Aflion Cloudy Shadow vs. Outemu Silent White
An in-depth look at the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Outemu Silent White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch to the Outemu Silent White linear switch, it's clear that both offer unique features for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Cloudy Shadow stands out for its rapid traction in the industry, boasting a balanced typing experience with a 63.5g bottom-out force and a neutral sound signature. On the other hand, the Silent White switch from Outemu provides a silent typing experience without any specific standout feature. While the Cloudy Shadow may appeal to those looking for a bouncy feel and innovative design, the Silent White switch could be a great choice for users who prioritize a quiet 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
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Outemu Silent White switches feature polycarbonate top housings, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate plastic. This material is ideal for switches that will be used with RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for vibrant light to shine through. The Cloudy Shadow also includes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Silent White utilizes the same nylon material for a similar effect. These housing materials complement each other well, with the polycarbonate enhancing the sound upon key release and the nylon adding depth to the overall typing experience.
Despite their similarities in housing materials, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Outemu Silent White switches may still offer slightly different typing experiences due to potential variations in design and manufacturing processes. The Cloudy Shadow's combination of polycarbonate and nylon housings may result in a nuanced sound profile that balances sharpness and depth, with the top housing impacting the key release sound and the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out feel. In contrast, the Silent White switch, with the same housing materials, may provide a similar typing experience but with its own unique attributes based on the specific properties and composition of the materials used in its construction.
Overall, the choice between the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Outemu Silent White switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing feel. The polycarbonate top housing in both switches offers a sharp and crisp sound, while the nylon bottom housing adds depth and fullness to the overall typing experience. Whether you prefer a more resonant sound with a stiffer plastic like polycarbonate or a mellower sound with a softer nylon material, both switches provide a high-quality typing experience with a balance of different qualities to suit various preferences. Ultimately, it may be worth trying out both switches to determine which housing material combination best suits your typing style and preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, it is evident that the Silent White is the lighter of the two with an actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Cloudy Shadow's unspecified actuation force. In terms of bottom out force, the Cloudy Shadow requires 63.5 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Silent White's 60 grams. Both switches offer a medium typing experience, but the Cloudy Shadow may provide a slightly more substantial feel due to its higher bottom out force. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods may lean towards the Silent White, while users seeking a bit more resistance may find the Cloudy Shadow more to their liking. Overall, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces between the two switches cater to individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Silent White linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for their quicker response times. The Cloudy Shadow's slightly longer travel distance may provide a bit more depth to the keystrokes compared to the Silent White, which can feel more abrupt to some users. Overall, the difference in travel distance between the two switches is minimal, so you can expect similar results in terms of key feel and performance.
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 White 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
Comparing the sound of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch to the Outemu Silent White linear switch, the Cloudy Shadow offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. This means that the Cloudy Shadow will provide a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, suitable for most typing purposes. On the other hand, the Silent White's sound qualities are unspecified. When it comes to feel, the Cloudy Shadow switch is described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that falls in a safe middle-ground zone. Unfortunately, the feel of the Silent White switch is not provided. Overall, if both switches offer similar specifications in terms of bottom-out force and actuation, users can expect comparable typing experiences in terms of sound and feel. It is important to keep in mind that individual preferences, as well as the choice of keyboard and keycaps, can also influence the overall typing experience with these switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom-out force for a more tactile typing experience, the Cloudy Shadow with its 63.5g bottom-out force may be the better option for you. Additionally, if you enjoy a low-pitched sound profile and a mild typing feel, the Cloudy Shadow's extended springs and neutral sound signature might suit your preferences. On the other hand, if you're looking for a slightly lighter bottom-out force and a silent typing experience, the Silent White with its 60g bottom-out force could be more suitable for you. Keep in mind that the Silent White is known for its silent operation, making it a good choice for those who prioritize typing quietly. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for bottom-out force, sound profile, and typing feel.
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