Aflion Cloudy Shadow vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch both offer unique features that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboards. The Cloudy Shadow is revered 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 Splash Brothers boasts a shorter activation and a long pole stem, resulting in a great typing feel and a creamy sound signature. While the Cloudy Shadow is characterized as low-pitched and mild, the Splash Brothers is described as neutral, mild, snappy, bouncy, subtle, and polished. These general pointers can guide your decision-making process; 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
Both the Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Jwick Splash Brothers feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the keyboards. This similarity in housing material ensures that both keyboards deliver a similar sound profile and visual experience.
In contrast, the Cloudy Shadow utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is known for its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers also features a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Despite the subtle differences in design, both keyboards maintain a consistent typing experience due to the shared nylon bottom housing material.
Overall, the choice of housing material for a keyboard greatly impacts the sound and typing experience for users. While both the Cloudy Shadow and the Splash Brothers differ in their bottom housing material, the similarities in their top polycarbonate housings ensure a consistent sound profile. The split qualities between the top and bottom housings highlight the importance of each component in contributing to the overall typing experience, with differences in material composition influencing the sound and feel of the keys. Whether it be polycarbonate or nylon, both materials play a crucial role in shaping the user experience of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch to the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, one noticeable difference is in their bottom out forces. The Cloudy Shadow has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it medium-heavy, while the Splash Brothers has a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it lighter. This means that the Cloudy Shadow will provide a more substantial typing experience, with a stronger push feel, compared to the lighter touch of the Splash Brothers. However, both switches have an actuation force of None grams, meaning that the force required to trigger a keystroke is the same for both, so users can expect similar results in terms of actuation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and weight.
Travel distance
The Aflion Cloudy Shadow and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switches both have a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing and contrasting the travel distance of these two switches, it is clear that they will provide a similar typing experience due to their identical travel distances. Both switches offer a moderate distance for key presses, allowing for a comfortable typing experience without excessive key travel. This makes them suitable for users who prefer a more subtle tactile feedback. Overall, whether you choose the Aflion Cloudy Shadow or the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, you can expect a consistent and familiar typing experience with a travel distance of 3.5 mm.
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 Jwick Splash Brothers comes in at $2.49 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 signature, providing a mellow tone that is suitable for various environments. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch also provides a neutral sound profile, but with a creamy quality that adds a touch of character to the typing experience. Both switches offer a pleasant sound profile that can enhance the overall typing experience, with the Cloudy Shadow leaning towards a more bass-heavy tone while the Splash Brothers adds a creamy touch.
Moving on to feel, the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch is described as offering a mild typing experience, making it approachable to a wide range of users with its gentle characteristics. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch also provides a mild typing experience, but with added features like snappiness, bounciness, subtlety, and a polished finish, giving users a more lively and refined feel. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, with the Cloudy Shadow providing a safe middle ground and the Splash Brothers offering a bit more responsiveness and bounce.
Overall, both the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Cloudy Shadow excels in providing a balanced and neutral sound profile with a bouncy feel, the Splash Brothers stands out with its creamy sound and snappy, bouncy, subtle, and polished typing experience. Whether you choose the Cloudy Shadow or the Splash Brothers, you can expect a quality linear switch that delivers a satisfying typing experience based on your sound and feel preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Aflion Cloudy Shadow linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, consider the key differences in bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force for a balanced typing experience with a bouncy feel, the Cloudy Shadow would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and enjoy a creamy sound signature with a snappy and bouncy feel, the Splash Brothers may be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound profile. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing styles, so choose the one that aligns best with your preferences.
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