Aflion Cloudy Shadow vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
In the realm of mechanical keyboards, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro stand out as notable options for enthusiasts seeking a dependable typing experience. The Cloudy Shadow, a linear switch, is praised for its bouncy feel and neutral sound signature, offering a balanced typing experience with a 63.5g bottom-out force. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro, a tactile switch, provides a medium tactility with a light touch and a neutral sound signature, making it a versatile choice for those looking for a "Goldilocks" tactile option. Each switch has its strengths - the Cloudy Shadow excels in providing a smooth and consistent typing experience, while the Violet Gold Pro offers a satisfying tactile feedback. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Both the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate is especially advantageous for switches with RGB lighting. In terms of aesthetics and sound quality, these two switches are quite similar due to their shared top housing material.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Cloudy Shadow uses nylon, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is softer and absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use this material. Conversely, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro also incorporates a nylon bottom housing, meaning both switches will provide a similarly satisfying typing experience with a deeper sound profile.
While the top housings of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro are both made of polycarbonate, their bottom housings differ in material. The impact of the bottom housing material will be felt more when bottoming out keys, while the top housing material will have a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key. Despite this difference, both switches offer a balance of qualities from their housing materials, resulting in a unique typing experience for users.
Weight
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is medium-heavy, while its actuation force is unknown. In comparison, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, and its bottom out force is unavailable. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Violet Gold Pro may be the better option due to its lower actuation force. On the other hand, the Cloudy Shadow provides a more substantial typing experience with its medium-heavy bottom out force. Both switches offer unique advantages depending on individual preferences.
Travel distance
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular for their quicker response times, particularly among gamers. The Cloudy Shadow would be the better choice for those seeking a slightly shorter and more responsive keypress, while the Violet Gold Pro may be preferred by those who enjoy a bit more depth in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would come down to personal preference and the desired feel during typing or gaming sessions.
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 Dareu Violet Gold Pro has an MSRP of $7.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet Gold Pro for $4.76.
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, both the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch are described as having a neutral sound signature. This means that they both offer a moderate sound profile that is suitable for various typing environments. The Cloudy Shadow provides a low-pitched tone with a more bass-heavy and mellow sound, while the Violet Gold Pro offers a fairly light touch with a neutral sound profile. Ultimately, both switches will provide a balanced auditory experience, depending on the overall setup of your keyboard.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Cloudy Shadow is noted for its mild typing experience, offering a gentle feel that is approachable to most users. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro is described as having a stepped feel, meaning it provides a tactile sensation with a two-stage keystroke. While the Cloudy Shadow leans towards a softer typing experience, the Violet Gold Pro offers a more distinct feel with its stepped tactile feedback. Both switches cater to users looking for a balance between tactile feedback and typing comfort.
In conclusion, both the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cloudy Shadow excels in providing a neutral sound signature with a mild typing experience, while the Violet Gold Pro offers a similar neutral sound profile with a stepped tactile feel. Depending on your preference for sound and typing sensation, you can achieve satisfying results with either switch, ensuring a balanced and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a bouncy feel and a medium-heavy bottom-out force, the Cloudy Shadow may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and a medium tactility with a more neutral sound signature, the Violet Gold Pro switch could be the perfect fit. Consider your typing preferences and needs when choosing between these two switches to ensure you find the one that enhances your typing experience.
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