Aflion Cloudy Shadow vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow, known for its neutral sound signature and bouncy feel thanks to extended springs, offers a balanced typing experience with a 63.5g bottom-out force. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai stands out with its unique PA12 top housing for softer acoustics and POM stem for a distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance. The Cloudy Shadow is categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Mild', 'Neutral', while the Xinhai is categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'Creamy'. Each switch brings its own strengths to the table - the Cloudy Shadow excels in a smooth typing experience, while the Xinhai offers a more tactile and precise performance. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the HMX Xinhai both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal material for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housings of both switches offer a deeper and fuller sound profile, with nylon's softer properties absorbing more sound and creating a duller, rounder sound. Despite these differences in material for the bottom housing, both switches provide a unique typing experience that is influenced by the combination of polycarbonate and nylon.
While the Cloudy Shadow and Xinhai share similarities in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing, the distribution of these materials affects the overall typing experience. The qualities of the bottom housing material are felt when pressing down on the switch, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. In contrast, the top housing's material plays a more significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. This split in housing materials allows for a nuanced typing experience that combines the benefits of polycarbonate and nylon in different aspects of key presses.
Overall, the choice between the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the HMX Xinhai may come down to personal preference in typing sound and feel. Both switches offer distinct characteristics due to their housing materials, with polycarbonate providing a sharper and crisper sound profile and nylon offering a deeper and fuller sound. Whether one prefers the impact of the bottom housing on the typing experience or the sound influenced by the top housing, both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in creating a unique tactile and auditory response. Ultimately, selecting between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it is evident that they have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Cloudy Shadow has an actuation force of None grams, making it unknown, while the Xinhai has an actuation force of 37 grams, which is relatively light. However, the Cloudy Shadow has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it medium-heavy, compared to the Xinhai's bottom out force of 45 grams, which is lighter. In terms of weight, the Xinhai is lighter overall, which may appeal to users looking for a switch that allows for extended typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Cloudy Shadow provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the HMX Xinhai linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those who prioritize quick response times, such as gamers. The Cloudy Shadow offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more substantial feel when pressing down on the keys compared to the Xinhai. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for the amount of depth and feedback desired while typing or gaming.
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 Xinhai has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai for $3.19.
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 known for its low-pitched and neutral sound profile, offering a bass-heavy and mellow tone suitable for various typing environments. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai linear switch is characterized by a clacky sound, producing a sharp and snappy noise when pressed. Both switches provide distinct auditory experiences, with the Cloudy Shadow offering a more balanced and versatile sound, while the Xinhai delivers a crisp and percussive typist feedback.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch provides a mild typing experience, making it approachable to a wide range of users with its gentle feedback. Conversely, the HMX Xinhai linear switch offers a bouncy and creamy feel, with a spring-like feedback sensation and a smooth, buttery typing experience. The Cloudy Shadow's mild feel focuses on a safe, middle-ground zone, while the Xinhai's bouncy and creamy qualities cater to users seeking a more lively and silky typing sensation.
Overall, while the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and HMX Xinhai linear switches offer different sound and feel experiences, both switches bring unique qualities and performance enhancements to the mechanical keyboard market. Whether you prefer the neutral and mild characteristics of the Cloudy Shadow for a balanced typing experience or the clacky and bouncy attributes of the Xinhai for a more vibrant typist feedback, both switches showcase innovation and quality craftsmanship in their design. As such, choosing between these switches will ultimately depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, you should consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams and a neutral sound profile with a bouncy feel, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams, a clacky sound profile, and a bouncy and creamy typing feel, the HMX Xinhai may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what factors are most important to you when making your decision.
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