Aflion Cloudy Shadow vs. Cherry Nixie
An in-depth look at the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Cherry Nixie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Cherry Nixie are both linear mechanical keyboard switches, offering a smooth keystroke without tactile feedback. The Cloudy Shadow stands out for its neutral sound signature and bouncy feel, thanks to the extended springs providing a balanced typing experience with a 63.5g bottom-out force. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie is renowned for its substantial heft and textured typing experience, incorporating updated materials and springs from Cherry's recent MX2A update. While the Cloudy Shadow is categorized as low-pitched, mild, and neutral, the Nixie is categorized as textured, thocky, and low-pitched. Each switch has its own unique strengths, with the Cloudy Shadow offering innovation and balance, while the Cherry Nixie blends tradition with modern updates. 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
63.5g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
80g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Cherry Nixie provide different sound profiles due to their unique properties. The Cloudy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, while the Nixie's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound. This contrast in sound profiles is attributed to the stiffness of polycarbonate versus the softness of nylon, which affects how sound is resonated within the housing material.
In terms of aesthetic appeal, the Cloudy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing is translucent, making it ideal for RGB lighting effects. Meanwhile, the Nixie's nylon top housing may lack translucency but offers a classic look and feel. Both materials have their own unique benefits in terms of design and functionality, catering to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the two switches, the use of polycarbonate and nylon in the bottom housings of both the Cloudy Shadow and the Nixie offer a similar experience in terms of sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound more effectively, creating a rounder sound, while the stiffness of polycarbonate leads to a more resonant sound. This demonstrates how different materials can complement each other within a single switch to provide a well-rounded typing experience.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch differ significantly. The Cloudy Shadow has a lighter actuation force of None grams compared to the Nixie's 63.5 grams, making the Nixie the heavier option. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Cloudy Shadow requires 63.5 grams, while the Nixie needs 80 grams, making the Nixie heavier in this aspect as well. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Cloudy Shadow, as it allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue. On the other hand, the Nixie provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, appealing to users who prefer a stronger push feel. Both switches offer unique benefits depending on individual preferences, but overall, the Nixie is the heavier option in terms of both actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it shorter than the Cherry Nixie linear switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Cloudy Shadow offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, which is favored by gamers for its faster reactions. On the other hand, the Nixie provides a bit more depth and cushioning when pressed, which some users may prefer for a more tactile feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience. Both switches offer quality performance, but the Cloudy Shadow is shorter while the Nixie is longer in travel distance.
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 Nixie has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Nixie 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 signature, giving off a more bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for most intents and purposes. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie switch is characterized by a thocky sound, producing a deep, rich, and satisfying tone when pressed. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that will cater to different preferences, with the Cloudy Shadow providing a more neutral tone compared to the Nixie's thocky sound.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch is described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that falls in a safe, middle-ground zone in terms of feedback and tactility. On the contrary, the Cherry Nixie switch is known for its textured feel, providing noticeable friction when pressed which may be preferred by some users for enhanced feedback during typing. Both switches offer distinct tactile experiences, with the Cloudy Shadow leaning towards a mild and approachable feel while the Nixie offers a textured typing experience.
Overall, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch stands out for its neutral sound signature and bouncy feel due to extended springs, providing a balanced typing experience with a 63.5g bottom-out force. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie switch blends tradition with modern innovation by incorporating updated materials and springs from Cherry's recent MX2A update, offering a substantial heft and textured typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that will enhance your typing experience, ensuring that you get similar results in terms of quality and innovation from either choice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Cloudy Shadow with 63.5 grams may be more suitable for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force, the Nixie with 80 grams may be the better choice. Additionally, think about the sound and feel you desire in a switch. The Cloudy Shadow offers a low-pitched and neutral sound with a mild typing experience, while the Nixie provides a thocky and low-pitched sound with a textured feel. By taking these factors into account, you can make an informed decision on which switch aligns best with your preferences and typing style. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on your individual preferences and what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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