Aflion Cloudy Shadow vs. Gateron Oil King
An in-depth look at the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Gateron Oil King switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and Gateron Oil King both stand out as excellent linear options. The Cloudy Shadow from Aflion offers a balanced typing experience with a neutral sound signature and bouncy feel, thanks to its extended springs and 63.5g bottom-out force. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King is praised for its buttery smoothness and a sound profile reminiscent of snapping a dark chocolate bar. While the Cloudy Shadow is known for its mild and neutral characteristics, the Oil King is described as creamy, silky, bassy, buttery, and polished. Both switches have their own unique appeal and advantages, making them suitable for different typing preferences. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Gateron Oil King are quite different. The Cloudy Shadow features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharp, higher-pitched sound profile, while the Oil King has a nylon top housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound. The polycarbonate top housing of the Cloudy Shadow is translucent, making it ideal for showcasing RGB lighting, whereas the Oil King's nylon top housing is a classic choice known for its sound absorption capabilities. Overall, the Cloudy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing offers a crisper sound, while the Oil King's nylon top housing provides a more mellow tone.
In terms of bottom housing, the Cloudy Shadow and the Oil King both utilize nylon as the material. Nylon is known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile, so both switches will likely offer a similar typing experience in this aspect. However, the Oil King also features a proprietary INK blend bottom housing, which gives it a unique sound profile described as pointed and high-pitched, but not overly sharp. This creates a satisfying and clacky sound that sets it apart from the Cloudy Shadow's more traditional nylon bottom housing. Overall, while both switches share a nylon bottom housing, the Oil King offers a distinctive sound profile with its proprietary blend.
When considering the overall sound and feel of the switches, the top and bottom housings play a crucial role. The Cloudy Shadow's combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing creates a balance between a sharp, clear sound and a fuller, deeper tone. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King's nylon top and proprietary INK blend bottom housings offer a unique sound profile that is pointed, high-pitched, and clacky. Whether you prefer a crisper sound with the Cloudy Shadow or a more distinctive clack with the Oil King, both switches showcase the impact of different housing materials on the typing experience.
Weight
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch differ in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Cloudy Shadow has an actuation force of None grams, making it lighter than the Oil King which has an actuation force of 55 grams. On the other hand, the bottom out force of the Cloudy Shadow is 63.5 grams, slightly lighter than the Oil King's 65 grams. Despite the differences in force, both switches fall under the category of medium-heavy when it comes to bottom out force. This means that typing on either switch will provide a satisfying tactile feedback without being too heavy for extended use. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to individual preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it shorter than the Gateron Oil King linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Cloudy Shadow offers a slightly quicker response time compared to the Oil King due to its shorter travel distance. Gamers looking for fast and responsive key presses may prefer the Cloudy Shadow for this reason. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial keypress and prefer a deeper travel distance may lean towards the Oil King. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
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 Oil King comes in at $6.50 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 Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, creating a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for a variety of environments. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King linear switch also provides a low-pitched sound but adds a bassy quality, delivering a deeper and richer sound profile that may appeal to those seeking a more resonant keypress experience. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that can enhance the overall typing experience depending on personal preference and setup.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch is described as mild, providing a gentle and approachable typing experience that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone in terms of sound and feel. In contrast, the Gateron Oil King linear switch is characterized as creamy, silky, buttery, and polished, offering a smooth and buttery typing sensation that is further enhanced by reduced friction and smooth key travel. While both switches offer a smooth typing experience, the Oil King switch may appeal more to users looking for an exceptionally smooth and effortless keystroke feel.
Overall, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch each bring unique qualities to the table in terms of sound and feel. While the Cloudy Shadow switch provides a neutral sound and mild typing experience, the Oil King switch offers a rich and buttery sound profile with a silky smooth keystroke feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and typing sensation, as both switches offer quality and innovation in the ever-evolving landscape of mechanical keyboard switches. Whether opting for the Cloudy Shadow or the Oil King, users can expect a satisfying typing experience that reflects the craftsmanship and attention to detail of these respective switch offerings.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, consider the bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel that best suits your preferences. If you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force and a neutral sound signature with a bouncy feel, the Cloudy Shadow with its 63.5g bottom-out force may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are drawn to a switch with a buttery smooth feel, a sound profile reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping, and a bottom out force of 65 grams, the Gateron Oil King may be the perfect match for your typing style. Ultimately, your decision should be based on personal preference and what type of typing experience you are looking to achieve.
Mentioned in this article
