HMX Deep Navy vs. Aflion Iceberg

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, personal preferences play a pivotal role, especially when comparing two linear options like the HMX Deep Navy and the Aflion Iceberg. The Deep Navy stands out with its rich, sharp sound profile and full nylon construction, promising a silky smooth keystroke thanks to the Ly stem. This switch is ideal for those who appreciate a more audible typing experience while still enjoying the smooth motion characteristic of linear switches. Conversely, the Aflion Iceberg, although from a relatively new manufacturer, showcases impressive craftsmanship with its satisfying smoothness and a two-stage spring that provides a fulfilling tactile feel. This makes it appealing for users who prioritize both comfort and a subtle auditory feedback in their typing experience. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Deep Navy Linear

Aflion Iceberg Linear

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

$3.50

$3.07 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Deep Navy and the Aflion Iceberg, a clear distinction arises between their respective top housing. The Deep Navy features a nylon top housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic construction. This characteristic allows nylon to absorb sound effectively, resulting in a rounder auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the Aflion Iceberg utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. The rigidity of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound, making it particularly suited for setups that include RGB lighting, as its translucency effectively showcases these features. Thus, while both switches are designed for tactile feedback, the auditory experiences they offer are distinctly different due to the materials used in their upper housings.

However, when it comes to the bottom housing, both the Deep Navy and Iceberg employ nylon, ensuring that they share similar acoustic and tactile properties in this regard. Nylon's inherent qualities lead to a consistent deep and full sound profile when a key is bottomed out. In both switches, this shared material results in a duller and rounder sound, creating an overall cohesive experience during typing. Despite the differences in the top housing, the compatibility of nylon in the bottom housing allows for a consistent tactile feedback experience, where users will feel a familiar response when pressing the keys down. This commonality provides a degree of predictability and user comfort, allowing for an engaging typing experience across both models.

In essence, while the distinct materials in the top housing of the HMX Deep Navy and Aflion Iceberg create variations in sound profiles—nylon offering a softer, deeper tone, and polycarbonate delivering a clearer, sharper sound—their shared nylon bottom housing means that the bottom-out feel and acoustic impact remain congruent. When a user activates these switches, they will encounter the plush, muffled sensation linked to nylon regardless of the top housing material. Consequently, while the auditory experience may diverge, the fundamental feel when typing on both switches will evoke a familiar and satisfying response, bridging the gap between the two models in practical use.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Aflion Iceberg linear switch, both options exhibit relatively light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. The Deep Navy has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Iceberg provides a slightly lighter actuation force at 37 grams, with the same bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that while the Iceberg requires less force to register a keystroke, both switches share the same bottom out experience. As a result, users who prefer a lighter touch will find the Iceberg more appealing, as it facilitates quicker and less strenuous typing. However, for those who appreciate a bit more resistance in their keystrokes, the Deep Navy may provide a more substantial feel, even though both switches are generally on the lighter end of the spectrum. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences regarding actuation force and overall typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Aflion Iceberg linear switch, there is a notable difference in their specifications. The Deep Navy has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Iceberg features a travel distance of 4 mm, which is the longer of the two. This difference suggests that users of the Deep Navy switch may experience a more responsive feel and quicker actuation, appealing particularly to gamers and those who prefer rapid key presses. On the other hand, the Iceberg's longer travel distance might provide a more substantial typing experience for users who appreciate deeper keystrokes. Thus, while both switches serve distinct preferences, the choice between them ultimately depends on whether one favors responsiveness or depth in their typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX Deep Navy switch is notable for its rich and sharp acoustic profile, a characteristic accentuated by its full nylon construction, which likely adds to its overall sound depth. The two-stage spring in the Aflion Iceberg switch lends it a different auditory signature, described as clacky and high-pitched. This creates a crisp and percussive sound upon actuation, appealing to users who prefer a brighter audio experience. Both switches will produce distinct sounds in different environments due to factors like the type of keyboard plate and keycaps used, but the general impression is that the Deep Navy offers a more rounded sound, while the Iceberg is distinctively sharp.

When it comes to feel, the Deep Navy switch is recognized for its silky smoothness, providing a seamless typing experience with each keystroke. In contrast, the Iceberg switch is characterized by its snappy and feathery qualities. The snappy nature of its two-stage spring ensures a highly responsive touch, making every key press feel lively and engaging. Additionally, the overall lightweight actuation force minimizes finger fatigue, making the Iceberg particularly well-suited for extended typing sessions. The Deep Navy offers a more straightforward smoothness, while the Iceberg combines responsiveness and lightness, catering to different user preferences.

In conclusion, both the HMX Deep Navy and Aflion Iceberg linear switches offer distinct qualities that cater to varying tastes in sound and feel. The Deep Navy excels in rich sound and silky smoothness, ideal for users who appreciate a more rounded experience, while the Iceberg stands out with its clacky, high-pitched sound and responsive, feathery feel. Ultimately, those who prioritize the sharp, percussive sound and lively typing sensation may gravitate towards the Iceberg, whereas users seeking a smooth and rich auditory experience might prefer the Deep Navy. Both switches can deliver satisfying performance, depending on personal preferences and usage scenarios.

Conclusion

To sum up, when choosing between the HMX Deep Navy and Aflion Iceberg linear switches, your selection should depend on your sound and feel preferences. If you desire a rich, sharp acoustical experience with every keystroke, the Deep Navy switch may suit you best. Its smooth action, facilitated by a nylon construction and Ly stem, provides a luxurious typing experience, ideal for users who appreciate a more resonant auditory profile during their typing sessions. This could be especially beneficial if you enjoy an immersive soundscape while typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you favor a snappier, more responsive typing feel with a clacky and high-pitched sound, the Aflion Iceberg switch might be your go-to. Its two-stage spring design is perfect for those who type quickly or engage in fast-paced gaming, providing a satisfying tactile feedback that keeps you engaged. Additionally, if you often type for long sessions and want to minimize finger fatigue, the Iceberg’s feathery nature ensures ease and comfort even during extended use. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you prefer the immersive acoustic experience of the Deep Navy or the liveliness and comfort of the Aflion Iceberg.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Deep Navy Linear

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

Aflion Iceberg Linear

$3.50

$3.07 per 10

Learn more