Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. Aflion Iceberg
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Aflion Iceberg switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, your choice can significantly influence your typing experience, and two notable options in this realm are the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Aflion Iceberg. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro is celebrated for its pronounced tactile bump and a robust sound profile that leans toward the bassy end, making it an excellent choice for users who enjoy feedback with each keystroke, enhancing the typing experience with satisfying auditory and tactile sensations. In contrast, the Aflion Iceberg, a newcomer in the switch market, showcases its strengths through a smooth typing experience bolstered by a two-stage spring design, creating a feathery touch and a higher-pitched sound that some may find ideal for rapid typing or gaming scenarios. While the Creamy Purple Pro caters to tactile feedback enthusiasts, the Iceberg appeals to those who prioritize smoothness and subtle responsiveness. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
30g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Nylon
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
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Aflion Iceberg share a notable characteristic in their design: both feature a polycarbonate top housing. This material is instrumental in shaping the sound profile of each switch, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper auditory experience. Because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, it enhances resonance and clarity, allowing for a more articulated sound when the switch is activated. Furthermore, the translucency of the polycarbonate housing makes it an impeccable choice for users who plan to utilize RGB lighting, as the light can beautifully diffuse through the material, illuminating the switch and creating an aesthetically pleasing effect.
In contrast, both the V3 Creamy Purple Pro and Iceberg utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which sets them apart from many other switch designs. Nylon is celebrated for its capability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer nature compared to other plastics. This softness allows it to absorb a significant amount of sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience when users type. As such, the combination of the nylon bottom and polycarbonate top housing in both switches delivers a balanced sound: the polycarbonate offers clarity and brightness on key release, while the nylon enriches the overall sound when the key is pressed down.
Ultimately, while the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and Aflion Iceberg feature different materials for their top and bottom housings, their overall sound profiles reflect the strengths of both materials. Users can expect a crisp and resonant sound when actuating the switches due to the polycarbonate, alongside a deeper, more robust auditory feedback from the nylon. This harmonious blend reflects the specific qualities of each material, allowing both switches to provide an engaging typing experience with distinct auditory characteristics for different phases of key action. For enthusiasts seeking specific outcomes, this pairing will yield similarly rich and nuanced results, combining the clarity of polycarbonate with the richness of nylon.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Aflion Iceberg linear switch, notable differences exist in their actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams, while the Iceberg requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 37 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Creamy Purple Pro's force is also heavier at 50 grams compared to the Iceberg's 45 grams. This means that the V3 Creamy Purple Pro provides a more tactile, albeit slightly more laborious experience when fully depressed, making it potentially less ideal for long typing sessions for those who prefer a lighter touch. Conversely, the Aflion Iceberg, with its relatively lighter bottom out force and slightly heavier actuation, could offer a more suitable experience for users who appreciate a stronger push but still wish to minimize fatigue over long durations. Overall, those who favor a lighter switch may lean towards the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro, while users seeking a more substantial typing experience might prefer the Aflion Iceberg.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Aflion Iceberg linear switch, it is clear that they differ significantly. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a travel distance of 3 mm, making it a shallower option favored by gamers for its quick response times. In contrast, the Aflion Iceberg has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, which appeals to users who prefer a more traditional and substantial feel when typing. Thus, if you're looking for a switch that offers more depth and a hearty press, the Iceberg is the better choice, while the Creamy Purple Pro caters to those who prioritize swift actuation and responsiveness. Overall, the difference in travel distances highlights each switch's suitability for different user preferences, with the Akko V3 being the shorter option and the Aflion Iceberg being the longer one.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro has an MSRP of $3.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Creamy Purple Pro for $2.10.
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 V3 Creamy Purple Pro switch stands out with a loud sound signature that leans towards the bassy side, creating a deeper auditory experience that some users find invigorating. In contrast, the Aflion Iceberg switch produces a crisper, brighter sound characterized as clacky and high-pitched, resonating with a sharper and more percussive quality. This difference in auditory profile means that those who prefer a rich, booming sound may gravitate towards the Creamy Purple Pro, while those who want a clearer, more defined auditory feedback would likely favor the Iceberg switches. However, it's important to note that the overall sound experience can vary significantly based on additional factors like the keyboard build and keycaps used.
When evaluating the feel of these switches, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is notable for its pronounced tactile bump that offers a satisfying feedback experience, allowing typists to feel a distinct change at actuation. Meanwhile, the Aflion Iceberg switch is designed with a focus on a snappy responsiveness and a lighter press, aided by its dual-stage spring, which contributes to a less fatiguing typing experience. Users may find the Iceberg's feathery touch and subtle resistance pleasantly comfortable over long periods. Therefore, if you enjoy a tactile and emphatic feedback during typing or gaming, the Creamy Purple Pro will likely suit your preferences, but if you desire a smoother, more effortless feel, the Iceberg would be a better choice.
In conclusion, both the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and Aflion Iceberg switches cater to different user preferences through their sound and feel qualities. The Creamy Purple Pro is ideal for those who appreciate an assertive tactile response and deep sound, while the Iceberg offers a lightweight feel with a sharp, clear audio signature. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize tactile feedback and sound richness or prefer a smooth, lighter typing experience with a more subtle auditory response. Each switch delivers its unique charm, and experimenting with them will reveal which best fits your specific needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch or the Aflion Iceberg linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you enjoy typing that includes strong tactile feedback and a satisfying, bass-heavy sound, or if you're a fan of audible keys that enhance your typing experience, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is an excellent choice. Its distinct tactile bump can make every keystroke feel deliberate, making it ideal for typing enthusiasts who appreciate a more interactive feel. Conversely, if you favor a smoother typing experience with a lighter touch and minimal sound, the Aflion Iceberg would be more suitable for you. Its snappy and feathery action is well-suited for both gaming and long typing sessions, especially in shared environments where quieter keystrokes are beneficial. Ultimately, assessing your typing style, noise preferences, and the balance between tactile feedback and smoothness will guide you in making the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Mentioned in this article
