Aflion Cloudy Shadow vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch offer distinct typing experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Cloudy Shadow is praised for its neutral sound signature and bouncy feel, boasting a 63.5g bottom-out force that provides a balanced typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey switch is known for its quiet and highly tactile typing experience, featuring a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke for those seeking a satisfying and silent option. While the Cloudy Shadow offers a mild and low-pitched typing experience, the Silent Grey switch prioritizes tactility and silence. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
In comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Outemu Silent Grey, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. This results in a clear and resonant sound that is especially useful for switches intended for RGB lighting. However, while both switches share this feature, they differ in their bottom housing material. The Cloudy Shadow utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound than harder plastics. On the other hand, the Silent Grey also employs a nylon bottom housing, offering a similar typing experience with a duller and rounder sound compared to switches with harder plastic bottoms.
Despite the similarities in the top housing material of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Outemu Silent Grey, the different bottom housing materials impact the overall typing experience of each switch. The split qualities of the housing materials allow for a unique sensation when pressing down on the switch. The Cloudy Shadow's nylon bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, contributing to a deeper and fuller typing experience. In contrast, the Silent Grey's nylon bottom housing offers a different tactile experience, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile when typing on the switch.
Overall, while both the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Outemu Silent Grey share a polycarbonate top housing that enhances the sound profile with its stiffness, the difference in bottom housing materials sets them apart in terms of the overall typing experience. The Cloudy Shadow's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound, while the Silent Grey's nylon bottom housing offers a duller and rounder sound. These distinctions speak to the importance of housing materials in influencing the sound and feel of mechanical switches and showcase how variations in materials can result in unique typing experiences.
Weight
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch have different actuation forces and bottom out forces. The Cloudy Shadow has no actuation force specified and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it medium-heavy. In comparison, the Silent Grey has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, also falling into the medium-heavy category. While the actuation force of the Silent Grey is lighter than that of the Cloudy Shadow, both switches have similar bottom out forces. This means that while the Silent Grey may feel slightly lighter when pressing the keys initially, the overall typing experience in terms of force required to fully press the keys will be similar between the two switches. In terms of weight preference, those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Silent Grey, while those who prefer a slightly heavier typing experience may opt for the Cloudy Shadow. Ultimately, the decision may come down to personal preference and the specific use case for the keyboard.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distances of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, it is evident that the Cloudy Shadow has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm compared to the Silent Grey's 4 mm. The Cloudy Shadow's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Silent Grey's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth for some users. Both switches offer different experiences due to their difference in travel distances, providing options for users based on their preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether one prefers a shorter or longer travel distance for their typing or gaming 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 Silent Grey 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
Overall, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile with a bouncy and mild feel due to its extended springs. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch provides a quiet and highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke. While the Cloudy Shadow switch may suit those looking for a balanced typing experience with a moderate sound profile, the Silent Grey switch caters to individuals seeking a satisfying and silent typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, either switch could provide a pleasant typing experience. Remember, the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as your choice of keyboard and keycaps. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience, so consider your priorities when choosing between them.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a balanced typing experience with a neutral sound signature and a bouncy feel, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch with its 63.5g bottom-out force may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch with its 65g bottom-out force would be more suitable. Consider your preference for sound and feel when deciding between these two switches, as both offer unique characteristics tailored to different typing preferences. Ultimately, choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and preferences for a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience.
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