Gateron CM vs. Aflion Thunder Shadow
An in-depth look at the Gateron CM and the Aflion Thunder Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron CM stands out with its unique full nylon housing and smooth typing experience, thanks to its impeccable factory lube job. With a bouncy typing experience and a rich sound signature, it is categorized as 'Buttery', 'Bassy', 'Polished', and more. On the other hand, the Aflion Thunder Shadow offers a pronounced tactile bump and a harmonious balance, providing a medium weight feel with a neutral sound signature. Categorized as 'Invigorating' and 'Neutral', it showcases Aflion's dedication to innovative switches. Both switches have their own strengths and qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Dual-staged 20mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron CM and the Aflion Thunder Shadow both feature nylon bottom housings, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile while typing. This is due to the softer nature of nylon plastic, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. However, the Aflion Thunder Shadow stands out with its polycarbonate top housing, offering a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that creates a more clear and resonant sound, making it a popular choice for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency.
In terms of construction, both the Gateron CM and the Aflion Thunder Shadow benefit from the qualities of their respective housing materials. While the nylon bottom housings of both switches contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile, each switch's top housing material provides a unique sound experience. The nylon top housing of the Gateron CM creates a softer and more absorbing sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Aflion Thunder Shadow delivers a sharper and more resonant sound. This difference in top housing material can make a significant impact on the overall typing experience and sound output of the switches.
Overall, the housing materials of the Gateron CM and the Aflion Thunder Shadow play a crucial role in determining the sound profile and feel of each switch. While both switches feature a nylon bottom housing for a deeper sound profile, the choice of top housing material sets them apart. The softer nylon top housing of the Gateron CM creates a duller and rounder sound, while the stiffer polycarbonate top housing of the Aflion Thunder Shadow produces a clearer and more resonant sound. These differences in housing materials result in unique typing experiences for users of each switch, catering to individual preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
The Gateron CM linear switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. Both switches, however, have the same bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making them medium-heavy in terms of pressure needed to fully press the key. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience to prevent fatigue during extended use, the Gateron CM may be the better choice. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more tactile and substantial typing feel may lean towards the Thunder Shadow despite the lack of information on its actuation force. Ultimately, personal preference and typing style will play a significant role in determining which switch is the best fit.
Travel distance
The Gateron CM linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. The slight difference in travel distance may not be noticeable to most users, but those who prefer a slightly deeper key press may lean towards the Gateron CM switch. On the other hand, users who prefer a more responsive and quicker key press may find the Aflion Thunder Shadow switch to be more suitable for their needs. Ultimately, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to traditional switches, providing a modern typing experience with varying levels of key press depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron CM has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CM for $4.25.
The Aflion Thunder 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 Thunder Shadow for $3.91.
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 Gateron CM linear switch is known for its bassy, thocky, and low-pitched sound profile, offering a deeper and richer tone with each keystroke. This creates a satisfying auditory experience that resonates with the user. On the other hand, the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch is characterized by a neutral sound profile, providing a balanced and moderate sound that is suitable for various typing environments. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences, with the CM switch delivering a more bass-heavy sound compared to the neutral sound of the Thunder Shadow switch.
Moving onto the feel of the switches, the Gateron CM switch is celebrated for its buttery, polished, and creamy typing experience, showcasing a smooth and polished keystroke that feels effortless and uniform. This results in a seamless typing sensation that is sure to please users. In contrast, the Aflion Thunder Shadow switch offers an invigorating typing experience, featuring pronounced feedback and a snappy feel that enhances the overall typing sensation. While both switches offer a different tactile experience, the CM switch focuses on a smooth and buttery feel, while the Thunder Shadow switch provides a more reactive and immersive typing experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron CM linear switch stands out for its deep, rich sound profile and buttery, polished feel, offering users a satisfying typing journey that is smooth and effortless. On the other hand, the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch provides a balanced and neutral sound, along with an invigorating typing experience that is characterized by pronounced feedback and a snappy feel. Depending on individual preference, users can choose between the deeper sound and smooth feel of the CM switch or the moderate sound and reactive feel of the Thunder Shadow switch, knowing that both switches offer a high-quality typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the Gateron CM linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a smoother typing experience with a bouncy feel and a deeper, bassy sound profile, the CM linear switch with its full nylon housing and factory lube job may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a pronounced tactile bump, a medium weight feel, and a neutral sound profile, the Thunder Shadow tactile switch from Aflion might be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you are seeking.
Mentioned in this article
