TTC Brother vs. Aflion Iceberg
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the Aflion Iceberg switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Brother and Aflion Iceberg stand out as excellent choices, each bringing unique qualities to the table. The TTC Brother clicky switch is favored for its lightweight nature, with a breezy actuation of just 37g, providing a tactile experience that is both swift and satisfying. Its crunchy sound signature appeals to clicky switch enthusiasts, offering clear and crisp keystrokes with a perfectly balanced tactile bump. On the other hand, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch, despite being from a newer manufacturer, showcases a smooth profile and a two-stage spring mechanism that delivers a fulfilling feel. With characteristics like being clacky, high-pitched, snappy, feathery, and subtle, the Iceberg switch offers a different experience from the Brother. 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
37g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
17.5mm spring
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Brother and Aflion Iceberg switches share similarities in their polycarbonate top housing. Both switches use polycarbonate, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile when typing. The relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it an excellent choice for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for a visually pleasing aesthetic, especially when paired with lighting effects.
However, where the two switches differ is in their nylon bottom housing. The Brother's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, thanks to the soft nature of nylon that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound that enhances the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Iceberg's nylon bottom housing similarly provides a deep and full sound but with its unique characteristics that cater to a slightly different typing feel.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in both switches creates a well-rounded typing experience. While the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing has a more significant impact on the sound and feel when pressing a key down. Despite their differences, both the TTC Brother and Aflion Iceberg switches benefit from the complementary qualities of their housing materials to deliver a satisfying typing experience for users.
Weight
The TTC Brother clicky switch and the Aflion Iceberg linear switch both have an actuation force of 37 grams, making them equal in terms of the force needed to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Iceberg is lighter with a force of 45 grams compared to the Brother, which does not have a specified value. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Iceberg more suitable for longer typing sessions, while those looking for a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Brother switch, depending on the actual bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to individual preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The TTC Brother clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Aflion Iceberg linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Iceberg switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Brother switch. A 4.0mm travel distance is considered more traditional, providing a good balance between responsiveness and key depth. On the other hand, the 3.5mm travel distance of the Brother switch may appeal to those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding key depth and responsiveness. Both switches offer different travel distances, allowing users to choose based on their specific needs and preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Brother has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Brother for $3.30.
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 TTC Brother clicky switch offers a satisfyingly crunchy sound signature, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. This sound is a hallmark of clicky switches and is sure to please enthusiasts of this type of switch. On the other hand, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch is described as producing a clacky and high-pitched sound when pressed, offering a sharp and snappy audio experience. Both switches provide distinct sound profiles, with the Brother emphasizing a crunchy texture while the Iceberg leans towards a more percussive tone.
Moving on to feel, the TTC Brother clicky switch is lauded for its easy-to-press nature, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force contributes to a comfortable typing experience that reduces finger fatigue during extended use. Additionally, the tactile bump in the Brother switch is described as stepped, providing a subtle two-stage feel that enhances typing feedback. Conversely, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch is characterized by its snappy and feathery feel, offering a super responsive typing experience with minimal exertion required from the fingers. The Iceberg switch provides a light typing feel that is comfortable for extended gaming, school, or work sessions.
Overall, the TTC Brother clicky switch excels in providing a tactile experience with a crunchy sound signature and easy-to-press feel, making it a top choice for clicky switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch offers a smooth typing experience with a snappy and feathery feel, catering to those who prefer a more responsive and light-touch switch. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Aflion Iceberg linear switch will depend on whether you prioritize a crunchy clicky sound or a snappy, feathery feel in your mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when selecting between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Aflion Iceberg linear switch, it's important to consider your personal preferences and typing style. If you appreciate a satisfyingly crunchy sound and a tactile bump that strikes the perfect balance without overpowering the overall keystroke, the Brother switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and fulfilling feel with a light actuation force that reduces finger fatigue, the Iceberg switch could be the better option. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing experiences, so be sure to weigh the sound, feel, and bottom out force to determine which switch aligns best with your needs and preferences.
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