Aflion Cloudy Shadow vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow and TTC Venus are both linear switches, each offering unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Cloudy Shadow is praised for its neutral sound signature and bouncy feel, thanks to its extended springs and 63.5g bottom-out force, providing a balanced typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Venus stands out for its innovative internal configuration, offering a seamless glide and a "Q-texture" sensation that adds a unique matte feel to each keystroke. While the Cloudy Shadow is described as 'Low-pitched', 'Mild', and 'Neutral', the Venus is characterized by qualities like 'Gummy', 'Frictionless', 'Muted', and 'Thocky'. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences, but diving deeper into their specific features will help you make the best decision for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow uses a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper and crisper sound profile compared to the TTC Venus's POM top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound. However, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The Cloudy Shadow's nylon bottom housing results in a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to its soft plastic material that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Venus's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper and clearer sound profile due to its stiffer plastic composition.
While the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and TTC Venus have different housing materials for the top and bottom, they both provide distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The split qualities of the housing materials in each switch impact the sound and feel differently. The bottom housing's material influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing a key, while the top housing material affects the sound when releasing the key. Despite the variations in housing materials, both switches offer a unique typing experience based on the combination of polycarbonate, POM, and nylon materials.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and TTC Venus play a crucial role in shaping the sound profiles of these switches. The Cloudy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharp and resonant sound, in contrast to the Venus's POM top housing, which offers a deep and more muted sound. The nylon bottom housing of the Cloudy Shadow enhances the typing experience with a fuller sound, whereas the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Venus provides a clear and distinct sound profile. Overall, both switches offer unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, making them popular choices among keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch have notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Cloudy Shadow has no specified actuation force but requires a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it medium-heavy. On the other hand, the Venus has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, making it medium-light. The Cloudy Shadow provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force, while the Venus offers a lighter actuation force, which may be preferred for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the TTC Venus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Venus has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Cloudy Shadow. The difference may not be significant, but it could be noticeable to some users. Generally, a shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers for quicker response times, while longer travel distances may provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper feel. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are gaining popularity in the market today. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for travel distance in their typing or gaming 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 TTC Venus has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Venus for $5.09.
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 boasts a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone without being overly loud. On the other hand, the TTC Venus linear switch also has a low-pitched sound with additional descriptors like muted, subdued, and thocky, offering a softer and quieter typing experience. Both switches aim to minimize noise and provide a more subtle sound signature, making them suitable for various environments. Overall, regardless of the slight differences in sound characteristics, both the Cloudy Shadow and Venus switches offer a pleasant auditory experience that can be appreciated by users of all levels.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch is described as mild, providing a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe and approachable middle ground. On the other hand, the TTC Venus linear switch is characterized by a buttery, gummy, frictionless, mild, and polished feel, offering a smooth, uniform, and effortless keystroke sensation. The Venus switch stands out for its unique tactile qualities that make each press engaging and satisfying. While the Cloudy Shadow switch provides a comfortable typing experience, the Venus switch takes it a step further with its innovative design and remarkable tactile feedback. Ultimately, both switches offer a pleasant feeling while typing, catering to a wide range of user preferences.
In conclusion, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch each bring their own unique characteristics to the table in terms of sound and feel. While the Cloudy Shadow emphasizes a neutral sound and mild feel, the Venus switch shines with its distinct sound profile and buttery, gummy tactile feedback. Whether you opt for the Cloudy Shadow for its balanced typing experience or the Venus for its innovative design and engaging feel, both switches deliver on quality and performance. Regardless of your choice, you can expect a satisfying typing experience with either option.
Conclusion
Therefore, when deciding between the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, consider the following guidelines based on your preferences. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom-out force for a more tactile typing experience and a neutral sound signature with a bouncy feel, the Cloudy Shadow may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom-out force for rapid, effortless typing and a unique "Q-texture" matte sensation with a muted sound profile, the TTC Venus linear switch may be more suited to your typing style. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you value a bouncy feel with neutral sound or a smooth, engaging typing experience with a muted sound signature. Both switches offer distinct characteristics, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing preferences and requirements.
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