Aflion Cloudy Shadow vs. Cherry MX Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Cherry MX Silent Red are both linear switches that offer unique features catering to different preferences. The Cloudy Shadow stands out for its bouncy feel and neutral sound signature, making it a great option for those looking for a balanced typing experience. On the other hand, the MX Silent Red offers a similar typing experience to the classic MX Red but with the added benefit of being silent, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. These switches are categorized differently in terms of sound profile, with the Cloudy Shadow being 'Low-pitched' and 'Mild', while the MX Silent Red is 'Muted', 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', and 'Textured'. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches offer distinct characteristics that contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switches. The Cloudy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, while the MX Silent Red's nylon top housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile as a result of its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In terms of aesthetics, the Cloudy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing is translucent, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, while the MX Silent Red's nylon top housing is a classic choice for a more traditional typing experience.
The Cloudy Shadow and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches both feature nylon bottom housings, which again contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon material in the bottom housing of both switches absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. This consistency in the bottom housing material ensures that users will experience similar typing sensations regardless of the switch they choose. However, the impact of the bottom housing material will be more noticeable during bottom-out sounds and keypresses, whereas the top housing material will influence the sound when releasing a key.
Overall, the choice between the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing experience. The Cloudy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing will appeal to those looking for a sharper and crisper sound, especially when coupled with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Cherry MX Silent Red switches with nylon housings provide a deeper and fuller sound that may be preferred by users seeking a more traditional typing feel. Regardless, both switches offer quality housing materials that enhance the overall performance and sound of the key switches.
Weight
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch have notable differences in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Cloudy Shadow has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy option, while its actuation force is not specified. In comparison, the MX Silent Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, with an unspecified bottom out force. The lighter actuation force of the MX Silent Red may make it preferable for those who type for long periods or engage in extended gaming sessions, as it allows for less strain on the fingers. On the other hand, the heavier bottom out force of the Cloudy Shadow may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, it is evident that the Cloudy Shadow has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5mm, while the MX Silent Red has a travel distance of 3.7mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may result in the Cloudy Shadow feeling slightly more responsive compared to the MX Silent Red. Gamers who prefer a more abrupt feel when pressing down on a key may lean towards the Cloudy Shadow, while those who prefer a slightly deeper press may prefer the MX Silent Red. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar experience due to their closely matched travel distances.
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 Cherry MX Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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 linear switch is known for its low-pitched and neutral sound profile, offering a mellow tone that is suitable for various environments. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch is recognized for its muted and thocky sound, providing a quieter typing experience ideal for noise-sensitive settings. Both switches have low-pitched characteristics, which means that you can expect a similar bass-heavy and mellow tone from both options, although the MX Silent Red may offer a softer and quieter sound overall.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch provides a mild and bouncy typing experience with extended springs, offering a balanced feel that is approachable to most users. In contrast, the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch is described as textured, indicating that it may have noticeable friction when pressed, which can affect the overall typing feel. While the specific feel of the MX Silent Red switch may differ from the Cloudy Shadow due to its textured nature, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience that caters to different preferences.
Overall, when considering the subjective qualities of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, it is important to acknowledge the differences in sound and feel. While the Cloudy Shadow offers a low-pitched and bouncy typing experience, the MX Silent Red provides a muted and textured feel. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches can offer a unique typing experience that is tailored to your individual needs. Ultimately, whether you choose the Cloudy Shadow or the MX Silent Red, you can expect a quality linear switch that delivers a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a balanced typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a neutral sound profile, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a significantly quieter sound profile with a slightly heftier feel and silent operation, the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch would be the better option. Consider your typing preferences and environment when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different needs and preferences in the mechanical keyboard market.
Mentioned in this article
