Aflion Blue Sky vs. Aflion Iceberg
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the Aflion Iceberg switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that come to mind are the Aflion Blue Sky and the Aflion Iceberg. While both switches fall under the linear category, they offer distinct differences in terms of their sound profile and feel. The Blue Sky is known for its long pole stem, providing a crystal clear linear typing experience. With a high-pitched and polished sound profile, this switch offers an exquisitely smooth push feel. On the other hand, the Iceberg, manufactured by the relatively new switch company Aflion, showcases the quality and innovation they bring to the table. The Iceberg stands out for its satisfying smoothness and a unique two-stage spring design, resulting in a clacky, high-pitched, snappy, feathery, and subtle sound profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your keyboard needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Blue Sky and Aflion Iceberg have similar housing materials, with both featuring a polycarbonate top housing. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is particularly beneficial for those who plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows the lighting to shine through beautifully. While both switches share these characteristics, it's worth noting that the Aflion Iceberg also has a polycarbonate top housing that provides the same benefits.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Aflion Blue Sky and Aflion Iceberg differ. The Blue Sky utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Iceberg also features a nylon bottom housing, which means it shares the same qualities when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel.
In conclusion, while both the Aflion Blue Sky and Aflion Iceberg boast a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharp and clear sound profile, the difference lies in their bottom housing materials. The Aflion Blue Sky's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, while the Aflion Iceberg's nylon bottom housing offers similar characteristics. Therefore, users can expect a slight variation in sound between the two switches when it comes to pressing down on a key and releasing it.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Aflion Iceberg linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Blue Sky has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Iceberg's lighter actuation force of 37 grams. This means that the Blue Sky requires a slightly stronger push to trigger a keystroke, providing a more substantial typing experience. Similarly, when it comes to bottoming out, the Blue Sky requires a force of 60 grams, while the Iceberg requires a lighter force of 45 grams. This indicates that the Blue Sky provides a slightly heavier and more solid sensation when fully pressing the keys. However, it is worth noting that both switches fall within the medium to light range of force. Therefore, if someone prefers a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time, the Iceberg would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, those who value a stronger push feel may opt for the Blue Sky. Overall, both switches offer distinct options catering to different preferences.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Aflion Iceberg linear switch are identical, with both switches having a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either switch, you will experience the same distance of travel. Therefore, whether you choose the Aflion Blue Sky or the Aflion Iceberg, you can expect similar results in terms of the travel distance of the switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Aflion Blue Sky has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Blue Sky for $4.07.
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
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch is known for its crystal clear linear typing experience. It offers a sparkling sound profile, described as high-pitched, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. This switch is best suited for those who prefer a higher-pitched sound rather than a rich and bassy sound. In terms of feel, the Blue Sky provides a mild and polished typing experience. It falls within a safe middle-ground zone, offering a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Overall, the Blue Sky switch provides a smooth and refined feel, complemented by a high-pitched sound profile.
On the other hand, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch represents the quality of switches produced by Aflion. It provides a satisfying smoothness and a fulfilling feel due to its two-stage spring. In terms of sound, the Iceberg switch is described as clacky and high-pitched, producing a sharp, snappy, and crisp sound when pressed. Similar to the Blue Sky, it offers a high-pitched sound profile for those who prefer a sharper sound. In terms of feel, the Iceberg switch is characterized as snappy, offering a super responsive typing experience. It is also described as feathery, which means it requires little exertion from your fingers, reducing finger fatigue. Additionally, it has a subtle resistance, providing a light typing feel and a non-resonant sound signature suitable for shared spaces.
In conclusion, both the Aflion Blue Sky and Iceberg linear switches have unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Blue Sky offers a crystal clear linear typing experience with a high-pitched sound profile and a mild, polished feel. The Iceberg, on the other hand, provides a satisfying smoothness, a clacky, high-pitched sound, and a snappy, feathery feel. It ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel. Whether you prefer a sparkling, high-pitched sound with a gentle typing experience or a sharp, clacky sound with a snappy, feathery feel, both switches offer excellent options.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for a medium bottom out force and enjoy a sparkling sound profile with an exquisitely smooth push feel, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch is the one for you. It offers a crystal clear linear typing experience with a neutral sound profile and a polished finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and value a satisfying smoothness with a two-stage spring for a fulfilling feel, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch is the better choice. It has a clacky sound profile and offers a snappy and feathery typing experience, reducing finger fatigue for extended typing sessions. Ultimately, the decision between the Blue Sky and the Iceberg comes down to your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel.
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