Aflion Cloudy Shadow vs. Outemu Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch to the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, there are notable differences that cater to different preferences. The Cloudy Shadow is praised for its neutral sound signature and bouncy feel, thanks to its extended springs, offering a balanced typing experience with a 63.5g bottom-out force. On the other hand, the Silent Ocean does not have any specific standout features mentioned. The Cloudy Shadow is categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Mild', and 'Neutral', while information about the Silent Ocean's sound and feel is not provided. If you are looking for a switch with a balanced typing experience and neutral sound profile, the Cloudy Shadow might 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
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
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 Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Outemu Silent Ocean both feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, creating a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches using RGB lighting. Despite both switches utilizing the same housing material, the slight variations in design and manufacturing may result in subtle differences in sound and feel.
On the other hand, the Cloudy Shadow and the Silent Ocean diverge in their choice of bottom housing material, with the Cloudy Shadow using nylon and the Silent Ocean opting for polysulfone. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. Conversely, polysulfone may offer a different typing experience, potentially producing a sharper sound due to its stiffer nature. These differences in bottom housing material can significantly impact the overall sound and feel of each switch.
When comparing the housing materials of the Cloudy Shadow and the Silent Ocean, it is evident that the choice of material for both the top and bottom housings plays a crucial role in determining the overall typing experience. While both switches share the properties of polycarbonate top housings, the use of different bottom housing materials (nylon for the Cloudy Shadow and polysulfone for the Silent Ocean) may result in distinct sound and feel characteristics. Ultimately, the combination of these housing materials contributes to the unique tactile feedback and acoustics of each switch.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch to the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, it is evident that the Cloudy Shadow has a lower actuation force of None grams, while the Silent Ocean has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Cloudy Shadow at 63.5 grams and the Silent Ocean at 65 grams. This means that typing on the Cloudy Shadow switch may feel lighter and require less force to initiate a keystroke compared to the Silent Ocean switch, but both switches offer a similar typing experience when fully pressed down. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for either a lighter or slightly heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Silent Ocean has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Cloudy Shadow. A travel distance of 4.0mm is considered traditional, while 3.0mm is shallower. Gamers tend to prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times, making the Cloudy Shadow a potentially preferred option for them. However, those who prefer a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Silent Ocean switch with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired 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 Ocean 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 comparing the sound of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch to the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, the Cloudy Shadow is noted for its low-pitched and neutral sound profile. This means that the Cloudy Shadow offers a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, making it suitable for a variety of typing environments. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Silent Ocean switch is unknown, so it is difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect. Moving on to the feel, the Cloudy Shadow switch is described as offering a mild typing experience, providing a gentle feel that is approachable to most users. Unfortunately, the feel of the Silent Ocean switch is also unknown, making it challenging to make a direct comparison in terms of typing feel between the two switches.
Considering the information available, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch is known for its neutral sound signature and bouncy feel, providing a balanced typing experience with a 63.5g bottom-out force. While the sound and feel of the Outemu Silent Ocean switch are not explicitly stated, based on their similarities as linear switches, it is likely that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of smoothness and lack of tactile feedback. Both switches offer a more moderate typing experience, making them suitable for a wide range of users and typing preferences. Ultimately, if the user is looking for a linear switch with a well-rounded feel and sound profile, either the Aflion Cloudy Shadow or Outemu Silent Ocean switch would likely meet their needs effectively.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch or the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, you should opt for the Cloudy Shadow if you prefer a slightly lower bottom out force of 63.5 grams and enjoy a neutral sound signature with a low-pitched tone. Additionally, if you appreciate a bouncy feel due to extended springs, the Cloudy Shadow would be the ideal choice for a balanced typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly higher bottom out force of 65 grams and prioritize a silent typing experience, the Silent Ocean may be the better option for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two linear switches will depend on your personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and bottom out force.
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