Aflion Cloudy Shadow vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for a mechanical keyboard switch, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch are two popular options to consider. The Cloudy Shadow is praised for its bouncy feel and neutral sound signature, offering a balanced typing experience with a 63.5g bottom-out force. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin is known for its silent tactile feedback, making it an ideal choice for office environments where noise reduction is important. The Penguin features a rounded tactile bump, providing satisfying feedback with each press, while maintaining a quiet profile. The Cloudy Shadow is best suited for those who prefer a linear switch with a responsive feel, while the Penguin is perfect for those looking for a tactile switch that offers a balance between feedback and ease of use. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the Akko Penguin uses a nylon top housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound. In terms of aesthetic appeal, the Cloudy Shadow's clear polycarbonate housing is ideal for showcasing RGB lighting, whereas the Penguin's nylon housing provides a more classic and timeless look. Both materials offer unique sound profiles, with polycarbonate being stiffer and more resonant, while nylon absorbs more sound for a duller and rounder sound.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Cloudy Shadow and the Penguin utilize nylon material. This choice results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. The impact of the bottom housing is more noticeable during key presses for both switches, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. The split between different housing materials for the top and bottom of the switches allows for a combination of qualities in terms of sound production and tactile feedback.
While the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Akko Penguin differ in their choice of top housing materials, where the former features polycarbonate and the latter nylon, both switches share a commonality in their use of nylon for the bottom housing. This similarity means that both switches offer a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the sound-absorbing properties of nylon. The tactile experience during key presses is influenced by the bottom housing material, showcasing the significance of housing materials in determining the overall sound and feel of mechanical switches.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch differ slightly in terms of weight. The Cloudy Shadow has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Penguin, which bottom out force is 60 grams. However, when it comes to actuation force, the Penguin requires 43 grams to trigger a keystroke, whereas the Cloudy Shadow's actuation force is unknown. In terms of weight, the Penguin is lighter and provides a smoother typing experience, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Cloudy Shadow offers a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force, which some users may prefer for a more tactile feel. Ultimately, both switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences in typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, the Cloudy Shadow has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm compared to the Penguin's 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular among users seeking faster response times, especially in gaming. However, the slight difference in travel distance may be noticeable to users who prefer a more substantial key press feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either a slightly longer or shorter travel distance.
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 Akko Penguin has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Penguin for $3.10.
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
In terms of sound, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch is known for its low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. This makes it a suitable option for various environments and typing preferences. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin tactile switch is described as having a muted and neutral sound, making it a quieter choice for settings where noise reduction is important. Both switches offer a moderate sound profile, ensuring a pleasant typing experience without being overly loud.
Moving on to feel, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch is characterized as offering a mild typing experience, falling into a safe middle-ground zone that most users will find approachable. In contrast, the Akko Penguin tactile switch provides a polished and mild typing feel, with smooth and refined key travel due to factory lubing. Additionally, the Penguin switch is described as feathery and subtle, offering an exceptionally light press and gentle resistance that allows for comfortable typing sessions without causing finger fatigue. Both switches prioritize a smooth typing experience, catering to different preferences in terms of key feel.
In conclusion, while the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch offer different sound and feel profiles, both switches prioritize a balanced typing experience with their unique qualities. The Cloudy Shadow delivers a bouncy feel with a low-pitched sound, while the Penguin provides a satisfying tactile bump with a muted sound signature. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, key feel, and typing environment. Nonetheless, users can expect quality and innovation from both Aflion and Akko in their respective switch offerings.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, consider the specific needs of your typing experience. If you value a slightly heavier bottom-out force and a bouncy feel with a neutral sound signature, the Cloudy Shadow may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter switch with a rounded tactile bump and a medium bottom-out force, the Penguin may suit your preferences better, especially in office environments where noise reduction is important. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences regarding typing feel, sound profile, and bottom-out force. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing styles, so choose accordingly to optimize your typing experience.
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