Aflion Cloudy Shadow vs. Everglide Sakura Pink
An in-depth look at the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Everglide Sakura Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch to the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, it is important to take note of their distinct characteristics. The Cloudy Shadow is known 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 Sakura Pink switch stands out for its super light 35g actuation force, perfect for delicate typists. The Sakura Pink switches provide a gliding type feel with a delightful poppy sound, while the Cloudy Shadow switches offer a more subdued typing experience. Each switch has its own unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
35g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Everglide Sakura Pink both feature polycarbonate top housings, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances clarity and resonance in the sound produced by the switches. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate material makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting, adding a visually appealing element to the overall design. While both switches share this common feature in their top housing, they differ in their bottom housing material.
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow utilizes a nylon bottom housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that can enhance the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink features a polycarbonate bottom housing, aligning with its top housing material. This consistency in housing materials ensures a cohesive sound profile throughout the switch, with the stiffness of polycarbonate contributing to a clear and resonant sound quality.
In terms of design and performance, the housing materials of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Everglide Sakura Pink play a significant role in shaping the sound profile of each switch. While both switches share polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and crisp sound, the Cloudy Shadow's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound experience, while the Sakura Pink maintains consistency with polycarbonate in both top and bottom housings. Understanding the impact of different housing materials on sound production can help enthusiasts make informed decisions when selecting switches for their keyboards based on their desired typing experience and aesthetic preferences.
Weight
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch, while the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch has a bottom out force of 45 grams, which is lighter. The actuation force of the Sakura Pink is 35 grams, while the actuation force of the Cloudy Shadow is not specified. The difference in bottom out force indicates that the Sakura Pink switch will require less force to fully press down compared to the Cloudy Shadow. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience might lean towards the Sakura Pink switch, while users who prefer a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Cloudy Shadow. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, it is clear that the Cloudy Shadow has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Sakura Pink boasts a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Cloudy Shadow's shorter distance may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times, while the Sakura Pink may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key feel. Both switches offer reliable performance, so you can expect similar results regardless of which one you choose.
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 Everglide Sakura Pink has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura Pink for $3.89.
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 comparing the subjective qualities of sound between the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, the Cloudy Shadow is described as having a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone suitable for various users and environments. In contrast, the Sakura Pink is known for its muted sound, offering a softer and quieter typing experience that minimizes the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Cloudy Shadow providing a more moderate and balanced tone, while the Sakura Pink delivers a playful and poppy sound akin to bubble wrap being popped.
Regarding feel, the Cloudy Shadow is recognized for its mild typing experience, offering a gentle and approachable feel that falls within a safe middle-ground zone suitable for most users. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink switches are described as buttery, creamy, easy-to-press, and frictionless, providing a smooth, fluid, and effortless typing sensation with minimal resistance and friction during key presses. Both switches offer distinct tactile feedback that enhances the typing experience, with the Cloudy Shadow providing a mild and comfortable feel, while the Sakura Pink delivers a silky and seamless typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue during extended typing sessions.
Overall, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch offer unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Cloudy Shadow provides a balanced and mild typing experience with a neutral sound profile, the Sakura Pink offers a smooth and effortless feel with a playful and poppy sound. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between the Cloudy Shadow for a moderate and bouncy typing experience or the Sakura Pink for a buttery and frictionless typing sensation. Both switches provide quality and innovation in their own right, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch or the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom-out force and a neutral sound profile with a slightly bouncy feel, the Cloudy Shadow may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter key with a delicate touch, a smooth and effortless typing experience, and a playful poppy sound, the Sakura Pink may be more suitable for your needs. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what qualities are most important to you when making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between the Cloudy Shadow and Sakura Pink switches will depend on your individual typing preferences and desired typing experience.
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