Aflion Cloudy Shadow vs. Jerrzi Poseidon
An in-depth look at the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Jerrzi Poseidon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Jerrzi Poseidon, both linear switches. The Cloudy Shadow from Aflion has gained rapid traction in the industry for its neutral sound signature and bouncy feel, thanks to its extended springs. With a 63.5g bottom-out force, this switch offers a balanced typing experience that reflects the quality and innovation of this rising manufacturer. On the other hand, the Poseidon from Jerrzi doesn't have any specific standout features mentioned, but it offers a linear typing experience. If you prefer a switch with a low-pitched, mild, and neutral feel, the Cloudy Shadow may 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
40g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Jerrzi Poseidon, it is clear that both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their top housing material. The Cloudy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, ideal for users looking for a high-pitched typing experience. On the other hand, the Poseidon's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound, catering to those who prefer a softer typing sound. While the sound profiles differ, both switches offer a pleasing sound experience tailored to different preferences.
When it comes to the bottom housing materials, both the Cloudy Shadow's nylon and the Poseidon's POM housing materials elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon in the Cloudy Shadow absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the POM bottom housing in the Poseidon contributes to a deeper and more muted sound. Despite the differences in material, both switches offer a sound profile on the deeper side, appealing to users who enjoy a quieter typing experience with a fuller sound.
Overall, while the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and Jerrzi Poseidon feature different top and bottom housing materials, they both provide unique sound profiles suited to different preferences. The polycarbonate top housing in the Cloudy Shadow creates a crisp and sharp sound, while the POM top housing in the Poseidon offers a deeper and more muted sound. Both switches share bottom housing materials that result in a fuller sound experience, catering to users who prefer a quieter typing sound. Whether you prefer a sharper, high-pitched sound or a deeper, quieter typing experience, both switches offer housing materials that create distinct sound profiles for a customized typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch, it is evident that the two switches have different characteristics. The Aflion Cloudy Shadow has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is considered medium-heavy, whereas the Jerrzi Poseidon has an actuation force of 40 grams, but the bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Cloudy Shadow is heavier in terms of bottoming out compared to the Poseidon. The actuation force of the Cloudy Shadow is not specified, while the Poseidon requires 40 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. In terms of weight, the Poseidon is lighter, making it suitable for longer typing sessions and gaming, while the Cloudy Shadow provides a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch, both switches have relatively short travel distances. The Cloudy Shadow has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, slightly longer than the Poseidon's 3.4 mm. In terms of key feel, the difference between the two may not be significant, as both fall within the range of shorter travel distances preferred by gamers for faster response times. The Cloudy Shadow could be considered the longer option, while the Poseidon is the shorter option, although the variance is minimal. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar key feel due to their relatively short travel distances.
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 Jerrzi Poseidon has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Poseidon for $3.59.
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 praised for its low-pitched and neutral sound profile, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone suitable for a wide range of users. In comparison, the Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch's sound quality is unknown, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect. Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Cloudy Shadow is noted for its mild typing experience, providing a gentle and approachable feel for most users. Unfortunately, information on the feel of the Poseidon switch is unavailable, making it challenging to draw a direct comparison between the two in this regard.
Overall, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch seems to offer a balanced typing experience with its neutral sound signature and mild feel. If the Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch shares similar qualities, users can expect to achieve a comparable typing experience. However, without specific information on the sound and feel of the Poseidon switch, it is recommended that users test both switches to determine which best suits their preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a balanced typing experience, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch would be a great choice. With its neutral sound signature and bouncy feel, it offers a pleasant typing experience suitable for both beginners and advanced users. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with an unknown bottom out force and a different typing experience, the Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch might be worth considering. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
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