Aflion Cloudy Shadow vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Aflion presents two intriguing options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts: the Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch. The Cloudy Shadow linear switch offers a smooth and bouncy typing experience with a neutral sound signature, making it ideal for those who prefer a balanced tactile feel with a 63.5g bottom-out force. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch provides a high level of tactility and a unique typing experience with deep, resonating thocks. While the Cloudy Shadow emphasizes a mild and low-pitched typing experience, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch boasts a clacky, high-pitched, and sharp feel. Each switch has its own set of characteristics and advantages, so determining the best choice for your preferences ultimately requires a closer look beyond these generalities.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
63g
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
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
20mm dual-stage spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring both feature polycarbonate top housings, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing enhances the clarity and resonant quality of the sound produced by the switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. However, the Cloudy Shadow has a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, emphasizing a sharper and crisper sound profile similar to its top housing.
The difference in bottom housing material between the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring affects the overall sound and feel of the switches. While the Cloudy Shadow's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring maintains a sharp and high-pitched sound quality. When pressing down on these switches, users will experience the impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel, with the top housing influencing the sound when releasing a key. This division of qualities between the top and bottom housings provides a unique typing experience for each switch.
Overall, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring showcase how different housing materials can impact the sound and feel of mechanical switches. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings that enhance clarity and resonance, their differing bottom housing materials lead to distinct sound profiles. The Cloudy Shadow's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains a sharp and crisp sound quality. Despite the variation in bottom housing material, both switches offer a unique typing experience that highlights the importance of housing materials in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch both have a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making them fairly similar in that aspect. However, the Cloudy Shadow has an actuation force of None grams, meaning the force required to trigger a keystroke is unknown. In contrast, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has an actuation force of 55 grams, making it slightly lighter in terms of actuation force compared to the Cloudy Shadow. This difference may result in a slightly lighter feel when typing on the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch, which could be preferred for longer typing sessions or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation force and typing experience.
Travel distance
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it shorter than the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Cloudy Shadow provides a more responsive typing experience, favored by gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch offers a deeper key press, which some may find more comfortable for extended typing sessions. Both switches offer unique benefits depending on individual preferences, with the Cloudy Shadow being shorter and the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring being longer in terms of 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 Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring for $3.57.
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, characterized by a mellow tone that is suitable for various typing environments. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound, creating a sharp and snappy typing experience that is distinct and percussive. Depending on personal preference and the setup of the keyboard, the sound of each switch can be further influenced by factors such as keycaps and overall board design.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow is described as providing a mild typing experience with a balanced feel that falls in a safe, middle-ground zone. In contrast, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch offers a sharp and snappy feel with a strong tactile bump that is accented and snappy, giving each keypress a distinct and responsive sensation. The bouncy and stepped characteristics of the switch further enhance the typing experience, providing a lively and elastic feedback that adds to the overall feel of the switch.
Ultimately, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Cloudy Shadow provides a neutral and mild experience, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring offers a clacky and sharp tactile feel. Both switches showcase the innovative engineering and quality that Aflion brings to the market, giving users the opportunity to customize their typing experience based on their desired sound and feel preferences. Whether you prefer a more subdued typing experience or a sharp and responsive feel, Aflion has a switch option to meet your needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you are looking for a balanced typing feel with a moderate actuation force and a neutral sound profile, the Cloudy Shadow linear switch with its bouncy feel and low-pitched sound may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile experience with a sharp and prominent tactile bump, along with a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch with its accented, snappy, and bouncy feel would suit your needs better. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences for typing feel and sound when choosing between these two switches.
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