Aflion Cloudy Shadow vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream. The Cloudy Shadow is praised for its neutral sound signature and bouncy feel due to extended springs, offering a balanced typing experience with a 63.5g bottom-out force. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream stands out for its smooth and creamy feel, made possible by the use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing. This switch also delivers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, setting it apart from others in the market. While both switches have their unique qualities, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style when choosing the best switch for you; 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
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, it is clear that they both offer unique characteristics to enhance the overall typing experience. The Cloudy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound profile, perfect for those who enjoy a more defined typing sound. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream's proprietary KTT blend top housing offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, catering to individuals who prefer a more distinct typing sound. Despite their differences, both top housings contribute to enhancing the overall sound quality of the switches.
When it comes to the bottom housing materials, the Cloudy Shadow's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, ideal for those seeking a more rounded typing sound experience. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream's POK bottom housing stands out for its smoothness, durability, and shock resistance, offering a unique typing feel that is both clacky and long-lasting. While the nylon bottom housing focuses on sound depth, the POK bottom housing prioritizes smoothness and durability, catering to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
Overall, the combination of different housing materials in the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches results in a well-balanced typing experience that complements various preferences. The split between the qualities of the top and bottom housings allows users to enjoy a unique sound and feel when typing on these switches. Whether you prioritize a sharper, crisper sound profile offered by polycarbonate or a clacky, smooth typing experience provided by POK and nylon, both switches offer distinct qualities that enhance the overall typing satisfaction for keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy option, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch has a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it lighter in comparison. The actuation force of the Cloudy Shadow is not specified, whereas the Vanilla Ice Cream has an actuation force of 43 grams, which is relatively light. In terms of weight, the lighter actuation force of the Vanilla Ice Cream may appeal to those looking for a more effortless typing experience, ideal for extended use at work or during gaming sessions. On the other hand, the heavier bottom out force of the Cloudy Shadow provides a more substantial typing feel, catering to individuals seeking a stronger push sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing comfort and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch both have the same travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. The similarity in travel distance between these two switches allows for a consistent typing experience, regardless of which switch is being used. In terms of travel distance, neither switch is shorter or longer than the other, providing users with a familiar feel when typing on keyboards equipped with either the Aflion Cloudy Shadow or the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches.
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 Vanilla Ice Cream has an MSRP of $5.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vanilla Ice Cream for $4.60.
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 that is suitable for various typing environments. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offers a high-pitched and clacky sound profile, giving typists a crisp and resonant auditory experience. The Cloudy Shadow switch is praised for its mild feel, offering a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe middle-ground zone. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch is described as buttery and creamy, providing typists with a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation that feels like effortlessly gliding across the keys.
Overall, while the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches have their own unique sound and feel characteristics, both switches offer quality and innovation in the mechanical keyboard market. Whether you prefer a more neutral and bouncy typing experience with the Cloudy Shadow or a smooth and creamy feel with the Vanilla Ice Cream, you can expect similar results in terms of typing satisfaction and performance. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking to achieve.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, consider the factors of bottom-out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom-out force and a neutral sound profile with a bouncy feel, the Cloudy Shadow may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom-out force and a high-pitched, clacky sound signature with a creamy and buttery typing experience, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch might be more to your liking. Ultimately, choose the switch that best suits your typing style and preference for sound and feel.
Mentioned in this article
