Akko Botany vs. Aflion Iceberg
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the Aflion Iceberg switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves navigating a diverse landscape of options, each offering unique characteristics tailored to different preferences. The Akko Botany switch is celebrated for its crisp, lively clacky sound, making it an appealing choice for those who enjoy auditory feedback and a tactile experience while typing or gaming. Its engaging acoustics provide a fun and dynamic environment, perfect for those who appreciate a keyboard that communicates with them. In contrast, the Aflion Iceberg switch, introduced by the relatively new manufacturer Aflion, stands out with its remarkable smoothness and responsive feel, attributed to its innovative two-stage spring mechanism. Users seeking a soft and subtle typing experience will find satisfaction in the Iceberg's understated yet rewarding performance. Both switches fall into the linear category, catering to different preferences when it comes to auditory feedback and feel. 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
38g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Nylon Pro
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Housing materials
The Akko Botany and Aflion Iceberg switches utilize different materials for their top housings, leading to distinct sound profiles during typing. The Botany features a nylon top housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound. This is largely attributable to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs sound more effectively than harder alternatives. Consequently, the sound produced when typing on the Botany is characterized by a rounder and more muted tone. In contrast, the Iceberg incorporates a polycarbonate top housing which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This crisper sound emanates from polycarbonate's stiffer nature, allowing for greater resonance and clarity in sound. The transparency of polycarbonate also allows light to pass through, making it a favorable choice for users who enjoy RGB lighting effects in their typing experience.
Despite the differences in their top housings, the bottom housings for both the Botany and Iceberg switches are made from nylon, which means they share similar sound properties in that regard. The nylon bottom housing exhibits the same characteristics as discussed for the Botany: it absorbs sound, resulting in a deeper, fuller sound profile. When comparing the two, the impact of the bottom housing becomes notable as it determines the sound and feel when the key is bottomed out, regardless of the differences present in the top housing. The shared bottom housing material contributes to a uniform experience at the base of each switch, even when the top exhibits distinct sound characteristics due to the differing materials.
Overall, the combination of nylon for the bottom housing in both switches ensures that they will deliver a cohesive bottom-out experience, despite their varying top housing materials. While the Botany’s nylon top offers a muffled and rich sound, the Iceberg’s polycarbonate top shines with a bright and crisp tone. This alignment means that when users type on either switch, they will experience a similar depth and fullness from the bottom housing. However, the differences in top materials will distinctly influence the auditory qualities as users release the keys, resulting in a unique typing experience tailored to the specific sonic preferences of each switch type.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the Aflion Iceberg linear switch, both exhibit light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience. The Botany switch has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Iceberg is slightly lighter with an actuation force of 37 grams but shares the same bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that both switches require minimal effort to register a key press, making them favorable for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. Despite their similar bottom out forces, the Iceberg offers a slightly lighter feel at the actuation stage, which may be preferred by those seeking an even easier typing experience. Overall, users will likely find that both switches provide a comfortable and responsive feel, though the Aflion Iceberg stands out as the lighter option in terms of actuation force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Botany linear switch and the Aflion Iceberg linear switch, the differences are quite clear. The Akko Botany features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Aflion Iceberg has a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This makes the Botany the shorter option, appealing to those who favor a quicker response time often sought after by gamers. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Iceberg may provide a more satisfying and tactile experience for users who prefer a deeper key press. Ultimately, the choice between these switches hinges on personal preference: if you value speed and quick execution, the Botany may suit you better, while the Iceberg might be the ideal choice for those who enjoy a more deliberate typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko Botany has an MSRP of $3.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Botany for $3.11.
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 Akko Botany switches are recognized for their crisp, lively, and clacky auditory profile, providing a bright and percussive experience with each keystroke. This sound signature can add a layer of satisfaction to the typing experience, especially for those who enjoy a more pronounced feedback from their keyboard. In contrast, the Aflion Iceberg switches also lean towards a clacky sound quality, characterized by a sharp and high-pitched tone that complements their responsive nature. Both switch types produce a dynamic auditory experience; however, the Iceberg’s high-pitched sound may appeal more to users who prefer a sharp and snappy auditory feedback over the deeper tonal characteristics that could accompany other switch profiles.
Regarding feel, the Botany switches are known to provide a pleasant typing experience, although specific details are not provided. On the other hand, the Iceberg switches offer a range of tactile sensations, described as snappy, feathery, and subtly resistant. The snappy characteristic is a result of the two-stage spring, contributing to a lively feel that can enhance typing responsiveness. The feathery aspect makes them particularly comfortable for extended use, as they require minimal effort to actuate, thereby reducing finger fatigue. This combination allows users to enjoy both speed and comfort, making them suitable for long typing sessions or gaming marathons.
In summary, while both the Akko Botany and Aflion Iceberg linear switches offer unique sound profiles—clacky and high-pitched respectively—the Iceberg seems to provide a more comprehensive tactile experience with its snappy, feathery, and subtly resistant qualities. This blend of auditory and tactile feedback means that users looking for a lively typing experience will find satisfaction in either option, though the slight distinctions in sound and feel may sway personal preference. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for auditory feedback and tactile sensation.
Conclusion
To wrap up, choosing between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Aflion Iceberg linear switch ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and typing or gaming needs. If you're in search of a switch that delivers a lively and clacky sound profile right out of the box, the Botany might be your go-to choice. It's particularly well-suited for those who enjoy tactile feedback and the engaging auditory experience that comes with each keystroke. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and responsive typing experience, the Iceberg switch shines with its two-stage spring design, offering a satisfying feel that feels exceptionally light and reduces strain during long typing sessions. The Iceberg's snappy response is ideal for gaming enthusiasts or anyone needing quick and precise actuation without the annoying noise. Additionally, if you seek a more subtle typing sound suitable for quieter environments, the Iceberg's less pronounced acoustics make it a strong contender. In short, your choice should reflect whether you value a lively sound and tactile sensation over a refined, smooth feel and quieter performance for versatility in various settings.
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