Aflion Cloudy Shadow vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Gateron Silent Ink Black are both linear mechanical keyboard switches, yet they offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Cloudy Shadow is praised for its neutral sound signature and bouncy feel, thanks to the extended springs that provide a balanced typing experience with a 63.5g bottom-out force. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black is favored for its silenced design, perfect for quiet environments, offering a cushiony bottom-out feel with minimal audio feedback. While the Cloudy Shadow exudes a low-pitched and mild characteristics, the Silent Ink Black is described as silky, muted, and polished. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Gateron Silent Ink Black offer contrasting qualities. The Cloudy Shadow features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiff nature. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black has a proprietary INK blend top housing, which produces a pointed and high-pitched sound that is described as clacky. While both materials aim for a clear and resonant sound, the Cloudy Shadow leans towards a crisper sound profile compared to the Silent Ink Black's more satisfying and clacky sound.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Cloudy Shadow utilizes a nylon material that creates a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its soft nature that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use nylon. Conversely, the Silent Ink Black features a proprietary INK blend bottom housing that mirrors the top housing's high-pitched and clacky sound profile. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, adding to the overall typing experience.
While the housing materials of the Cloudy Shadow and the Silent Ink Black differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles, both switches strive to provide a satisfying typing experience. The Cloudy Shadow's use of polycarbonate and nylon offers a sharper top-out sound and a deeper bottom-out sound respectively, catering to those who prefer a clear and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black's proprietary INK blend materials produce a high-pitched and clacky sound profile across both the top and bottom housings, appealing to individuals looking for a more pointed and satisfying typing feel. Ultimately, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
Weight
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch both fall into the medium-heavy category in terms of bottom out force. While the actuation force of the Cloudy Shadow is not specified, the Silent Ink Black requires 60 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the Cloudy Shadow has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, slightly lighter than the Silent Ink Black's 70 grams. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Cloudy Shadow may be the better option, as it requires slightly less force to bottom out. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black provides a heavier push feel, which some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it shorter than the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Cloudy Shadow offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black provides a deeper press with its longer travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of how much depth and responsiveness you prefer in your typing 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 Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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 known for its low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone with a moderate actuation force requirement suitable for most typing environments. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch offers a muted sound, perfect for quieter environments where minimal audio feedback is desired. When it comes to feel, the Cloudy Shadow switch offers a mild typing experience, appealing to a wide range of users with its gentle characteristics. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black switch is described as silky and polished, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with reduced friction and a refined finish.
Ultimately, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Cloudy Shadow switch presents a bouncy feel with a balanced typing experience and a low-pitched sound, the Silent Ink Black switch provides a cushion-like bottom-out feel with minimal audio feedback in a muted tone. Depending on personal preferences and typing requirements, both switches cater to different needs and preferences. Users can expect a quality typing experience from either switch, with the Cloudy Shadow appealing to those looking for a neutral sound and mild feel, while the Silent Ink Black caters to individuals seeking a quieter typing experience with a silky and polished feel. Overall, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance the typing experience based on individual preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, consider the factors that are most important to you. If you value a balanced typing experience with a slightly lighter bottom-out force, the Cloudy Shadow may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you require a quieter typing environment and prefer a slightly heavier bottom-out force, the Silent Ink Black may be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and the specific requirements of your typing setup. Both switches offer unique features that cater to different needs, so choose the one that aligns best with your preferences.
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