Aflion Cloudy Shadow vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Gateron Smoothie Silver are both linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique features for different preferences. The Cloudy Shadow is praised for its neutral sound signature and bouncy feel, creating a balanced typing experience with a 63.5g bottom-out force. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver stands out for its lightning-fast actuation, thocky sound, smoothness, and feather-light touch. When considering which switch to choose, if you prefer a more traditional typing experience with a bouncy feel, the Cloudy Shadow may be the ideal choice. However, if you prioritize fast actuation and a smooth, thocky sound, the Smoothie Silver could be the preferable option. Yet, 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 Silver, it can be observed that both switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Cloudy Shadow features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile, particularly ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver utilizes a POM top housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound profile. While both materials offer unique sound characteristics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Cloudy Shadow emphasizes clarity and resonance, while the POM top housing of the Smoothie Silver leans towards a softer and deeper sound.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Cloudy Shadow incorporates a nylon bottom housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows for more sound absorption, creating a duller but rounder sound. Similarly, the Smoothie Silver also uses a POM bottom housing, contributing to a deep and muted sound profile, aligning with the characteristics of its top housing. Despite using different materials, both switches achieve a pleasing and unique sound, with the nylon bottom housing of the Cloudy Shadow emphasizing a fuller sound while the POM bottom housing of the Smoothie Silver maintains a deeper tone.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and overall feel of the typing experience. While the Cloudy Shadow and Smoothie Silver vary in their housing materials, with the former using polycarbonate and nylon and the latter utilizing POM for both top and bottom housings, they both ultimately deliver satisfying and unique sound profiles. Each material brings its own set of characteristics to the switches, with polycarbonate offering clarity and resonance, POM providing a softer and deeper sound, and nylon contributing to a fuller sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference for sound and feel.
Weight
In comparing the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, it is clear that they provide different typing experiences in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Cloudy Shadow has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is considered to be medium-heavy, while the Smoothie Silver is lighter with an actuation force of 45 grams. The actuation force for the Cloudy Shadow is not specified, while the bottom out force for the Smoothie Silver is unknown. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Smoothie Silver, as it requires less force to actuate a keystroke. On the other hand, the Cloudy Shadow may be more suitable for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for gamers looking for quick responsiveness. The Cloudy Shadow has a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a slightly more tactile feel compared to the Smoothie Silver. However, the difference of 0.1 mm is minimal and may not be noticeable to all users. Ultimately, both switches offer similar performance in terms of travel distance, so you can expect similar results from either choice.
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 Silver 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 Silver 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
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch is known for its neutral sound signature, providing a low-pitched and mellow tone during typing sessions. This makes it suitable for various environments, whether at home or in a workplace. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch offers a thocky sound with its all-POM construction, delivering a unique typing experience with unparalleled smoothness and feather-light touch.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch offers a mild typing experience. These switches have extended springs that give a bouncy feel, making typing more enjoyable and comfortable for longer periods. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch does not provide specific information regarding the feel. However, with its short travel distance and lightning-fast actuation, it is likely to offer a responsive and tactile typing experience.
In conclusion, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch is a great option for those looking for a balanced and comfortable typing experience with a neutral sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch offers a unique typing experience with its thocky sound and smooth actuation. Depending on personal preferences, both switches provide distinct qualities that cater to different typing styles. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on individual preferences in sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, consider the typing experience you prefer. If you value a balanced typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom-out force and a neutral sound profile, the Cloudy Shadow may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer lightning-fast actuation, a feather-light touch, and a thocky sound with a shorter travel distance, the Smoothie Silver may be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style to ensure the best fit for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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