Everglide Crystal Violet vs. Aflion Iceberg
An in-depth look at the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Aflion Iceberg switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing two distinct mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Aflion Iceberg, provide users with contrasting options to suit their typing preferences. The Crystal Violet, a tactile switch, boasts a light operating force of 45g, making it ideal for those seeking a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience. With its gentle and comfortable feel, this switch offers a pleasant and mellow sound profile, leaning towards the lower-pitched spectrum. Moreover, the Crystal Violet's rare use of ABS in its housing contributes to its unique auditory experience. On the other hand, the Iceberg, a linear switch, hails from the relatively new switch manufacturer, Aflion. Despite its newcomer status, the Iceberg showcases the impressive quality representative of Aflion switches. With a satisfying smoothness and a fulfilling feel, thanks to its two-stage spring, the Iceberg provides a distinct typing experience. It exhibits a clacky sound profile, a higher-pitched auditory sensation, and a snappy and subtle characteristic. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
ABS
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
ABS
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Crystal Violet and the Aflion Iceberg differ in their housing materials, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The Crystal Violet utilizes an ABS top housing, while the Iceberg features a polycarbonate top housing. ABS is more commonly used in keycaps rather than switch housings, leading to a relatively low-pitched sound profile. In contrast, polycarbonate's stiffness creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound, providing a crisper sound profile. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency is advantageous for RGB lighting effects. Although the top housings differ, both switches exhibit similar results with regards to the clarity of sound quality.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Crystal Violet uses ABS, similar to its top housing material. This consistency results in a relatively low-pitched sound profile, similar to that of typing on switches featuring ABS. On the other hand, the Iceberg employs a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound, which leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches made with this material. Due to the softness of nylon, it creates a duller and rounder sound, differentiating it from the Crystal Violet's ABS bottom housing.
If a switch has different housing materials for the top and bottom, the qualities of each material will be divided. The bottom housing's characteristics primarily impact the sound and feel when a key is pressed down, influencing the bottom-out sound. Conversely, the top housing's properties play a larger role in the sound when a key is released. This means that the Crystal Violet and the Iceberg, despite their differences in housing materials, share similar outcomes in terms of the impact on sound and feel during typing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Aflion Iceberg linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Crystal Violet has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, while the Iceberg requires only 37 grams to trigger a keystroke. This means that the Crystal Violet will give a slightly more substantial typing experience, requiring a bit more force to register a keypress. However, both switches have relatively light bottom out forces, with the Crystal Violet requiring 55 grams and the Iceberg needing 45 grams. Despite the slight variation, both switches fall within the medium-light to light range.
Considering weight is important for individuals who have different preferences. For those who enjoy lighter switches, these options are suitable as they allow for longer periods of typing without causing fatigue. This makes them ideal for keyboards used in work settings or for extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience may opt for switches with heavier forces. In this case, the Crystal Violet would be a better choice due to its higher actuation force compared to the Iceberg.
In summary, the actuation force and bottom out force of the Crystal Violet and Iceberg switches differ slightly, with the Crystal Violet being the heavier option in both categories. However, both switches provide a relatively light typing experience overall. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the user's preference for a slightly more substantial typing feel or a lighter touch.
Travel distance
The Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Aflion Iceberg linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel a consistent 4 mm of travel. This is a relatively standard travel distance for mechanical switches and provides a satisfying tactile response for the user. Therefore, regardless of whether you choose the Crystal Violet or the Iceberg switch, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Crystal Violet has an MSRP of $7.08 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Crystal Violet for $4.19.
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 Crystal Violet tactile switch is known for its light operating force of 45g, which provides a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience. The sound profile of the Crystal Violet switches is pleasantly mellow, leaning towards the lower-pitched spectrum. This creates a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience, thanks in part to the rare use of ABS material in the switch housings. The feel of the Crystal Violet switches is described as creamy, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience. The switches glide effortlessly under the fingers, providing a silky sensation with each keystroke. Additionally, the Crystal Violet switches have a mild feel, meaning they offer a gentle typing experience without any exaggerated characteristics. Overall, the Crystal Violet switches provide a comfortable and tactile typing experience with a pleasant sound profile.
On the other hand, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch represents the quality that Aflion produces. The Iceberg switches have a satisfying smoothness and a fulfilling feel due to their two-stage spring design. However, the specific sound profile of the Iceberg switches is described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This sound can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. Additionally, the Iceberg switches have a high-pitched sound profile, which is sharp and crisp. The feel of the Iceberg switches is described as snappy, indicating super responsiveness. This is achieved through the use of longer or dual-staged springs, making the typing experience feel more alive.
In conclusion, the subjective qualities of the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Aflion Iceberg linear switch differ in terms of sound and feel. The Crystal Violet switches have a mellow and low-pitched sound profile, providing a subtle auditory experience. The feel of the Crystal Violet switches is creamy and mild, offering a smooth and gentle typing experience. On the other hand, the Iceberg switches have a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, creating a sharp and crisp auditory experience. The feel of the Iceberg switches is snappy, delivering a responsive typing experience. Based on this information, it is clear that the Crystal Violet and Iceberg switches offer different subjective qualities. However, if a similar sound or feel is desired, alternative options can be explored within each switch category to achieve comparable results.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience with a gentle and comfortable feel, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch is the way to go. With its medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, it strikes a balance between ease of typing and tactile feedback. The Crystal Violet switch also offers a pleasantly mellow sound profile, leaning towards the lower-pitched spectrum, making it non-intrusive and suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, if you prefer a light linear switch with a smooth and fulfilling feel, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch is a great choice. With its light bottom out force of 45 grams and two-stage spring, it provides a satisfying smoothness and snappy typing experience. The Iceberg switch produces a clacky sound, which is crisp, bright, and percussive, giving you an added sense of feedback. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches boils down to your preference for tactile or linear switches, as well as the level of typing experience and sound profile you desire.
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