HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Aflion Foggy Shadow
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Aflion Foggy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch stand out as popular choices. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g is known for its clacky sound profile and heavier feel, catering to enthusiasts who enjoy a bright typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Foggy Shadow offers a light tactile bump with a 63.5g bottom-out force, striking a balance between weight and performance. While the Cloud - 63.5g provides a smooth typing experience, the Foggy Shadow focuses on offering a subtle 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
56g
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
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
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
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Aflion Foggy Shadow, it is evident that they both utilize nylon for their bottom housings. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic properties, which absorb more sound than harder plastics. As a result, both switches will likely have a similar typing experience in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel. However, the Cloud - 63.5g's nylon top housing provides a duller and rounder sound profile, while the Foggy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This key difference in top housing material may influence the overall sound experience of typing on either switch.
On the aesthetic front, the Foggy Shadow stands out with its polycarbonate top housing, which allows for a clear translucency ideal for showcasing RGB lighting effects. In contrast, the Cloud - 63.5g's nylon top housing may not provide the same visual appeal when it comes to lighting effects. However, the nylon bottom housing of both switches maintains a consistent sound profile characterized by deeper and fuller tones. Despite the variation in top housing material, the shared use of nylon for the bottom housing ensures a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel, emphasizing the importance of bottom housing materials in dictating the overall sound profile of a switch.
In conclusion, while the Cloud - 63.5g and the Foggy Shadow employ different materials for their top housings, their common use of nylon for the bottom housing results in a shared foundation of deep and full sound profiles. The Cloud - 63.5g's nylon top housing contributes to a duller and rounder sound, while the Foggy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound. Aesthetically, the Foggy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, showcasing its visual appeal. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preferences in sound profile, typing experience, and aesthetic considerations.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch, we can see that the Cloud - 63.5g requires a lighter actuation force of 56 grams compared to the unknown actuation force of the Foggy Shadow. However, both switches have the same bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making them equally medium-heavy in that aspect. The Cloud - 63.5g may be preferred by those who enjoy a lighter touch for longer typing or gaming sessions, while the Foggy Shadow may appeal to individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience due to its potentially heavier actuation force. Despite the difference in actuation force, both switches provide a similar bottom out force, ensuring consistent results for users regardless of their preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Cloud - 63.5g has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Foggy Shadow. The Cloud - 63.5g offers a bit more depth when pressing down on the key, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying keystroke experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Foggy Shadow provides a slightly shorter travel distance, making it ideal for those seeking a quicker response time, such as gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Aflion Foggy 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 Foggy Shadow for $3.91.
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g comes in at $3.50 per 10 switches.
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 Cloud - 63.5g linear switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched profile, producing a sharp and bright sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for a wide range of users. The Cloud switch will give you a crisp and percussive typing experience, while the Foggy Shadow switch offers a more subdued and versatile sound.
In terms of feel, the Cloud - 63.5g linear switch provides a bouncy and creamy typing sensation, with a spring-like feedback and smooth buttery feel that allows for effortless keystrokes. The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch does not have specific descriptors provided, but with its light tactile bump and medium weight, it likely offers a balanced and satisfying typing experience. Both switches offer unique feels that cater to different preferences, with the Cloud switch leaning towards a more lively and bouncy feel, and the Foggy Shadow switch potentially providing a more balanced and consistent typing experience.
Overall, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch each have their own strengths when it comes to sound and feel. Whether you prefer a clacky and high-pitched typing experience with a silky smooth feel, or a low-pitched and neutral sound profile with a potentially balanced and satisfying tactile feel, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience. Depending on your personal preferences and typing style, you can achieve similar results with either switch, providing you with a customized and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch, consider your preference for sound and feel. If you enjoy a clacky and high-pitched sound profile with a silky smooth feel, the Cloud - 63.5g switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a low-pitched and neutral sound profile with a light tactile bump, the Aflion Foggy Shadow switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal typing preferences and what type of typing experience you are looking to achieve.
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