Aflion Cloudy Shadow vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch. The Cloudy Shadow is praised for its neutral sound signature and bouncy feel, thanks to its extended springs providing a balanced typing experience with a 63.5g bottom-out force. On the other hand, the Silent Brown offers a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump, all while maintaining a muted sound profile. While the Cloudy Shadow focuses on providing a smooth and bouncy typing experience, the Silent Brown excels in offering a satisfying tactile feedback with a quieter operation. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Both the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the TTC Silent Brown utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material choice leads to a more clear and resonant sound due to polycarbonate's relatively stiff nature. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. Despite their similarities in top housing material, the Cloudy Shadow stands out with its nylon bottom housing, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Silent Brown's nylon bottom housing, which absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound.
The contrasting bottom housing materials of the Cloudy Shadow and Silent Brown play a significant role in the overall sound and feel of the switches. The nylon bottom housing of the Cloudy Shadow provides a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, emphasizing a more impactful bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Silent Brown absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound experience. This difference in bottom housing material highlights how the specific characteristics of each material can influence the overall typing experience and sound profile of a switch.
While the top housing material of both the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the TTC Silent Brown is polycarbonate, their distinct bottom housing materials create varying sound profiles and typing experiences. The split between the qualities of the bottom and top housings means that the bottom housing will have a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will influence the sound when releasing a key. Understanding the role of each housing material in the overall sound profile of mechanical switches can help users choose the right option based on their preferences for sound and typing feel.
Weight
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and TTC Silent Brown tactile switch both have a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making them equally medium-heavy in that regard. However, the actuation force of the Silent Brown is 45 grams, while the actuation force of the Cloudy Shadow is not specified. In terms of weight, the Silent Brown is lighter than the Cloudy Shadow, which may be preferred by those who type for long periods or engage in extended gaming sessions. The Cloudy Shadow, on the other hand, offers a stronger push feel due to its unknown actuation force, appealing to users looking for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Silent Brown has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Cloudy Shadow. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. The Cloudy Shadow's 3.5 mm travel distance may provide a slightly quicker feel, while the Silent Brown's 3.8 mm travel distance offers a bit more depth in the key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference for either a quicker and more responsive feel or a slightly deeper and more tactile 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 TTC Silent Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $3.68.
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, resulting in a more bass-heavy and mellow tone suitable for various typing environments. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch provides a muted sound experience, significantly reducing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Depending on personal preference and the surrounding environment, users may gravitate towards the Cloudy Shadow for its balanced and neutral sound or the Silent Brown for its quieter operation.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch is characterized by a mild typing experience, offering a gentle feel that falls in a safe, middle-ground zone suitable for a wide range of users. Conversely, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch is described as buttery and polished, providing a smooth and refined keystroke experience with reduced friction and effortless key travel. Both switches offer comfortable typing experiences, but the Silent Brown may appeal more to those seeking a luxurious and refined feel while the Cloudy Shadow caters to those looking for a more accessible and bouncy typing sensation.
Overall, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and TTC Silent Brown tactile switch each have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Cloudy Shadow excels in providing a balanced sound profile and mild typing experience, the Silent Brown stands out for its muted sound and buttery, polished feel. Ultimately, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch option, depending on whether they prioritize sound neutrality and bounciness or a quieter, luxurious feel. Both switches aim to enhance typing comfort and performance, ensuring a premium mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a switch with a bouncy feel and neutral sound signature, the Cloudy Shadow with its 63.5g bottom-out force may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a comfortable typing experience with a satisfying tactile bump and a muted sound profile, the TTC Silent Brown switch might be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal preference for typing feel, sound profile, and bottom-out force. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing styles, so choose the one that aligns best with your preferences and typing needs.
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