Aflion Cloudy Shadow vs. SP-Star Duck
An in-depth look at the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the SP-Star Duck switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch are both popular choices, each offering unique characteristics to enhance your typing experience. The Cloudy Shadow is praised for its neutral sound signature and bouncy feel, thanks to the extended springs, providing a balanced typing experience with a 63.5g bottom-out force. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck offers a more subtle tactile typing experience with a gentle tactility and a clean, crispy sound profile. While the Cloudy Shadow is categorized as low-pitched, mild, and neutral, the Duck switch falls under categories like neutral, mild, buttery, and polished. Choosing between these switches ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities to help you make the best decision for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
58g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the SP-Star Duck both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing creates a clear and resonant sound due to its stiffness. This material is especially beneficial for switches that feature RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the overall aesthetic. On the other hand, the Cloudy Shadow's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Duck's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains a sharper sound profile similar to its top housing.
While both the Cloudy Shadow and the Duck share the use of polycarbonate for their top housing, they differ in their choice of material for the bottom housing. The splitting of housing materials between the top and bottom affects the overall sound and feel of the switch. The Cloudy Shadow's nylon bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, creating a deeper and fuller typing experience. In comparison, the Duck's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the sharp and crisp sound profile consistent with its top housing. The impact of each housing material on the switch's sound can be felt depending on whether you are pressing down on a key or releasing it.
Overall, the choice of housing materials between the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the SP-Star Duck offers a unique typing experience for users. While both switches benefit from the clear and resonant sound profile of polycarbonate in their top housing, the differences in their bottom housing materials result in distinct sound profiles. The Cloudy Shadow's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper typing experience, while the Duck's polycarbonate bottom housing mirrors the sharp sound of its top housing. Regardless of the differences, both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in shaping the overall sound and feel of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch differ in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cloudy Shadow has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Duck which has a bottom out force of 58 grams. Both switches have an unknown actuation force, but we can infer that the Cloudy Shadow likely requires a slightly higher actuation force due to its heavier bottom out force. Some may prefer the lighter actuation and bottom out force of the Duck for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may prefer the stronger push feel of the Cloudy Shadow for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the SP-Star Duck tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Duck switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Cloudy Shadow. A difference of 0.5 mm might not seem significant, but it can affect the overall typing or gaming experience. People who prefer a deeper key press might lean towards the Duck switch, while those looking for a quicker response time may opt for the Cloudy Shadow. Both switches offer different experiences in terms of travel distance, catering to different preferences of users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual typing or gaming preferences.
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 SP-Star Duck has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Duck for $5.40.
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, both the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch are described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that they offer a moderate sound profile suitable for most users, whether beginners or advanced, and can be used at home or work. The Cloudy Shadow is noted for its low-pitched sound, which typically features a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, while the Duck provides a clean and crispy sound profile. However, it's important to consider that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, both switches are described as providing a mild typing experience. This means that they offer a gentle and approachable feel that is suitable for most users. The Cloudy Shadow is known for its bouncy feel due to the extended springs, while the Duck offers a subtle tactility that provides a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Additionally, the Duck switch is described as buttery and polished, indicating a smooth and refined typing sensation with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Overall, both the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch offer a balanced typing experience with neutral sound profiles and mild tactile characteristics. While the Cloudy Shadow may have a slightly lower-pitched sound and a bouncy feel, the Duck provides a clean and crispy sound alongside a buttery and polished typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience each user is looking for.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a balanced typing experience with a slightly heavier bottom-out force and a neutral sound profile, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle tactile typing experience with a cleaner sound profile and a lower bottom-out force, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and actuation force. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your individual needs and typing style.
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