Bsun Pine vs. Aflion Iceberg
An in-depth look at the Bsun Pine and the Aflion Iceberg switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Bsun Pine and Aflion Iceberg mechanical keyboard switches, the differences between a tactile and linear switch become apparent. The BSUN Pine switches offer a unique typing experience with their sharp tactile bump and fast action, making them ideal for those who seek direct tactility. On the other hand, the Aflion Iceberg switches provide a smooth and satisfying typing experience, thanks to their two-stage spring design, making them a favorite for those looking for a more subtle and feathery feel. While the Pine switch is characterized as "Accented," "Invigorating," "Sharp," and "Snappy," the Iceberg switch is labeled as "Clacky," "High-pitched," "Snappy," "Feathery," and "Subtle." 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
45g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Pine and the Aflion Iceberg both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially useful for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. Despite both switches sharing the same material for their top housing, they may have different design elements that impact the overall sound and feel of typing on the switches.
On the other hand, the bottom housing of the Bsun Pine and the Aflion Iceberg is made of nylon. Typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when compared to the sharper sound produced by polycarbonate. While both switches use nylon for their bottom housing, the impact of this material will be felt more during the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the keys.
In terms of construction, the materials used in the top and bottom housing of a switch play a significant role in the overall sound and feel experienced by the user. With the top housing influencing the sound when releasing a key and the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, the choice of housing materials can greatly affect the typing experience. Despite the differences in housing materials between the Bsun Pine and the Aflion Iceberg, the qualities of polycarbonate and nylon bring unique characteristics to each switch, offering users a variety of options to suit their preferences.
Weight
The Bsun Pine tactile switch has a higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Aflion Iceberg linear switch with 37 grams, making the Pine heavier in this aspect. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Pine requires 65 grams while the Iceberg only needs 45 grams, indicating that the Pine is also heavier in this category. The Pine provides a more substantial typing experience with its medium-heavy actuation and bottom out forces, making it suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Iceberg is lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter switch for longer typing or gaming sessions. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their force requirements, so users can choose according to their preference for a lighter or heavier feel.
Travel distance
The Bsun Pine tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Aflion Iceberg linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. While both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, the Pine offers a slightly shorter press, which may appeal to those seeking quicker response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Iceberg provides a slightly longer press, offering a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference - with the Pine offering a shorter travel distance for faster responses, and the Iceberg providing a longer travel distance for a more solid keystroke.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Pine has an MSRP of $4.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $3.70.
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 BSUN Pine switch is known for its sharp tactile bump and direct, no-nonsense tactility, creating a distinct typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Iceberg switch offers a smooth and fulfilling feel with its two-stage spring design. In terms of sound, the Pine switch's sound profile is not specified, while the Iceberg switch is described as clacky and high-pitched, producing sharp and crisp sound when pressed. When it comes to feel, the Pine switch is characterized as accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, offering a pronounced feedback and immersive typing sensation. The Iceberg switch, on the other hand, provides a feel that is snappy, feathery, and subtle, with light actuation force and comfortable typing experience. Overall, while the Pine switch focuses on sharp tactility and direct feedback, the Iceberg switch offers a smoother feel and lighter actuation. Depending on individual preferences, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, with the Pine offering a more intense tactile feedback and the Iceberg providing a smoother and lighter typing feel.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a tactile switch that offers a sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out, then the BSUN Pine switch would be the ideal choice for you. The Pine switch has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a satisfying feel with its invigorating and snappy feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and lightweight linear switch with a lower bottom out force, the Aflion Iceberg switch would suit your needs. With a bottom out force of 45 grams, the Iceberg switch offers a snappy and feathery typing experience that is comfortable for extended usage. Ultimately, your choice between the Pine tactile switch and the Iceberg linear switch will depend on your preference for tactility and actuation force in your mechanical keyboard.
Mentioned in this article
