Aflion Cloudy Shadow vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the KTT Strawberry both offer unique features that appeal to different users. The Cloudy Shadow, a linear switch, stands out for its neutral sound signature and bouncy feel, thanks to extended springs, providing a balanced typing experience with a 63.5g bottom-out force. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry, also a linear switch, is loved for its smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance, with attractive pink and clear housings. While the Cloudy Shadow offers a mild and neutral typing experience, the Strawberry provides a silky, buttery feel with a low-pitched sound. Both switches have their own strengths and advantages, making them suitable for different preferences and 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
43g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
When comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the KTT Strawberry, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature. This results in a more clear and resonant sound when typing on these switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the keyboards.
However, the bottom housing of the Cloudy Shadow is made of nylon, while the KTT Strawberry features a polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the sharper sound created by polycarbonate. This is attributed to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches utilizing this material. In contrast, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Strawberry contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, aligning with the characteristics of its polycarbonate top housing.
While both switches share the use of polycarbonate for their top housing, the differing bottom housing materials create distinct typing experiences. The qualities of each housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch, impacting the sound and feel when typing. The bottom housing has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down a key, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. This illustrates how the choice of housing materials can significantly impact the overall typing experience and sound profile of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, it is evident that the Cloudy Shadow has a lower actuation force of None grams compared to the Strawberry's 43 grams. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Cloudy Shadow at 63.5 grams and the Strawberry at 62 grams. This means that while the Strawberry requires slightly more force to initiate a keystroke, the overall typing experience in terms of bottoming out is fairly similar between the two. In terms of weight, the Cloudy Shadow is the heavier option, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the lighter actuation force of the Strawberry may be preferred by those looking for a more effortless typing experience for extended periods. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the KTT Strawberry linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Cloudy Shadow has a shorter travel distance compared to the Strawberry. Generally, a shorter travel distance is favored by gamers for quicker response times, while a longer travel distance can provide a more satisfying key press experience for some users. Both switches fall within the range of modern travel distances, with the Cloudy Shadow being slightly shorter than the more traditional 4 mm. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key feel 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 KTT Strawberry comes in at $4.91 per 10 switches.
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 it comes to sound, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone with a moderate actuation force requirement suitable for most users. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry linear switch is also low-pitched, offering a similar bass-heavy and mellow tone. Both switches can provide a pleasing typing experience in terms of sound, with the Cloudy Shadow leaning towards a more neutral tone compared to the Strawberry.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch is described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience with qualities that fall in a safe, middle-ground zone. On the contrary, the KTT Strawberry linear switch is described as frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished, providing an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys. While the Cloudy Shadow offers a mild typing experience, the Strawberry provides a more luxurious and refined feel with its multiple smooth characteristics.
Overall, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch offer different but equally appealing qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Cloudy Shadow provides a balanced and neutral sound with a mild typing experience, the Strawberry offers a smooth, luxurious, and frictionless feel for a more refined typing experience. Depending on personal preference, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, whether you prefer a bouncy yet neutral sound like the Cloudy Shadow or a smooth and effortless feel like the Strawberry. Ultimately, trying out both switches on a keyboard with your preferred keycaps will help determine which one suits your typing style and preferences best.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, you should consider your preferences for bottom-out force, sound, and feel. The Cloudy Shadow offers a slightly heavier bottom-out force of 63.5 grams, providing a bouncy typing experience with a neutral sound signature. On the other hand, the Strawberry has a lighter bottom-out force of 62 grams and is loved for its smooth actuation and comfortable feel. If you prefer a slightly heavier typing experience with a balanced sound profile, the Cloudy Shadow may be the better choice for you. However, if you value a smoother and more frictionless typing feel, the Strawberry would be a great option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style.
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