Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow vs. Aflion Iceberg
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Aflion Iceberg switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Aflion Iceberg are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique features and qualities. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow is renowned for its budget-friendly excellence and linear switch design. Typing on this switch produces a higher pitched clacky sound profile and a fairly bouncy type feel. On the other hand, the Iceberg switches from Aflion, a relatively new switch manufacturer, showcase their commitment to quality. These switches provide a satisfying smoothness and a fulfilling feel due to their two-stage spring mechanism. While both switches exhibit qualities such as a high-pitched sound and a clacky feel, they also have their own distinctive characteristics. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15.4mm long spring
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Aflion Iceberg share similar housing materials in terms of the polycarbonate used for the top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to its stiffness, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. Therefore, both the G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Iceberg will offer a similar sound profile and aesthetic appeal when it comes to their polycarbonate top housing.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow utilizes nylon, while the Iceberg also employs a nylon bottom housing. Typing on switches with nylon housing generates a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and more rounded sound. Therefore, both the G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Iceberg will provide a similar typing experience with their nylon bottom housings, creating a richer and more immersive sound.
It is important to note that the top and bottom housings of a switch play different roles in the overall sound and feel. When pressing down on a switch, the impact and the resulting sound will predominantly be influenced by the qualities of the bottom housing. In this case, the nylon bottom housing of both the G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Iceberg will contribute to the deeper and fuller sound experienced during bottom-out. On the other hand, when releasing a key, the sound produced will be more impacted by the properties of the top housing. Therefore, the polycarbonate top housing of both switches will play a larger role in the sound when letting go of a key, resulting in a sharper and crisper auditory experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Aflion Iceberg linear switch, it is evident that there are notable differences between the two. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch has a higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Iceberg's 37 grams, making it slightly heavier. This means it requires a slightly stronger push to trigger a keystroke on the G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch. Similarly, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow has a higher bottom out force of 67 grams, indicating a more substantial typing experience when pressing the keys all the way down. In contrast, the Iceberg switch has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams, allowing for a lighter and potentially smoother typing experience. Therefore, those who prefer a lighter switch for longer typing periods may find the Iceberg more suitable, while those seeking a stronger push feel may lean towards the G Pro 3.0 Yellow. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces of these switches offer distinct experiences to cater to different user preferences.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Aflion Iceberg linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key, both switches will travel the same distance from the top to the bottom. Therefore, you can expect similar results in terms of the distance you feel when using either switch. Neither one is shorter or longer than the other, as they both have equal travel distances.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow has an MSRP of $3.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Yellow for $2.78.
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 comparing the sound qualities of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Aflion Iceberg switches, both switches have a high-pitched sound profile. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow is described as producing a higher pitched clacky sound that can be crisp and sharp. On the other hand, the Iceberg is also described as clacky, with a sharp and snappy sound. Both switches offer a satisfying auditory experience with a clean and sharp sound profile. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is known for its polished and creamy feel. The polished finish of the switch results in reduced friction and a sleek typing experience. Additionally, the creamy feel of the switch provides a smooth and buttery sensation, allowing for effortless keystrokes. On the other hand, the Iceberg switches are described as snappy, offering a super responsive typing experience. This responsiveness is attributed to longer or dual-staged springs, which make the switch feel more alive. Unfortunately, there is no specific information available on the Iceberg switches regarding a feathery or subtle feel.
In conclusion, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and Aflion Iceberg switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow provides a higher pitched clacky sound profile and a polished, creamy typing feel. On the other hand, the Iceberg switches offer a clacky sound and a snappy typing experience. While the two switches have some similarities such as a high-pitched sound profile, their subjective qualities differ. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing experience desired.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option that offers a medium-heavy bottom out force and a higher pitched clacky sound profile, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch is a great choice. These switches provide a fairly bouncy typing feel and a polished, smooth finish for reduced friction and sleek key travel. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a satisfying smoothness, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch is worth considering. With a bottom out force of 45 grams, these switches offer a snappy, responsive typing experience and a feathery feel that reduces finger fatigue. Both switches produce a high-pitched sound profile, but the Iceberg switches have a clacky sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel.
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