Aflion Cloudy Shadow vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon mechanical keyboard switches, it becomes apparent that both offer unique features for different typing preferences. The Cloudy Shadow, with its bouncy feel and neutral sound signature, provides a balanced typing experience with a 63.5g bottom-out force, showcasing Aflion's innovation and quality. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon from KTT boasts a buttery smooth typing experience thanks to its progressive spring and dry-lube design. While both switches are low-pitched and offer a mild and neutral feel, the Cloudy Shadow may appeal to users looking for a more tactile typing experience, whereas the Sea Salt Lemon could be ideal for those seeking a smoother input. 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
53g
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
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow and KTT Sea Salt Lemon both feature polycarbonate top housings that create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's relatively stiffer nature, which results in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. While both switches share this top housing material, they may differ in their bottom housing materials.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Cloudy Shadow and Sea Salt Lemon utilize nylon, a classic switch housing material that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is softer compared to harder plastics, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound. This material impacts the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when pressed, complementing the qualities brought by the top housing material. Despite having different bottom housings, the Cloudy Shadow and Sea Salt Lemon offer similar experiences in terms of sound and feel due to the shared use of nylon in this component.
With the top and bottom housings playing distinct roles in the overall sound and feel of a switch, the qualities of each material are divided between the two parts. The bottom housing contributes more to the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when the key is released. This division allows for a balanced and nuanced typing experience, enhancing the overall performance and functionality of the switch. Both the Cloudy Shadow and Sea Salt Lemon benefit from this split in housing materials, offering users a comprehensive and satisfying typing experience.
Weight
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch has a bottom-out force of 63.5 grams and an unknown actuation force, while the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch has a bottom-out force of 53 grams and an actuation force of 45 grams. The Cloudy Shadow switch is considered to be heavier due to its higher bottom-out force, whereas the Sea Salt Lemon switch is lighter with a lower bottom-out force. The actuation force of the Cloudy Shadow is unknown, while the Sea Salt Lemon has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Sea Salt Lemon switch for longer typing sessions, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Cloudy Shadow switch. Both switches offer different levels of force, catering to individual preferences for typing or gaming purposes.
Travel distance
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it slightly shorter than the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. While both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, the Cloudy Shadow offers a slightly shallower key press compared to the Sea Salt Lemon. Gamers may prefer the Cloudy Shadow for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those looking for a more substantial key press may lean towards the Sea Salt Lemon. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the type of typing or gaming experience desired.
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 KTT Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80 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, both the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switches are described as low-pitched and neutral. This means that they both provide a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches, making them suitable for various typing environments. The sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, both the Cloudy Shadow and Sea Salt Lemon switches are described as mild, offering a gentler typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. This means that the sound and feel of these switches will be approachable to most users, as they fall within a safe, middle-ground zone in terms of tactile feedback.
Overall, when comparing the subjective qualities of the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switches, it is evident that they share similar low-pitched and neutral sound profiles, as well as a mild typing experience. This means that users can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel when using either of these switches, making them both solid options for a balanced and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-heavy linear switch with a bouncy feel and neutral sound signature, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light linear switch with a buttery smooth typing experience and a progressive spring design, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon would be the better option. Consider your typing preferences and bottom-out force requirements when deciding between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing styles, so choose the one that best suits your needs.
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