Durock Blue Lotus vs. Aflion Iceberg
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Aflion Iceberg switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Durock Blue Lotus and the Aflion Iceberg. The Blue Lotus switches from Durock are renowned for their impressive tactile experience and swift responsiveness. With a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm, these switches offer a satisfyingly marked tactile feel. Additionally, they boast a detachable light column that provides vibrant and captivating RGB illumination. On the other hand, the Iceberg switches from Aflion, although manufactured by a relatively new player in the market, showcase the quality that Aflion is capable of producing. These linear switches offer a smooth and clacky feel, accompanied by a two-stage spring that adds to the satisfying feedback. While both switches share some characteristics such as snappiness, it is important to dive deeper beyond these generalities in order to determine the best switch for your specific preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 long spring
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the Aflion Iceberg differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Blue Lotus features a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, which offers a unique and premium feel. This material may provide a softer and gentler sound profile upon key release, allowing for a more subtle typing experience. In comparison, the Iceberg utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. This stiffer plastic enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound, delivering a more precise and vibrant typing experience. Both switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound, with the Blue Lotus offering a softer and premium feel, while the Iceberg provides a crisper and more defined sound profile.
In terms of their bottom housings, both the Blue Lotus and the Iceberg boast nylon materials. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its relatively softer plastic composition, leading to a rounder and dull sound. This applies to both switches, suggesting that they may share similar sound characteristics when bottoming out a key. The absorption of sound by nylon helps create a more immersive and satisfying typing experience, as it dampens any potential noise from the switch mechanism. Ultimately, the use of nylon for the bottom housing in both switches results in a deeper and fuller sound profile.
When evaluating the impact of the top and bottom housings on overall switch performance, it becomes evident that the properties of each material are divided between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel, determining the overall impact and firmness upon pressing a key. Conversely, the top housing plays a significant role in the sound emitted when releasing a key, affecting factors such as the sharpness and resonance of the sound. While the specific qualities of the housing materials differ between the Blue Lotus and the Iceberg, this split effect ensures that each switch delivers a unique typing experience that combines both bottom and top housing characteristics.
In summary, the Blue Lotus and the Iceberg differ in their housing materials and resulting sound profiles. The Blue Lotus's modified PC and UPE Blend top housing provides a unique and premium feel, potentially offering a softer and more subtle sound profile upon key release. In contrast, the Iceberg's polycarbonate top housing delivers a sharp and vibrant sound, thanks to its stiffer plastic composition. Both switches share a nylon bottom housing, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile when bottoming out a key. While the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel, the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Despite these differences, both switches strive to provide an immersive and satisfactory typing experience through the unique combination of their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Aflion Iceberg linear switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Durock Blue Lotus has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Iceberg's lighter 37 grams. This means that the Blue Lotus requires more force to trigger a keystroke, providing a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Iceberg has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Blue Lotus has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 65 grams. Therefore, pressing all the way down on the Iceberg switch requires less force compared to the Blue Lotus.
Considering weight preferences, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Iceberg switch more suitable, as its lighter actuation and bottom out forces allow for extended typing sessions without excessive strain. This makes it ideal for those who use their keyboards for work or long gaming sessions. However, for individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Blue Lotus would be a better choice with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches offer different tactile experiences, and the choice ultimately depends on the individual's preference for lighter or heavier forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch is 3.7 mm, while the travel distance of the Aflion Iceberg linear switch is 4 mm. In terms of distance, the Iceberg has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Blue Lotus. 4.0 mm is the most traditional travel distance, while 3.0 mm is the most shallow. However, shorter travel distances are becoming more popular, especially among gamers who value faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive feel, the shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm in the Blue Lotus may be a better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper and more substantial key press, the longer travel distance of 4 mm in the Iceberg switch might be more to your liking. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Blue 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 Blue 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
When it comes to sound, the Durock Blue Lotus switches are best described as bassy. These switches offer a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses, characterized by a lower frequency range resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the Aflion Iceberg switches are described as clacky and high-pitched. The clacky sound produced by the Iceberg switches is sharp and snappy, while the high-pitched sound is sharp and crisp. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Durock Blue Lotus switches have several descriptors. They are considered accented, providing a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. These switches are also snappy, offering a super responsive typing experience. Additionally, they can be described as stepped, meaning they have a two-stage tactile feel with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. On the other hand, the Aflion Iceberg switches are also snappy, providing a super responsive typing experience. They are also described as feathery, requiring little exertion from the fingers and reducing finger fatigue. Lastly, the Iceberg switches are subtle, offering a gentle resistance and a sound signature that is not resonant, making them suitable for shared spaces.
In conclusion, the Durock Blue Lotus switches deliver a marked tactile feel with a snappy and accented sensation, providing a medium level of tactility. They offer a bassy sound profile, creating a deeper and richer sound during key presses. On the other hand, the Aflion Iceberg switches offer a fulfilling smoothness and a snappy feel, with feathery and subtle characteristics. They produce a clacky and high-pitched sound when pressed. While they have different subjective qualities, both switches offer a super responsive typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Blue Lotus and Iceberg switches will depend on personal preference and the desired qualities in terms of tactile feel, sound, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who values a marked tactile feel and swift responsiveness in your mechanical keyboard, the Durock Blue Lotus switches would be an excellent choice for you. With a bottom out force of 65 grams, these switches provide a medium-heavy feel that many tactile enthusiasts enjoy. Additionally, the Blue Lotus switches offer a unique blend of accented tactility and snappiness, making them a great option for those looking for a tactile switch that is not too overwhelming nor subtle. Moreover, if vibrant RGB illumination is something you appreciate, the detachable light column of the Blue Lotus switches will add a captivating visual appeal to your keyboard.
On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother typing experience with a lighter actuation force, the Aflion Iceberg switches would suit your preferences. With a bottom out force of 45 grams, these switches provide a light and feathery feel that reduces finger fatigue, making them comfortable for extended typing sessions. The Iceberg switches also offer a satisfying smoothness and snappiness, thanks to their two-stage spring design. Additionally, if you value a keyboard switch with a sharp and crisp sound, the Iceberg switches produce a clacky, high-pitched sound profile that will enhance your typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Aflion Iceberg linear switch depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize tactile intensity, swift responsiveness, and vibrant RGB illumination, the Blue Lotus switches would be the way to go. However, if you prefer a smoother, lighter, and more comfortable typing experience with a sharp and crisp sound, the Iceberg switches are an excellent option. Consider these factors when making your decision and enjoy the satisfying typing experience that each switch brings.
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