Durock Black Lotus vs. Aflion Iceberg
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Aflion Iceberg switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, you have plenty of options to choose from. Two switches that stand out amongst the rest are the Durock Black Lotus and the Aflion Iceberg, both of which belong to the linear switch category. The Black Lotus is hailed for its silky smooth feel and unparalleled precision, ensuring a satisfying typing experience with reduced housing and stem wobble. With an actuation weight of 55g, it strikes a balance between substantial and manageable. Additionally, its unique removable light column adds a touch of customization with in-switch lighting. On the other hand, Aflion Iceberg switches, despite being produced by a relatively new manufacturer, showcase the quality synonymous with the brand. Boasting a satisfying smoothness and a fulfilling feel conferred by its two-stage spring, the Iceberg switch is a strong contender. Known for its clacky and high-pitched feedback, this switch delivers a snappy response, while also providing a feathery and subtle typing experience. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that might appeal to different users, 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
55g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
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 housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and the Aflion Iceberg switches differ in several ways. The Black Lotus features a modified PC and UPE blend top housing, which gives it a unique and premium feel. In contrast, the Iceberg utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While both materials contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches, the polycarbonate used in the Iceberg provides a more clear and resonant sound, making it an excellent choice for those who value a distinct sound experience. The translucency of polycarbonate also enhances the aesthetics of the switch, particularly when RGB lighting is incorporated. Overall, the top housing material differentiates the Black Lotus and the Iceberg switches in terms of sound and visual appeal.
Regarding the bottom housing, both the Black Lotus and the Iceberg switches utilize nylon. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Due to its relatively softer nature, nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This quality is common to both switches and adds to the overall sound experience. The bottom housing material primarily impacts the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches when pressed down. Thus, both the Black Lotus and the Iceberg provide a similar typing experience in terms of the deep and full sound profile generated by the nylon bottom housing.
In summary, the Durock Black Lotus and the Aflion Iceberg switches differ mainly in their top housing materials. The Black Lotus utilizes a modified PC and UPE blend, providing a unique and premium feel, while the Iceberg features a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile. Both switches, however, share the use of nylon for their bottom housings, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to one's preference for sound characteristics and aesthetic qualities associated with the specific housing materials used.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Aflion Iceberg linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The actuation force of the Black Lotus is significantly higher at 55 grams, while the Iceberg requires only 37 grams to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Black Lotus requires a heavier 63.5 grams to fully press down, whereas the Iceberg only needs 45 grams. The Black Lotus can be considered medium-heavy in terms of both actuation and bottom out force, while the Iceberg is relatively lighter.
Considering weight, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Iceberg switch. This lighter actuation force of 37 grams allows for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. It is ideal for those who use keyboards extensively for work or engaging in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Black Lotus, with its higher actuation force of 55 grams, provides a more substantial push feel for users looking for a stronger typing experience. This can be beneficial for individuals who prefer a tactile feedback and enjoy a heavier keystroke.
Although the Black Lotus requires a heavier force compared to the Iceberg, for those who desire a similar result, the Iceberg can be modded with additional springs or other modifications to increase the actuation and bottom out force to match the Black Lotus. Nevertheless, in their default configurations, the Black Lotus is the heavier option, while the Iceberg is the lighter one, offering users the opportunity to select the switch that best suits their typing preferences.
Travel distance
The travel distance, which is the distance the switch travels from top to bottom, of the Durock Black Lotus and the Aflion Iceberg linear switches is the same at 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience a similar travel distance. Thus, there is no significant difference in the travel distance between the two switches. Both switches offer a consistent and comfortable key press experience with their equal travel distances.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Black Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Black Lotus for $4.57.
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 Black Lotus switch's sound profile is unknown based on the provided information. On the other hand, the Iceberg switch is described as having a clacky and high-pitched sound. A clacky switch produces a sharp and snappy sound, while a high-pitched switch produces a sharp and crisp sound. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Black Lotus switch is described as silky, buttery, mild, and polished. A silky switch offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance. A buttery switch implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. A mild switch offers a gentle typing experience in a safe, middle-ground zone. Lastly, a polished switch has a sleek typing experience with reduced friction. On the other hand, the Iceberg switch is described as snappy, feathery, and subtle. A snappy switch is super responsive, thanks to longer or dual-staged springs. A feathery switch is exceptionally light to press, reducing finger fatigue. A subtle switch has a gentle resistance and a sound signature suitable for shared spaces.
In conclusion, the Black Lotus switch is best known for its silky smooth feel, reduced wobble, and a unique light column for in-switch lighting. Its sound profile remains unknown, but its feel is described as silky, buttery, mild, and polished. The Iceberg switch, manufactured by Aflion, showcases the quality of their switches. It offers a satisfying smoothness and a fulfilling feel due to its two-stage spring. Its sound profile is described as clacky and high-pitched, while its feel is snappy, feathery, and subtle. While both switches provide unique characteristics, it's important to consider personal preferences and other factors such as keycap and board choice when selecting a switch. Ultimately, both switches offer a pleasant typing experience, but it's advisable to try them out firsthand to determine the best fit for individual preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a medium-heavy bottom out force and a switch with a silky smooth feel and unparalleled precision, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch is a great choice. These switches offer maximum typing pleasure with reduced housing and stem wobble. The unique light column adds an extra touch of customization and is fully removable. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a switch that is representative of the quality Aflion produces, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch is a solid option. It offers a satisfying smoothness and a fulfilling feel due to its two-stage spring. Additionally, the Iceberg switch provides options for a clacky and high-pitched sound, which may be appealing if you enjoy sharp and crisp keystrokes. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for bottom out force, typing feel, and sound.
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