Aflion Cloudy Shadow vs. Outemu Silent Green
An in-depth look at the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Outemu Silent Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Outemu Silent Green offer unique features for different preferences. The Cloudy Shadow linear switch from Aflion has gained rapid traction in the industry for its neutral sound signature and bouncy feel, thanks to its extended springs. With a 63.5g bottom-out force, it provides a balanced typing experience ideal for those looking for a smooth and consistent feel. On the other hand, the Silent Green linear switch from Outemu offers a silent typing experience without any specific standout features. While the Cloudy Shadow is known for its mild and neutral characteristics, the Silent Green does not have a specific categorization. When deciding between these two switches, one might consider the Cloudy Shadow for its innovative design and balanced typing experience, while the Silent Green may be a preferred choice for those seeking a silent 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
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Outemu Silent Green both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. In terms of aesthetics, both switches benefit from the translucency of polycarbonate, making them ideal for use with RGB lighting. However, the Cloudy Shadow also includes a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Silent Green's polycarbonate bottom housing.
While both switches share the use of polycarbonate in the top housing for its sound-enhancing properties, the Cloudy Shadow's nylon bottom housing offers a different sound experience than the Silent Green's polycarbonate bottom housing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound profile when typing on the Cloudy Shadow. In contrast, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Silent Green contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, complementing the qualities of the top polycarbonate housing.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in a switch plays a significant role in the typing experience. The split between the top and bottom housing materials allows for a more nuanced sound profile depending on whether you are pressing down or letting go of a key. While both the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Outemu Silent Green benefit from the clarity and resonance of polycarbonate in the top housing, the Cloudy Shadow's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Silent Green's polycarbonate bottom housing. Ultimately, the combination of different housing materials in a switch can result in unique typing experiences for users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, there are some distinct differences. The Cloudy Shadow has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Silent Green's 60 grams. The actuation force of the Silent Green is 45 grams, while the Cloudy Shadow's actuation force is not specified, making the comparison difficult in this aspect. The Cloudy Shadow switch offers a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force, which some users may prefer for a more tactile feel. On the other hand, the Silent Green switch provides a lighter actuation force, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with the Cloudy Shadow being the heavier option and the Silent Green offering a lighter touch.
Travel distance
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the Outemu Silent Green linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Cloudy Shadow offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers who value speed and responsiveness. On the other hand, the Silent Green provides a more profound keypress feel with its longer travel distance, appealing to users who enjoy a more tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and the type of typing experience one prefers.
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 Silent Green 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 known for its low-pitched and neutral sound profile, offering a mellow tone with a moderate actuation force requirement. On the other hand, there is no information available regarding the sound of the Outemu Silent Green linear switch. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Cloudy Shadow linear switch is described as providing a mild typing experience with a bouncy feel due to its extended springs. This makes it approachable to most users, as it falls within a safe, middle-ground zone in terms of typing feel. Unfortunately, there is no information available regarding the typing feel of the Outemu Silent Green linear switch.
In conclusion, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch offers a balanced typing experience with a neutral sound signature, low-pitched tone, and a mild typing feel. While information on the Outemu Silent Green linear switch is lacking, based on the available information, it can be inferred that the Cloudy Shadow switch may provide a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel. As with any mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference and typing style will ultimately determine which switch is the best fit for individual users.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, you should choose the Cloudy Shadow if you are looking for a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams and enjoy a bouncy feel with a neutral sound signature. The Cloudy Shadow provides a balanced typing experience with its extended springs. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force of 60 grams and are looking for a switch with a different sound and feel profile, the Silent Green may be the better option for you. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences in terms of typing experience, sound, and feel.
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