Aflion Cloudy Shadow vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Gateron Smoothie are two popular linear mechanical keyboard switches with notable features that set them apart. The Cloudy Shadow, known for its rapid traction in the industry, offers a balanced typing experience with a neutral sound signature and bouncy feel due to extended springs, whereas the Smoothie by Gateron boasts a thocky sound signature, remarkable smoothness, and a lightweight touch thanks to its all-POM construction. While the Cloudy Shadow provides a mild and neutral typing experience with its 63.5g bottom-out force, the Smoothie offers a buttery and creamy feel with its low-pitched and subdued characteristics. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences, making them ideal choices for various typing needs. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Gateron Smoothie, one clear difference is in the top housing. The Cloudy Shadow utilizes polycarbonate, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the Smoothie's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. While the Cloudy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing is known for its translucency and ability to enhance RGB lighting effects, the Smoothie's POM top housing offers a unique sound experience that leans towards a deeper tone. Despite these differences, both housing materials bring their own distinct qualities to the switches.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Cloudy Shadow features a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie also utilizes a POM bottom housing, which contributes to a pleasing and unique sound profile with deeper tones and a relatively muted sound. While both bottom housing materials add depth to the overall sound of the switches, they offer slightly different characteristics in terms of sound quality and texture.
It is interesting to note that despite the differences in top and bottom housing materials between the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Gateron Smoothie, both switches aim to provide a unique auditory experience for users. While the top housing tends to have more influence on the sound when a key is released, the bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed. Whether you prefer the sharper, crisper sound of polycarbonate in the Cloudy Shadow, or the deeper and more muted sound of POM in the Smoothie, both housing materials offer their own advantages in creating a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, it is evident that the Cloudy Shadow has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the actuation force is not specified. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie has an actuation force of 40 grams, with its bottom out force also not specified. This means that the Cloudy Shadow is heavier in terms of bottom out force, whereas the Smoothie has a lighter actuation force. For those who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Gateron Smoothie may be the better option. Conversely, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Aflion Cloudy Shadow. In either case, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, we see that the Cloudy Shadow has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Smoothie has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Smoothie has the slightly longer travel distance. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers seeking quicker response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may be noticeable to some users. Those who prefer a more responsive keypress may opt for the Cloudy Shadow with its slightly shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing may prefer the Gateron Smoothie. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie for $2.60.
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 sound of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch to the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, the Cloudy Shadow is known for its low-pitched and neutral sound signature, providing a gentle and mellow tone that is suitable for various typing environments. On the other hand, the Smoothie offers a thocky and subdued sound, producing a deep and satisfying "thud" when pressed. Both switches offer unique sound profiles, with the Cloudy Shadow leaning towards a more neutral and bass-heavy tone, while the Smoothie delivers a rich and dampened sound experience. Depending on personal preference and typing environment, users can expect different auditory sensations when using these switches.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Cloudy Shadow is described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe middle-ground zone. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie is praised for its buttery, creamy, and silky feel, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that enhances overall typing comfort and efficiency. With a focus on effortless and uniform typing sensation, the Smoothie switches stand out for their luxurious and seamless feel, setting them apart from the mild and balanced typing experience of the Cloudy Shadow.
In conclusion, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Cloudy Shadow provides a neutral and bouncy typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, the Smoothie delivers a thocky and buttery feel with a subdued and smooth sound signature. Users can expect a balanced and gentle typing experience with the Cloudy Shadow, while the Smoothie offers a luxurious and effortless typing sensation. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences and environments. Ultimately, users can achieve similar results with either switch, depending on their specific needs and preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch or the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, it ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a balanced typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom-out force and a neutral sound signature, the Cloudy Shadow switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that offers a thocky sound profile, remarkable smoothness, and a lightweight touch, the Gateron Smoothie switch could be more suitable. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so be sure to consider what aspects are most important to you when making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on what qualities you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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