Aflion Cloudy Shadow vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow and Everglide Lightning Silver V3 are two distinct mechanical keyboard switches that cater to different preferences in typing experience. The Cloudy Shadow, a linear switch, is praised for its neutral sound signature and bouncy feel, thanks to its extended springs, providing a balanced typing experience with a 63.5g bottom-out force. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3, also a linear switch, offers a clacky and high-pitched sound signature, along with a silky typing experience attributed to its light diffuser for enhanced RGB illumination. While the Cloudy Shadow is known for its mild and neutral characteristics, the Lightning Silver V3 boasts a clacky and high-pitched typing sensation. Both switches have their unique features that appeal to different preferences, offering a range of choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, it is clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting, making it a popular choice for top housings in mechanical switches. However, while both switches share this similarity in housing material, they differ when it comes to their bottom housing material.
The Cloudy Shadow features a nylon bottom housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Everglide Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb more sound due to being a softer plastic, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile when typing on switches that use nylon housing. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, emphasizing clarity and resonance during typing. This contrast in bottom housing material showcases how different materials can impact the overall sound and feel of mechanical switches.
When considering how the top and bottom housing materials of a switch influence the typing experience, it is important to note that each material brings unique characteristics to the overall sound profile. The qualities of the bottom housing material are more pronounced during the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing material has a greater impact on the sound when a key is released. Therefore, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Cloudy Shadow versus polycarbonate in the Lightning Silver V3 results in a nuanced typing experience that caters to different preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, it's evident that the Cloudy Shadow has a lighter actuation force at None grams compared to the Lightning Silver V3's 48 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Cloudy Shadow requires 63.5 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Lightning Silver V3, which needs 60 grams to bottom out. Both switches provide a medium to medium-heavy typing experience, with the Cloudy Shadow leaning towards the heavier side due to its bottom out force. Ultimately, individuals who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing sessions may opt for the Lightning Silver V3, while those seeking a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Cloudy Shadow.
Travel distance
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, with the Cloudy Shadow being slightly longer than the Lightning Silver V3. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 due to its slightly shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who enjoy a bit more keypress depth may lean towards the Aflion Cloudy Shadow. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences in terms of keypress feel and responsiveness.
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 Everglide Lightning Silver V3 has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lightning Silver V3 for $4.10.
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 offers a low-pitched and neutral sound signature, providing a more relaxed and balanced typing experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound, offering a more sharp and percussive typing experience. Depending on personal preference, the Cloudy Shadow may appeal to those who prefer a mellower tone, while the Lightning Silver V3 may attract those who enjoy a more crisp and bright sound when typing.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch is described as offering a mild typing experience, providing a gentle and approachable feel that falls within a safe middle-ground zone. In contrast, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch is known for its silky feel, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Depending on the desired level of tactility and smoothness, users may prefer the mild feel of the Cloudy Shadow or the silky feel of the Lightning Silver V3.
In conclusion, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switches offer distinct sound and feel qualities to cater to different preferences. While the Cloudy Shadow provides a low-pitched and mild typing experience, ideal for those seeking a balanced and bouncy feel, the Lightning Silver V3 offers a clacky and high-pitched typing experience with a silky smooth feel for enhanced typing comfort. Both switches bring innovative features to the market, reflecting the ongoing advancements in mechanical keyboard technology. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prefer a neutral sound signature with a medium-heavy bottom-out force, the Cloudy Shadow would be a great choice for a balanced typing experience. On the other hand, if you enjoy a clacky and high-pitched sound with a slightly lighter bottom-out force, the Lightning Silver V3 could offer a unique and smooth typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and bottom-out force when selecting between these two quality linear switches.
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