable. The feel of the Outemu Red switch is also unknown.
Considering the available information, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch stands out for its unique sound and feel characteristics, making it a popular choice for those seeking a balanced typing experience. While the sound and feel of the Outemu Red switch remain unknown, it is likely that users can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel from both switches. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific requirements of the user.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, you'll want to choose the Cloudy Shadow if you value a slightly heavier bottom out force for added feedback and a bouncy typing experience. The Cloudy Shadow's neutral sound signature and mild feel make it a versatile option suitable for a wide range of typing tasks. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force and are looking for a more straightforward linear switch without any specific standout features, the Outemu Red may be the better choice for you. Ultimately, the decision will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are seeking.
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