Bsun Avocado vs. Aflion Iceberg
An in-depth look at the Bsun Avocado and the Aflion Iceberg switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the BSUN Avocado and Aflion Iceberg stand out as top contenders in their respective categories. The Avocado offers a tactile typing experience, with a pronounced bump that leads to a smooth downstroke, accompanied by a mild and neutral sound profile. On the other hand, the Iceberg by Aflion is a linear switch that boasts a satisfying smoothness and two-stage spring for a fulfilling feel, with a clacky and high-pitched sound signature. Choosing between these switches ultimately depends on whether you prefer a tactile or linear typing experience. 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
45g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Avocado and the Aflion Iceberg, it becomes apparent that both keyboards utilize polycarbonate for the top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, ideal for those looking for a more vibrant typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the keyboards. However, the Avocado and Iceberg differ in their bottom housing material, with the Avocado featuring nylon while the Iceberg also opts for polycarbonate. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition, absorbing more sound than harder plastics and resulting in a duller, rounder sound.
While both keyboards share the use of polycarbonate for their top housing, the Avocado and Iceberg showcase different approaches with their bottom housing materials. The utilization of nylon in the Avocado leads to a distinct sound experience, emphasizing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Iceberg's polycarbonate bottom housing. This contrast highlights how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience, with nylon offering a more absorbing sound and polycarbonate delivering a clearer and resonant sound. Ultimately, the combination of these materials in each keyboard results in a unique sound profile that caters to different preferences.
The division of housing materials in the Avocado and Iceberg keyboards demonstrates how the top and bottom housings can influence the overall typing experience. The bottom housing, whether nylon or polycarbonate, plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the keys. In contrast, the top housing, typically made of polycarbonate, has a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. By understanding the qualities that each housing material brings to the table, users can make an informed decision based on their sound preferences and typing style when choosing between the Avocado and Iceberg keyboards.
Weight
The Bsun Avocado tactile switch has a higher actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Aflion Iceberg linear switch. The Avocado requires 45 grams of force to actuate a keystroke, while the Iceberg only needs 37 grams. When it comes to bottoming out, the Avocado requires 65 grams, while the Iceberg only needs 45 grams. This difference means that the Avocado provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier feel, while the Iceberg offers a lighter touch, making it easier for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and weight preferences.
Travel distance
The Bsun Avocado tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4mm, making it the shorter option compared to the Aflion Iceberg linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4mm. The Avocado's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Iceberg's slightly longer travel distance might provide a more satisfying depth for some users. Both switches offer a different tactile feel due to their varying travel distances, so choosing between them will ultimately depend on individual preferences for key press feedback. Ultimately, while the Avocado provides a shorter travel distance, both switches can offer similar results depending on the user's preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Avocado has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Avocado for $4.00.
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.
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
In terms of sound, the Bsun Avocado tactile switch offers a mild, neutral sound signature, providing a pleasant background noise to typing sessions. On the other hand, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch is described as clacky and high-pitched, producing sharp and crisp sounds when pressed. This difference in sound profile can cater to different preferences, with the Avocado being more subdued and the Iceberg offering a more pronounced auditory feedback.
Moving on to feel, the Bsun Avocado switch is lauded for its pronounced tactility, offering a satisfying tactile feedback without being too overwhelming. The switch is described as accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, creating an immersive typing experience with each keypress. Conversely, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch is noted for its smoothness and two-stage spring, providing a fulfilling and snappy feel. The Iceberg switch is also described as snappy, feathery, and subtle, catering to those who prefer a lighter and smoother typing experience compared to the more pronounced tactility of the Avocado.
In conclusion, the Bsun Avocado tactile switch and the Aflion Iceberg linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Avocado excels in providing a tactile typing experience with a mild sound profile, while the Iceberg focuses on a smoother feel with a clacky and high-pitched sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, tactility, and typing feel. However, both switches are capable of delivering satisfying typing experiences, albeit with different characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the tactile BSUN Avocado switch and the linear Aflion Iceberg switch, you should consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, pronounced feedback, and a snappy, responsive feel, then the Avocado switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light linear switch with a lower bottom out force, smooth keystrokes, and a more subtle typing sound, the Iceberg switch may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you prefer.
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