Gateron Glory Red vs. Aflion Iceberg
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Red and the Aflion Iceberg switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Glory Red and Aflion Iceberg are two notable linear options that cater to different preferences and typing experiences. The Glory Red switches are celebrated for their light actuation force, which translates to a smooth keystroke and an enjoyable travel distance, making them ideal for users who prioritize effortless typing during long gaming sessions or extensive writing. In contrast, the Aflion Iceberg switches, while from a relatively new manufacturer, have quickly gained recognition for their satisfying smoothness and dual-stage spring, offering a fulfilling tactile response that appeals to those who appreciate a bit more feedback in their strokes. Both switches share the linear characteristic, which means they provide a quieter and uninterrupted stroke without tactile bumps or audible clicks, but they differ in their unique feels and responses that can enhance or detract from your typing or gaming experience. 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
45g
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
POK
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Gateron Glory Red switches with the Aflion Iceberg switches, a distinct difference emerges between their top housing materials. The Glory Red utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due, in part, to nylon’s relatively softer composition, allowing it to absorb sound to a greater extent compared to harder materials. In contrast, the Iceberg features a polycarbonate top housing that delivers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Polycarbonate’s rigidity contributes to a more resonant auditory experience, leading to an overall clearer sound when typing. Thus, while both switches are designed for optimal performance, the distinctive sound profiles created by their differing top housing materials offer unique auditory experiences.
Interestingly, both the Gateron Glory Red and the Aflion Iceberg switches share nylon as the material for their bottom housings. As previously mentioned, nylon generates a deeper and fuller sound, which enhances the typing experience by providing a solid anchor for the bottom-out sound and feel. This similarity between the two switches means that while the top housing materials diverge in terms of sound production, the bottom housings contribute similarly to the overall auditory profile, creating a balanced result. The softness of nylon in both cases helps to ensure a comforting typing feel, which is deemed beneficial for long typing sessions.
Ultimately, the differences in the top housing materials of the Gateron Glory Red and Aflion Iceberg switches reveal how each switch could cater to distinct auditory preferences while maintaining some consistency in experience through their shared nylon bottom housing. If one prefers the deeper sound associated with nylon but still desires a bit of clarity, the combination of the Glory Red's nylon top and bottom may work well. Conversely, if a user leans towards a crisper sound profile, the Iceberg offers that with its polycarbonate top housing while retaining the fullness provided by nylon beneath. In both cases, the unique properties of each plastic significantly influence the sound produced, making the choice between these switches largely dependent on personal audio preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Aflion Iceberg linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that can influence user experience. The Glory Red has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Iceberg features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, making the Iceberg easier to press. However, the bottom out force for the Glory Red is unknown, while the Iceberg has a bottom out force of 45 grams, which indicates that it requires a stronger push to fully depress the key. As such, the Iceberg can be considered the lighter switch overall, making it more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions, whereas the Glory Red, with its higher actuation force, may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing feel. The bottoming out experience remains uncertain for the Glory Red, but the known heavier force of the Iceberg’s bottoming out suggests a more pronounced tactile response.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Aflion Iceberg linear switch, we see a distinct difference: the Glory Red features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Iceberg has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Glory Red switch offers a shorter actuation, potentially providing quicker response times, which can be beneficial for gamers seeking rapid key presses. Conversely, the Iceberg's longer travel distance may appeal to those who appreciate a more substantial feedback when typing, as it offers a deeper press. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will hinge on personal preferences; if you favor responsiveness, the Glory Red is the better option, whereas if you prefer a heartier depth in your typing experience, the Iceberg would be more suitable.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Glory Red has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Red 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 Gateron Glory Red switch is known for its relatively muted sound profile, designed to provide a quieter typing experience compared to more audible switches. While the specific sound qualities are not detailed, users often find it to be less intrusive, allowing for a more focused environment. In contrast, the Aflion Iceberg switch is characterized by its clacky, high-pitched sound. This percussive quality makes it stand out, providing a crisp and bright auditory feedback that can be satisfying for some users. It's important to remember that the overall sound of a switch can also vary depending on the keyboard build and keycap materials used.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Glory Red switch offers a smooth keystroke and a comfortable travel distance, making it an enjoyable option for typing. Although the specific tactile feedback of the Glory Red is not fully detailed, its linear nature contributes to a fluid experience without the bump seen in tactile switches. On the other hand, the Aflion Iceberg switch provides a dynamic typing experience characterized by its snappy responsiveness, thanks in part to a dual-stage spring mechanism. This contributes to a feathery lightness, reducing finger fatigue during extended use, yet still offering a subtle resistance that prevents accidental presses.
In summary, both switches provide distinct experiences to users. The Glory Red is suited for individuals seeking a quieter and smooth typing experience, while the Iceberg excels with its auditory feedback and enhanced responsiveness. Whether you prioritize a tranquil environment or enjoy the satisfying sound and feel of a clacky switch, you can find a suitable option in either the Gateron Glory Red or Aflion Iceberg switches, allowing for a pleasurable typing experience based on your preferences.
Conclusion
To wrap up, choosing between the Gateron Glory Red and the Aflion Iceberg linear switches largely depends on your preferences for lightness in actuation and your desired sound profile. If you value a smooth keystroke with a lighter touch for both gaming and typing, the Glory Red is an excellent choice, especially if you enjoy a pleasant travel distance that enhances your overall typing experience. This switch can be ideal for prolonged sessions as its design minimizes finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile feel with a satisfying sound, the Aflion Iceberg is a solid alternative. It features a snappy response that provides an engaging typing experience along with a distinct, clacky sound that adds an auditory layer to your interaction with the keyboard. The Iceberg's light bottom-out force reduces strain while still delivering a fulfilling feedback, making it suitable for both casual use and extended work sessions. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing habits and the auditory experience you prefer, allowing you to enjoy your mechanical keyboard to the fullest.
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