Aflion Cloudy Shadow vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Aflion Cloudy Shadow, a linear switch, and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade, a tactile switch. The Cloudy Shadow from Aflion is praised for its neutral sound signature and bouncy feel, thanks to extended springs, providing a balanced typing experience with a 63.5g bottom-out force. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade offers a quiet and tactile typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound, featuring a unique translucent jade yellow housing and a punchy tactile bump. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that may appeal to different preferences, whether you value a smooth linear feel or a tactile 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
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
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
The housing materials of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade both play a crucial role in determining the sound profile of the switches. In terms of their top housings, the Cloudy Shadow utilizes polycarbonate, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade features a nylon top housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. While the Cloudy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing is ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency, the Silent Yellow Jade's nylon top housing offers a more traditional typing experience with its absorbent qualities.
Moving on to the bottom housings of these switches, both the Cloudy Shadow and the Silent Yellow Jade utilize nylon material. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. As the bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of a switch when pressed, the nylon material in both switches ensures a satisfying typing experience. Despite the similarities in bottom housing material, the differences in the top housings of the Cloudy Shadow and the Silent Yellow Jade lead to unique sound profiles that cater to varying preferences in keyboard enthusiasts. Ultimately, the combination of different housing materials in each switch allows for a harmonious blend of qualities that enhance the overall typing experience.
Weight
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch have noticeable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cloudy Shadow has a lower actuation force with None grams, making it lighter to press compared to the Silent Yellow Jade which requires 50 grams to actuate. In terms of bottom out force, the Cloudy Shadow requires 63.5 grams, while the Silent Yellow Jade requires 65 grams. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy range in terms of bottom out force. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Cloudy Shadow for longer typing sessions, while those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the heavier actuation force of the Silent Yellow Jade. Overall, the Silent Yellow Jade is slightly heavier in both actuation and bottom out forces compared to the Cloudy Shadow.
Travel distance
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Cloudy Shadow has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Silent Yellow Jade. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for gamers looking for quick response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may be noticeable to those who prefer a deeper key press. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches depends on personal preference for travel distance and typing 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 Yellow Jade 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 Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch is known for its neutral, low-pitched sound profile, making it suitable for various typing environments. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch offers a "thocky" sound with a punchy tactile bump, creating a unique typing experience. The Cloudy Shadow switch provides a bouncy feel due to its extended springs, offering a balanced typing experience, while the Silent Yellow Jade switch gives a satisfying tactile feedback with a quiet operation. Both switches bring their unique qualities to the table, catering to different preferences in sound and feel. However, if you prefer a more neutral sound and a bouncy feel, the Cloudy Shadow may be the right choice for you. Alternatively, if you enjoy a "thocky" sound and a punchy tactile bump, the Silent Yellow Jade switch is worth considering. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will come down to personal preferences in sound and feel.
Conclusion
Therefore, when choosing between the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, you should consider your preference for sound and feel. If you prefer a low-pitched, neutral sound with a balanced typing experience, then the Cloudy Shadow would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quiet, tactile typing experience with a satisfying thocky sound, then the Silent Yellow Jade would be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound and feel when typing.
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