Aflion Cloudy Shadow vs. Everglide Sunset Yellow
An in-depth look at the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options stand out: the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Everglide Sunset Yellow, both linear switches. The Cloudy Shadow by Aflion is praised for its neutral sound signature and bouncy feel thanks to extended springs, offering a balanced typing experience with a 63.5g bottom-out force. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow switches from Everglide boast a captivating sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding, with a rich, bassy sound that enhances the typing experience. While the Cloudy Shadow provides a mild and neutral typing experience, the Sunset Yellow switches offer a creamy and bassy feel with a distinct gliding sensation. 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
51g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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
Single-staged lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing these two housing materials, we can see that both the Cloudy Shadow and the Sunset Yellow offer unique sound profiles based on their top housing material. The polycarbonate top housing of the Cloudy Shadow creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, while the POM top housing of the Sunset Yellow produces a deeper and more muted sound. Both materials have their own distinct qualities that enhance the overall typing experience, with polycarbonate providing a clearer and resonant sound for those who prefer a crisper typing feel, and POM offering a more subdued and satisfying sound for those seeking a deeper tone.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, we find that the Cloudy Shadow's nylon bottom housing and the Sunset Yellow's POM bottom housing both contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. However, the nylon bottom housing of the Cloudy Shadow is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the POM bottom housing of the Sunset Yellow, which also creates a deep sound profile but is relatively more muted. While both materials aim to enhance the typing experience by providing a rich and satisfying sound, the slightly different properties of nylon and POM offer unique variations in sound quality.
Overall, while the Cloudy Shadow and the Sunset Yellow offer different housing materials for both the top and bottom of the switch, they ultimately provide similar results in terms of enhancing the typing experience through unique sound profiles. The Cloudy Shadow's combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing creates a sharper, crisper sound with a deep and full undertone, while the Sunset Yellow's POM top and bottom housings produce a deeper and more muted sound. Both switches cater to different preferences in sound and typing feel, showcasing the impact that housing materials can have on the overall typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, it is evident that the Cloudy Shadow has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams compared to the Sunset Yellow's 51 grams. However, the actuation force of the Sunset Yellow is lighter at 43 grams, while the actuation force of the Cloudy Shadow is unknown. This means that typing on the Sunset Yellow may feel lighter and more responsive, while typing on the Cloudy Shadow may provide a more solid and substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force. Those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions may lean towards the Sunset Yellow, while those who prefer a more pronounced key press may opt for the Cloudy Shadow. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5mm, while the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those looking for more responsiveness when typing or gaming. However, the Cloudy Shadow has a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a slightly more satisfying keypress for those who prefer a bit more depth. Overall, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to traditional switches, making them both good options for those seeking a faster typing experience.
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 Everglide Sunset Yellow comes in at $3.09 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
In terms of sound, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch is best described as having a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. This means that the switches offer a more bass-heavy and mellow tone during key presses, making them suitable for a wide range of users and purposes. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch is characterized by a bassy and thocky sound, providing a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed. The Sunset Yellow switches offer a more indulgent and captivating sound experience, resembling the sound of mahjong tiles colliding. Ultimately, the sound produced by these switches is dependent on various factors such as the keyboard itself and the keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch is described as providing a mild typing experience. This means that the switches offer a more gentle and approachable typing feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. On the contrary, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch is known for its creamy, frictionless, and polished feel. These switches offer a smooth and buttery typing experience, with a silky sensation as fingers effortlessly glide across the keys. The combination of a distinct gliding feel and a balanced medium-weight makes the Sunset Yellow switches a desirable option for users looking for a unique and refined typing experience.
Taking into account the information provided, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Cloudy Shadow provides a neutral and mild typing experience with a low-pitched sound, the Sunset Yellow offers a more indulgent and rich sound profile with a creamy and polished feel. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and the type of typing experience one is looking for. Both switches are unique in their own right and will provide users with a satisfying typing experience, albeit with different characteristics. If you prefer a more balanced and neutral typing experience, the Cloudy Shadow would be a good choice, while those seeking a more indulgent and refined feel may lean towards the Sunset Yellow.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, consider the following guidelines based on your preferences and needs. If you prioritize a balanced typing experience with a medium-heavy 63.5g bottom-out force and a neutral sound signature, the Cloudy Shadow may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light 51g bottom-out force, a rich, bassy sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding, and a smooth, buttery typing experience with a creamy feel, the Sunset Yellow would suit your preferences better. Ultimately, the decision between these switches comes down to your personal preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and bottom-out force. So, take into consideration what qualities are most important to you when selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for your typing needs.
Mentioned in this article
