Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. Aflion Iceberg
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Aflion Iceberg switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Aflion Iceberg, both linear switches. The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro is a great choice for budget-conscious individuals looking for high-quality switches. Known for its unique poppy and clacky sound, these switches are smooth and offer a bouncy and snappy feel. On the other hand, the Aflion Iceberg switches represent the quality of Aflion as a newer switch manufacturer, with a satisfying smoothness and a fulfilling feel thanks to its two-stage spring. While the Cream Black Pro may be appealing for its creamy and polished characteristics, the Iceberg stands out with its clacky and feathery attributes. 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
55g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Aflion Iceberg feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing also allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding an aesthetic appeal to the switches. This similarity in housing material ensures that both switches will deliver a clear and resonant sound profile, making them ideal choices for users who value the acoustics of their mechanical keyboards.
However, the V3 Cream Black Pro utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is known for absorbing more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Aflion Iceberg also features a nylon bottom housing, which means that both switches will offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound. The softer nature of nylon in the bottom housing allows for a more muted typing sound compared to the sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing.
Overall, the choice between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Aflion Iceberg comes down to personal preference in sound profile. While both switches share a polycarbonate top housing for crisp sound and RGB compatibility, the difference lies in the nylon bottom housing. Users looking for a deeper and fuller typing sound may prefer the V3 Cream Black Pro, while those seeking a more muted sound profile may lean towards the Aflion Iceberg. Ultimately, both switches offer a unique typing experience that caters to different preferences in mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Aflion Iceberg linear switch, it is evident that they exhibit differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The V3 Cream Black Pro has a higher actuation force of 55 grams and a higher bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. On the other hand, the Iceberg features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, offering a lighter and smoother typing experience. Therefore, users who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Iceberg switch, while those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the V3 Cream Black Pro switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Aflion Iceberg linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of what is considered a standard travel distance for mechanical switches. Gamers might prefer the V3 Cream Black Pro for its slightly shorter travel distance, which can lead to quicker response times during intense gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing or gaming may opt for the Iceberg with its longer travel distance. Overall, while there is a slight difference in travel distance between the two switches, both can provide a satisfying typing or gaming experience depending on individual preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro has an MSRP of $3.77 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Black Pro for $2.70.
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
When it comes to sound, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro offers a high-pitched and poppy sound, giving a sharp and crisp feedback when pressed. On the other hand, the Aflion Iceberg switch provides a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, delivering a sharp and snappy noise that is bright and percussive. Both switches have unique sound characteristics that can enhance the typing experience depending on personal preference, with the Iceberg switch potentially providing a slightly different sound due to its two-stage spring.
In terms of feel, the V3 Cream Black Pro switch is described as creamy and bouncy, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience with a spring-like feedback sensation. In contrast, the Aflion Iceberg switch provides a snappy and feathery feel, being super responsive with a light actuation force that reduces finger fatigue. While both switches offer unique tactile feedback, the Cream Black Pro switch may provide a more polished and refined typing experience due to potential factory lubing and specific materials used.
Overall, both the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and Aflion Iceberg linear switches offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. If you are seeking a high-pitched, poppy sound with a creamy and bouncy feel, the Cream Black Pro switch may be the ideal choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a clacky, high-pitched sound with a snappy and feathery feel, the Iceberg switch could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel, as both can provide a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Aflion Iceberg linear switch, consider your preferences in terms of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a high-pitched and creamy sound profile with a bouncy and polished feel, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a light bottom out force, a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, and a snappy and feathery feel, the Aflion Iceberg switch would be the better choice for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you are looking to achieve.
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