Huano Elf vs. Aflion Iceberg
An in-depth look at the Huano Elf and the Aflion Iceberg switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference and the typing experience one seeks. The Huano Elf is celebrated for its POK top housing, which enhances acoustics and delivers a satisfying sound profile characterized by its deep sound signature. With a medium-light actuation force, the Elf switch offers an appealing typing experience for users who favor a more relaxed feel while keying away. On the other hand, the Aflion Iceberg represents a newer wave of switch technology, boasting a smooth operation that is complemented by its innovative two-stage spring design. This not only provides a fulfilling typing feel but also aligns with Aflion's reputation for quality craftsmanship. While both switches fall within the linear category, the Elf emphasizes a rich auditory experience, whereas the Iceberg prioritizes a seamlessly smooth keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
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
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Huano Elf and Aflion Iceberg switches present distinctly different characteristics, particularly in their top housings. The Huano Elf utilizes POK material, renowned for its low coefficient of friction and outstanding durability, outperforming other materials like POM and Nylon in terms of shock resistance and wear resistance. This results in a switch that not only feels smooth when pressed but also delivers a sturdy performance over time. In contrast, the Aflion Iceberg features a polycarbonate top housing, which, while not as resilient as POK, contributes a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The rigidity of polycarbonate allows for a clear and resonant auditory experience, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate an accented sound with RGB lighting, as its translucency enhances aesthetic appeal. Hence, while the Elf ensures durability and a varied sound quality profile, the Iceberg focuses on clarity and enhanced visual effects.
When examining the bottom housings, both the Huano Elf and Aflion Iceberg employ nylon, known for its sound-absorbing qualities. This shared material results in a notably deeper and fuller sound profile during key presses. Nylon's softer nature contributes to a rounder auditory experience for both switches, providing a satisfying feel when bottoming out. The similarity in bottom housing material means that, regardless of differences in the top housings, the deeper sound produced during actuation is consistent across both switch models. This commonality allows for a similarity in tactile feedback, where users can expect a comparable auditory experience while typing, despite the variations in the overall sound profile influenced by their respective top materials.
Ultimately, the differences in top housing materials between the two switch varieties create unique overall sound profiles while their lower housings harmonize their auditory experiences. The Huano Elf's POK material contributes to smoothness and durability, promoting a softer release sound, whereas the Aflion Iceberg's polycarbonate enhances clarity and resonance, emphasizing tactile feedback upon release. Both switches incorporate nylon in the bottom housing, which results in a consistent depth of sound, regardless of top housing distinctions. Thus, while each switch offers a unique amalgamation of acoustic qualities, the nylon foundation ultimately grounds their similarities in performance within varied contexts.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Elf linear switch and the Aflion Iceberg linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Elf requires an actuation force of 42 grams, making it feel slightly heavier to press than the Iceberg, which has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams. However, information regarding the Elf's bottom out force is unavailable, while the Iceberg boasts a bottom out force of 45 grams. This indicates that the Iceberg switch provides a more substantial feel when fully pressed down, which some users might prefer for a more tactile typing experience. While the actuation forces differ, the absence of the bottom out force for the Elf makes it difficult to make a definitive comparison regarding bottoming out. In summary, for those who favor a lighter pressure for longer typing sessions, the Aflion Iceberg would be a suitable choice, while users looking for a heavier push may lean towards the Huano Elf, despite the lack of complete data on its bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Elf linear switch and the Aflion Iceberg linear switch, the Elf measures 3.6 mm, while the Iceberg features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that if you choose the Huano Elf, you'll experience a quicker and more responsive keystroke, which is often preferred by gamers seeking speed in their typing or gaming experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Iceberg, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial and satisfying press for users who appreciate a deeper keystroke. Ultimately, the Elf offers a shorter travel distance, resulting in a more immediate action, while the Iceberg's longer distance caters to those who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke sensation.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Elf has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Elf for $3.29.
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
In terms of sound, the Huano Elf switch delivers a deep sound signature that enhances the overall acoustic profile of the keyboard, likely due to its POK top housing which is designed for improved acoustics. On the other hand, the Aflion Iceberg switch offers a distinctively clacky and high-pitched sound, characterized by its sharp, crisp tones. This contrast between the Elf's deeper notes and the Iceberg's bright, percussive qualities means that if you prefer a more resonant and rich auditory experience, the Elf may be to your liking, while the Iceberg will be more suited for those who enjoy a lively, snappy sound.
When it comes to feel, the Elf switch is recognized for its medium-light actuation, which contributes to a satisfying typing experience. In comparison, the Iceberg switch is engineered with a two-stage spring that results in a supple, snappy feel that many users find fulfilling. The Iceberg also offers a feathery touch, making it exceptionally easy to press, along with a subtle resistance that provides a comfortable typing experience for extended use. These characteristics suggest that the Elf is geared towards those looking for a balanced tactile response, while the Iceberg is tailored for an ultra-responsive typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue.
In conclusion, while both the Huano Elf and the Aflion Iceberg linear switches have their individual strengths, they cater to different preferences. The Elf focuses on a deeper sound with a medium-light feel, which can provide a rich typist experience. In contrast, the Iceberg excels with its bright acoustics and snappy, lightweight touch, making it an engaging choice for fast-paced typing. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you value a resonant auditory experience or a lively, nearly effortless typing feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Huano Elf linear switch and the Aflion Iceberg linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and intended use. If you favor a smoother typing experience with an enhanced acoustic profile that offers a deep sound signature, the Elf switch could be your best bet. Its medium-light feel makes it suitable for extended typing sessions without causing undue fatigue, making it ideal for work or study environments where comfort is key. On the other hand, if you appreciate a snappy and responsive feel, the Iceberg switch may be more aligned with your needs. Its light 45-gram bottom-out force and clacky sound make it a fantastic choice for gamers who thrive on quick keystrokes and enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback. Additionally, the dual-stage spring design enables a satisfying action that can invigorate your typing experience. Therefore, consider what aspects—such as sound, feel, or intended use—are most important to you, and choose the switch that complements your typing style and overall experience best.
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