Durock Anubis vs. Aflion Iceberg
An in-depth look at the Durock Anubis and the Aflion Iceberg switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Anubis and the Aflion Iceberg are two popular options to consider. The Anubis is a tactile switch that stands out for its deep and resonant sound profile, offering a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback with each keystroke. With a pronounced bump, it delivers a sharp tactility that adds a new level of intensity to your typing experience. On the other hand, the Iceberg from Aflion is a linear switch known for its smoothness and quality. Despite being a relatively new switch manufacturer, Aflion showcases their expertise with the Iceberg's two-stage spring that provides a fulfilling feel. It offers a clacky, high-pitched sound and a snappy, yet subtle keystroke sensation. However, let's take a deeper look beyond these generalities to help you decide which switch best suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock Anubis and Aflion Iceberg differ in their housing materials, with the Anubis featuring a nylon top housing and a nylon bottom housing, while the Iceberg has a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing. The nylon top housing of the Anubis creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Iceberg produces a sharper and crisper sound profile because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, which allows for more clarity and resonance. The translucency of polycarbonate in the Iceberg's top housing also makes it ideal if RGB lighting is a desired feature.
Both switches share the use of nylon in their bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, as a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, users of both the Anubis and Iceberg can expect similar sound characteristics when it comes to bottom-out sound and feel.
In terms of overall sound experience, the different housing materials in the top and bottom of the switches will influence the sound when pressing down and releasing a key. The bottom housing, where nylon is utilized in both switches, will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing, whether nylon or polycarbonate, will have more influence on the sound when letting go of a key. This distinction showcases how the choice of housing material can potentially enhance different aspects of the typing experience in each switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Aflion Iceberg linear switch, there are notable differences. The Anubis has an unavailable actuation force, making it difficult to determine how much force is required to trigger a keystroke. However, its bottom out force is 65 grams, which can be considered medium-heavy. On the other hand, the Iceberg has a relatively light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams.
Weight is an important factor to consider when choosing switches, as it can significantly impact typing experience and comfort. Some individuals prefer lighter switches, as it allows them to type for longer periods without fatigue, making it ideal for work or long gaming sessions. In contrast, those seeking a more substantial typing experience may prefer switches with heavier forces, providing a stronger push feel.
While the Anubis's actuation force is unavailable, it is worth noting that its bottom out force is heavier than the Iceberg. This implies that the Anubis may require a stronger push to activate the keystroke and offers a more substantial and tactile typing experience. In comparison, the Iceberg has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force, making it more suitable for individuals who prefer a lighter touch and faster keystrokes.
In summary, the Durock Anubis tactile switch and Aflion Iceberg linear switch differ in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Anubis leans towards a heavier and more tactile typing experience, while the Iceberg provides a lighter touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Aflion Iceberg linear switch have identical travel distances of 4 mm. This means that both switches will offer users the same tactile feedback and keypress experience in terms of the distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Whether it is the Durock Anubis or the Aflion Iceberg, users can expect a consistent sensation and feeling when pressing down on the keys.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Aflion Iceberg has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Iceberg for $3.07.
The Durock Anubis comes in at $8.00 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 Durock Anubis switch has a deep and resonant profile, providing a satisfying and assertive tactile feedback with every keystroke. The bump of the Anubis is more pronounced than most other tactile switches, giving a sharp tactility that adds intensity to each press. On the other hand, the Aflion Iceberg switch is described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. It has a crisp, bright, and percussive sound profile, making it ideal for those who prefer a distinct and lively typing experience. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, the Anubis offers a deeper and more resonant sound, while the Iceberg provides a louder and crisper sound.
In terms of feel, the Durock Anubis switch is characterized as accented, meaning it provides a significant amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. It offers a prominent level of tactility that enhances the typing experience. Additionally, the Anubis switch is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. This is achieved through the use of high-quality materials and possible factory lubing, reducing friction and allowing for smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Aflion Iceberg switch is described as snappy, meaning it is super responsive due to longer or dual-staged springs. This gives the typing experience a more lively and reactive feel. The Iceberg switch is also feathery, requiring little exertion and reducing finger fatigue. This light actuation force makes it comfortable for extended typing sessions, such as gaming, school, or work. Additionally, the Iceberg switch can also be described as subtle, offering a gentle resistance that maintains a light typing feel. It is worth noting that the Iceberg switch provides a variety of tactile options, allowing users to choose the level of tactility that suits them best.
In conclusion, the Durock Anubis tactile switch and the Aflion Iceberg linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Anubis provides a deeper and resonant sound with a pronounced tactile bump, giving a sharp tactility and intensified keystrokes. It has an accented feel with a polished finish, resulting in a tactile switch that is not overwhelming but still provides a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Iceberg switch delivers a clacky and high-pitched sound, offering a unique and lively typing experience. It has a snappy and feathery feel, allowing for effortless typing and reducing finger fatigue. The choice between the two switches ultimately depends on personal preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a deep and resonant sound profile, then the Durock Anubis is the switch for you. It offers a pronounced tactile bump that adds intensity to every keystroke, and its accented and polished feel ensures a smooth and refined typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a light linear switch with a bottom out force of 45 grams, then the Aflion Iceberg is a great choice. It provides a satisfying smoothness and a snappy feel, thanks to its two-stage spring design. The Iceberg also offers various sound profiles, including a clacky and high-pitched option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences regarding actuation force, sound, and typing feel. Whether you prioritize intensity or smoothness, both switches deliver on quality and performance. In closing, whether you go for the Anubis or the Iceberg, you can expect a great mechanical keyboard switch experience.
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