Aflion Cloudy Shadow vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the HMX Swift both offer unique features and benefits that cater to different preferences. The Cloudy Shadow is a linear switch that is praised for its neutral sound signature and bouncy feel, thanks to its extended springs and 63.5g bottom-out force. On the other hand, the Swift, another linear switch, stands out for its deeper sound profile and silky smoothness, aided by its full nylon housings and delicate 42g actuation force. While the Cloudy Shadow provides a balanced typing experience, the Swift offers a clacky and feathery feel that is easy to press. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.90 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the HMX Swift are quite different, with the Cloudy Shadow featuring a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, while the Swift has a nylon top and bottom housing. Polycarbonate, used in the Cloudy Shadow's top housing, creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, nylon, found in both the top and bottom housing of the Swift, produces a deeper and fuller sound profile as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to the Cloudy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing.
Despite their differences, both the Cloudy Shadow and the Swift share the use of nylon in their housing materials. The nylon bottom housing of the Cloudy Shadow and Swift contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a more tactile typing experience. However, the Cloudy Shadow stands out with its polycarbonate top housing, which adds a sharpness and clarity to the sound that is not present in the Swift. While both switches offer a unique typing experience, the choice between the two will ultimately come down to personal preference in sound profile and feel.
In terms of functionality, the qualities of the housing materials are divided between the top and bottom housing of each switch. The bottom housing of the Cloudy Shadow and Swift has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This division allows each switch to offer a nuanced typing experience that can cater to different preferences for sound and feel. Ultimately, whether one prefers the sharper sound of polycarbonate in the Cloudy Shadow or the deeper sound of nylon in the Swift will depend on individual preferences for typing on mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch differ in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cloudy Shadow has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is medium-heavy, while its actuation force is unknown. On the other hand, the Swift has a lower actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it the lighter of the two switches. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Swift may be the better option due to its lower actuation and bottom out forces. However, for users who enjoy a more substantial push feel, the Cloudy Shadow might be the preferred choice despite its unknown actuation force. Ultimately, the decision 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 3.5 mm, making it the shorter option compared to the HMX Swift linear switch with a travel distance of 3.9 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. The Cloudy Shadow's 3.5 mm travel distance provides a quicker feel, while the Swift's 3.9 mm travel distance offers a slightly deeper press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance 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 HMX Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift for $2.99.
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 offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for a wide range of users. On the other hand, the HMX Swift linear switch is described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, offering a bright and percussive typing experience. The choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for sound, with the Cloudy Shadow providing a more subdued and balanced tone, while the Swift offers a more lively and vibrant auditory response.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch is characterized as mild, offering a gentle typing experience with qualities that fall within a safe and middle-ground zone. In contrast, the HMX Swift linear switch is described as easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, and creamy. The Swift switch provides an effortless and comfortable typing feel with its light actuation force, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The creamy sensation adds a smooth and buttery element to the typing experience, making it feel like gliding across the keys with ease. The Cloudy Shadow, on the other hand, provides a more straightforward and approachable typing feel that is suitable for a wide range of users.
Ultimately, both the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Cloudy Shadow provides a neutral and mild typing experience, the Swift offers a clacky and feathery feel with a deeper sound profile. Choosing between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and typing feel, with both switches promising a quality and innovative typing experience. Whether opting for the Cloudy Shadow or the Swift, users can expect to enjoy a balanced and responsive typing experience that reflects the advancements and diversity present in the mechanical keyboard switch market.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch or the HMX Swift linear switch, you should take into account your preferences for bottom-out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom-out force and a neutral sound profile with a bouncy typing feel, the Cloudy Shadow would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom-out force and a deeper sound profile with an easy-to-press and feathery typing feel, the Swift might be more suited to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what feels most comfortable and enjoyable for your typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
