Aflion Cloudy Shadow vs. Gateron Ink Yellow
An in-depth look at the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Gateron Ink Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Gateron Ink Yellow both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Cloudy Shadow, a linear switch, is gaining rapid traction in the industry with its neutral sound signature and bouncy feel, thanks to extended springs that provide a balanced typing experience with a 63.5g bottom-out force. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Yellow, also a linear switch, is known for its shorter travel and smoothness, offering a typing experience that falls between a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard, with a pleasant clackiness. While both switches have their merits, choosing between them ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and Gateron Ink Yellow switches have distinct characteristics that contribute to their sound profiles. The Cloudy Shadow features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This results in a higher-pitched sound that is resonant and clear. In comparison, the Ink Yellow utilizes a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, which also produces a high-pitched sound, but is described as being slightly less sharp and more clacky. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences in typing experience.
In terms of bottom housing material, the Cloudy Shadow uses nylon, a classic switch housing material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. On the other hand, the Ink Yellow also features Gateron's proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing, which contributes to a pointed and high-pitched sound that is described as clacky. While both bottom housings offer different sound characteristics, they each play a role in enhancing the overall typing experience of the switch.
Overall, the combination of housing materials in both the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and Gateron Ink Yellow switches contribute to their unique sound profiles. While the Cloudy Shadow utilizes polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing, the Ink Yellow incorporates Gateron's INK blend for both its top and bottom housings. Despite the differences in materials used, both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences. Whether you prefer a sharper and crisper sound or a slightly less sharp and more clacky sound, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience that showcases the impact of housing materials on sound quality.
Weight
In comparing the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch, it is evident that the actuation force and bottom out force differ slightly between the two. The Cloudy Shadow has a lower actuation force compared to the Ink Yellow, as the Cloudy Shadow has a force of None grams while the Ink Yellow has a force of 60 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Cloudy Shadow is slightly lighter at 63.5 grams compared to the Ink Yellow's 67 grams. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category in terms of bottom out force. Ultimately, those who prefer a lighter actuation force may gravitate towards the Cloudy Shadow for longer typing sessions, while those who enjoy a more substantial feel may opt for the Ink Yellow for a stronger push experience. Both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, with slight variations in force that cater to individual preferences.
Travel distance
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing their travel distances, it is evident that both switches offer the same tactile feel and keypress experience. Whether you opt for the Cloudy Shadow or the Ink Yellow, you can expect to get similar results in terms of key travel distance. With a travel distance of 3.5 mm, both switches provide a consistent typing experience while maintaining a smooth keypress. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to other factors such as actuation force, sound profile, and overall feel.
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 Gateron Ink Yellow has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Yellow for $7.35.
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 and Gateron Ink Yellow switches both offer a neutral profile, making them suitable for a wide range of users. The Cloudy Shadow has a low-pitched sound, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, while the Ink Yellow offers a clacky sound with sharp and snappy characteristics. The choice between the two will ultimately depend on personal preference and the overall setup of your keyboard, as factors such as the type of board and keycaps used can also affect the sound produced.
In terms of feel, both the Cloudy Shadow and Ink Yellow switches are described as providing a mild typing experience, making them approachable and comfortable for most users. The extended springs in the Cloudy Shadow give it a bouncy feel, whereas the Ink Yellow showcases a smooth and polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and a sleek typing experience. Again, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual typing preferences and the level of feedback desired during typing sessions.
Overall, while the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and Gateron Ink Yellow switches offer similar neutral sound profiles, they vary in terms of feel with the Cloudy Shadow providing a bouncy experience and the Ink Yellow offering a polished feel. Both switches are suitable for a wide range of users, making them versatile options for different typing preferences. Ultimately, the decision between the Cloudy Shadow and Ink Yellow switches will come down to personal preference regarding sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch, consider the following guidelines. Choose the Cloudy Shadow if you value a balanced typing experience with a slightly lighter bottom-out force of 63.5 grams. This switch is best suited for those looking for a neutral sound signature and a bouncy feel due to the extended springs. On the other hand, opt for the Ink Yellow if you prefer a shorter travel distance and a bottom-out force of 67 grams. This switch provides a smooth and clacky typing experience, perfect for those seeking something in between a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preference for bottom-out force, sound profile, and typing feel.
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