Aflion Cloudy Shadow vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the TTC Silent Red mechanical keyboard switches, there are key differences to consider. The Cloudy Shadow offers a bouncy and balanced typing experience with a neutral sound signature, making it ideal for those who enjoy a mild and low-pitched typing feel. On the other hand, the Silent Red switch from TTC boasts a smooth and seamless typing experience with a muted sound profile, perfect for those seeking a buttery and polished feel. While both switches have their unique strengths, such as the Cloudy Shadow's extended springs and the Silent Red's padded bottom-out feel, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 Red feature polycarbonate top housings, which result in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile thanks to the stiffness of the plastic material. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Cloudy Shadow's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. The same can be said for the Silent Red's nylon bottom housing, as both switches offer a rounder and duller sound profile because of this material.
While the top housings of both the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the TTC Silent Red are made of polycarbonate, providing similar sharp and crisp sound profiles, the key difference lies in their bottom housings. The Cloudy Shadow's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Silent Red's similar nylon bottom housing. The impact of the bottom housing is felt when pressing down on the switch, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This split in housing materials provides a unique combination of sound characteristics for each switch.
Overall, the differences in housing materials between the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the TTC Silent Red result in subtle variations in sound profiles. The Cloudy Shadow's combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing creates a blend of sharp, crisp tones and deep, full sounds. In contrast, the Silent Red offers a similar sharpness and crispness from its polycarbonate top housing but with a slightly different depth and fullness due to its unique nylon bottom housing. Both switches provide a unique typing experience, showcasing how different housing materials can impact the overall sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, it is evident that they both have a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making them both fall into the medium-heavy category in terms of weight. However, the actuation force of the Cloudy Shadow is None grams, while the Silent Red has an actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Silent Red is lighter in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke compared to the Cloudy Shadow. For those who prefer a lighter touch and want to type for longer periods without fatigue, the Silent Red may be the better option. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Cloudy Shadow. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and weight.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, the Cloudy Shadow has a shorter travel distance of 3.5mm, while the Silent Red has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances preferred by gamers for faster response times. However, those who prefer a more substantial keypress may find the Silent Red to be more to their liking due to its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for keypress depth and responsiveness.
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 Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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 is characterized by a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, offering a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for various environments. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is known for its muted sound, providing a softer and quieter typing experience, making it ideal for office or shared living spaces. Both switches excel in minimizing noise, but the Cloudy Shadow offers a more neutral tone while the Silent Red provides a specifically muted sound.
When it comes to feel, the Cloudy Shadow linear switch offers a mild typing experience, which is gentle and approachable to most users. The extended springs in these switches contribute to a bouncy feel, adding a unique touch to the typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is seamless and effortless. The padded bottom-out feel of the Silent Red adds an extra layer of comfort to the typing experience, making it a preferred choice for those seeking a refined and polished feel.
Overall, both the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and TTC Silent Red linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Cloudy Shadow provides a balanced and bouncy typing experience with a neutral sound profile, while the Silent Red delivers a smooth and seamless typing experience with a muted sound. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches can offer a satisfying typing experience, with the Cloudy Shadow offering a more neutral sound and mild feel, and the Silent Red providing a buttery and polished typing sensation. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a neutral sound profile or a buttery feel in your mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch that offers a balanced typing experience with a neutral sound signature, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch with its 63.5g bottom-out force is a great choice. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and quiet typing experience, especially for office or shared living spaces, the TTC Silent Red linear switch with the same bottom-out force would be more suitable. Consider your preferences for sound and feel when choosing between these two switches to ensure that you find the best match for your typing needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so make your decision based on what matters most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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