Aflion Cloudy Shadow vs. Outemu Spring Breeze
An in-depth look at the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Aflion's Cloudy Shadow linear switch has gained rapid traction in the mechanical keyboard industry for its balanced typing experience, characterized by a neutral sound signature and bouncy feel thanks to extended springs. With a 63.5g bottom-out force, this switch reflects the quality and innovation Aflion brings to the market. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch offers a different typing experience with its unique characteristics. While not much information is provided about the Spring Breeze, clicky switches are known for their tactile feedback and audible click sound, making them a popular choice for those who enjoy a satisfying typing experience. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences, 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
40g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 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
Nylon
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 features a polycarbonate top housing which results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the Outemu Spring Breeze has a nylon top housing that creates a deeper and fuller sound. The difference in housing materials leads to a noticeable contrast in sound quality between the two switches. The Cloudy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing is ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency, while the Spring Breeze's nylon top housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
Both the Cloudy Shadow and the Spring Breeze feature nylon bottom housings, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches. The impact of the bottom housing is felt more when pressing down on the switch, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. The split between the top and bottom housing materials in each switch allows for a balance of sound qualities throughout the typing experience. The difference in top and bottom housing materials highlights the unique characteristics of each switch and how they contribute to the overall sound profile.
In conclusion, the choice between the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Outemu Spring Breeze ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. The Cloudy Shadow's combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials creates a clear and resonant sound, while the Spring Breeze's all-nylon housing results in a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches offer a unique typing experience based on the combination of housing materials used, showcasing the importance of housing materials in determining the overall sound profile of a switch.
Weight
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch has no specified actuation force, whereas the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch has an actuation force of 40 grams, making it lighter in terms of initial key press resistance. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Cloudy Shadow requires 63.5 grams of force, making it medium-heavy, while the Spring Breeze only needs 55 grams, classifying it as medium-light. In terms of weight, those who prefer lighter switches may find the Spring Breeze more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Cloudy Shadow. Ultimately, both switches offer a different typing feel due to their variance in actuation and bottom out force, catering to different preferences for key press resistance.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, we find that the Cloudy Shadow has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Spring Breeze has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The difference may seem minimal, but it can have a noticeable impact on the typing or gaming experience. The Cloudy Shadow's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times, while the Spring Breeze's longer travel distance can provide a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a deeper key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired feel of the keyboard. Both switches offer unique benefits, so it is important to choose the one that best suits your typing or gaming needs.
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 Spring Breeze 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. This means that it will have a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches, making it suitable for a variety of environments and preferences. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch's sound profile is unknown. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch is described as providing a mild typing experience. This means that it offers a gentle feel while typing, making it approachable for most users. The extended springs in the Cloudy Shadow switches contribute to a bouncy feel, adding a level of comfort to the typing experience. As for the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, information on its feel is currently unavailable.
In conclusion, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch stands out for its balanced typing experience with a neutral sound profile and mild feel. On the other hand, the specific qualities of the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch remain unknown. If you are looking for a switch with a low-pitched sound and a mild typing feel, the Cloudy Shadow switch would be a solid choice. However, if you are seeking more information on the Spring Breeze switch, further research or hands-on experience would be necessary to determine its compatibility with your preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a bouncy feel, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. With its neutral sound signature and moderate actuation force, this switch offers a balanced typing experience suitable for various purposes. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a clicky sound profile, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch might be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences regarding typing feel, sound, and bottom out force. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that best suits your typing style and needs.
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