Aflion Cloudy Shadow vs. Kailh Sage
An in-depth look at the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Kailh Sage switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and Kailh Sage offer unique experiences for different preferences. The Cloudy Shadow stands out for its linear design, providing a smooth keystroke and bouncy feel with a 63.5g bottom-out force. This switch is ideal for those seeking a quiet and balanced typing experience. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage is a clicky switch that delivers a distinct clicky sound with a heavier feel, adding a satisfying tactile feedback. While the Cloudy Shadow is categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Mild', 'Neutral', the Sage is described as 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', 'Crunchy'. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your typing style and preference for sound and feel. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Kailh Sage, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting, making it a popular choice for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. However, while both switches share this common material for their top housing, the Cloudy Shadow stands out with a nylon bottom housing that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics.
The difference in housing materials between the Cloudy Shadow and the Sage lies in their bottom housings. Both switches feature a similar polycarbonate top housing that contributes to their sharp and crisp sound profiles. However, the Sage's nylon bottom housing enhances the typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Cloudy Shadow, which features a polycarbonate bottom housing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, ultimately creating a duller and rounder sound that complements the sharper sound produced by the top housing of each switch. This distinction in bottom housing material highlights the impact of different materials on the overall sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Overall, the combination of housing materials in mechanical keyboard switches plays a crucial role in determining the sound and feel of typing. The split between top and bottom housing materials in switches like the Cloudy Shadow and the Sage allows for a nuanced typing experience, with each material contributing to different aspects of the sound profile. While the polycarbonate top housing creates a sharp and resonant sound, the nylon bottom housing adds depth and absorption to the sound, resulting in a more well-rounded typing experience. Whether it's the stiffer polycarbonate top housing of the Cloudy Shadow or the softer nylon bottom housing of the Sage, each material brings its own unique qualities to the overall performance of the switch.
Weight
The actuation force of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch is not specified, while the Kailh Sage clicky switch also has an unknown actuation force. When comparing the bottom out force, the Cloudy Shadow requires 63.5 grams, while the Sage needs 70 grams, making the Sage slightly heavier. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category in terms of bottom out force. The weight of a switch is important to consider based on personal preference. Lighter switches are preferred by some for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others prefer a heavier feel for a more substantial typing experience. In this case, the Cloudy Shadow would be considered the lighter option in comparison to the Sage. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces of these switches may provide similar results depending on individual preferences for typing feel.
Travel distance
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Kailh Sage clicky switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. The Cloudy Shadow offers a slightly shorter travel distance, making it a potential choice for those seeking a more responsive key press. On the other hand, the Sage provides a bit more depth in travel, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial key press feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key press 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 Kailh Sage comes in at $6.25 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
In terms of sound, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a soothing and balanced typing experience. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage clicky switch is known for its crunchy and sharp clickiness, delivering a more pronounced and impactful typing sound. Depending on personal preferences, users may gravitate towards the mellow tones of the Cloudy Shadow or the crisp crunch of the Sage for a more audible typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Cloudy Shadow linear switch offers a mild and bouncy typing experience thanks to its extended springs, providing a gentle and approachable feel for users. In contrast, the Kailh Sage clicky switch is described as invigorating and sharp, offering a firm actuation force and a strong tactile bump for a more reactive and immersive typing sensation. Whether users prefer a softer and balanced feel or a more tactile and intense typing experience, both switches cater to different preferences in terms of typing feedback.
Overall, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch offer contrasting sound and feel characteristics for users to choose from based on their personal preferences. While the Cloudy Shadow provides a neutral and mild typing experience, the Sage offers a more pronounced and crunchy typing sound with invigorating tactile feedback. Whether users prioritize a soothing typing experience with balanced sound or an intense and immersive typing sensation, both switches showcase the unique qualities and innovation that each manufacturer brings to the mechanical keyboard market. Ultimately, users can achieve satisfying typing results with either switch, depending on their desired sound and feel preferences.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, you should consider your preference for sound and feel. If you prefer a neutral sound signature with a bouncy typing experience and a medium-heavy bottom-out force, the Cloudy Shadow may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a distinct clicky typing experience with sharp clickiness and a heavy bottom-out force, the Sage would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you are looking for. Consider trying out both switches if possible to determine which one aligns best with your preferences.
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