Aflion Blush vs. Aflion Iceberg
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the Aflion Iceberg switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the Aflion Blush and the Aflion Iceberg. Starting with the Blush, it is Aflion's finest linear offering, known for its impressively smooth and snappy typing experience. With a longer, two-stage spring, this switch offers a full and buttery feel, making it perfect for those who prefer a low-pitched and creamy typing sound. On the other hand, we have the Iceberg, which showcases Aflion's commitment to quality. It boasts a satisfying smoothness and a fulfilling feel, thanks to its two-stage spring design. The Iceberg produces a clacky and high-pitched typing sound, which is further enhanced by its snappy, feathery, and subtle characteristics. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities, so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
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
Dual-stage stainless steel spring
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Blush and the Aflion Iceberg have similarities in terms of their housing materials. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material brings about a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially beneficial for those planning to use RGB lighting, as it allows the illumination to shine through. Therefore, users can expect similar sound characteristics and visual effects from both the Blush and Iceberg switches when it comes to the top housing.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Aflion Blush and Iceberg differ in their choice of material. The Blush features a nylon bottom housing, while the Iceberg also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches. It absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, the bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.
Overall, the Aflion Blush and Iceberg switches share similarities in terms of their polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a clear and resonant sound profile and is visually appealing for RGB lighting. However, they differ in their respective nylon bottom housing, with the Blush providing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Therefore, users can expect a combination of these qualities when pressing down on either switch, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and the top housing affecting the sound when releasing a key.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Aflion Iceberg linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The actuation force of the Blush switch is unavailable, making it difficult to assess its exact requirement for triggering a keystroke. On the other hand, the Iceberg switch has an actuation force of 37 grams, which indicates a relatively lighter touch needed to initiate a keystroke.
In terms of the bottom out force, the Blush switch requires 58 grams of force to fully press down, providing a medium level of resistance. In contrast, the Iceberg switch has a lower bottom out force of 45 grams, which delivers a lighter and more effortless typing experience.
Considering weight as a factor, those seeking a keyboard for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions may find the lighter actuation force of the Iceberg switch appealing. It allows for smoother and easier keystrokes, reducing the strain on the fingers during prolonged usage. On the other hand, individuals preferring a more substantial typing experience might opt for the Blush switch due to its higher bottom out force, offering a stronger push feel.
Both switches have their advantages depending on personal preferences and specific usage scenarios. If a user desires similar results to the Blush switch but prefers a lighter actuation force, the Iceberg switch can be a suitable alternative. Overall, these switches cater to different needs and typing preferences, showcasing the importance of considering both actuation and bottom out forces when selecting a keyboard switch.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blush linear switch and the Aflion Iceberg linear switch have different travel distances, with the Blush having a travel distance of 3.3 mm and the Iceberg having a travel distance of 4 mm. The Blush offers a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Iceberg, which makes it a favorable choice for gamers who prioritize faster response times. The shorter travel distance allows for quicker actuation and key presses, resulting in a more responsive gaming experience. On the other hand, some individuals may find the shorter travel distance of the Blush to feel too abrupt, and may prefer the longer travel distance of the Iceberg. The Iceberg's slightly longer travel distance provides a more hearty and tactile feel when pressing down on the keys. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for either a shorter and more responsive experience or a longer and more tactile one.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Aflion Blush has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Blush 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
In terms of sound, the Aflion Blush linear switch has a low-pitched sound profile. This means that it produces a more bass-heavy and mellow tone when pressed, resulting in a pleasing and soothing sound. On the other hand, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch has a clacky and high-pitched sound profile. When pressed, it produces a sharp, crisp, and percussive sound. If you prefer a richer and bassier sound, the Blush switch would be a better choice, while if you prefer a sharper and crisper sound, the Iceberg switch would be more suitable. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Blush linear switch offers a creamy, silky, and buttery typing experience. This means that it provides a smooth and effortless sensation when typing, with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. It's like gliding your fingers across the keys with ease, resulting in a seamless and uniform typing feel. On the other hand, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch is described as snappy, feathery, and subtle in terms of feel. It is super responsive and lively due to its longer or dual-staged springs, making the typing experience feel more alive. Additionally, it has a light actuation force, reducing finger fatigue and making it comfortable for extended typing sessions.
Considering all the available information, both the Aflion Blush and Iceberg linear switches have their own unique qualities. The Blush switch is best known for its impressively smooth, full, and snappy type feel, along with its long pole providing a poppy sound signature. It offers a low-pitched sound and a creamy, silky, and buttery typing experience. On the other hand, the Iceberg switch represents the quality of switches produced by Aflion and offers a satisfying smoothness and a fulfilling feel. It has a clacky and high-pitched sound, along with a snappy, feathery, and subtle typing experience. Depending on your personal preferences, you can choose either switch to achieve similar results in terms of smoothness and responsiveness, but with different sound profiles.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium bottom out force and enjoy a smooth and snappy typing experience with a poppy sound signature, the Aflion Blush linear switch is the way to go. These switches offer a creamy, silky, and buttery feel, allowing your fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys. Additionally, they have a low-pitched sound profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone.
On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and desire a satisfying smoothness in your typing, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch would be your ideal choice. These switches have a snappy feel, making your typing experience feel more alive. They are also described as feathery, requiring little exertion from your fingers, which reduces finger fatigue. The Iceberg switches have a clacky sound profile, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, but they also have a high-pitched option available if you prefer a sharper and crisper sound.
Ultimately, the decision between the Aflion Blush and Iceberg linear switches will depend on your personal preferences for bottom out force, typing feel, and sound profile. Both switches showcase the quality that Aflion offers as a switch manufacturer and are capable of enhancing your overall typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
