Gateron Glory Yellow vs. Aflion Iceberg
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Yellow 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 typing experience. The Gateron Glory Yellow switch is celebrated for its smooth keystroke and satisfying travel distance, offering a heavier touch that many users find conducive to a more controlled typing experience. Conversely, the Aflion Iceberg switch, although produced by a newer manufacturer, has quickly gained a reputation for its stellar quality. With its distinctive two-stage spring, the Iceberg provides a delightful smoothness complemented by a subtle, responsive feel that many typists appreciate. Both switches fall under the linear category, appealing to users who prefer a seamless and quiet operation. While the Glory Yellow excels in delivering a robust typing experience, the Iceberg offers a nuanced tactile feedback that could cater to those who enjoy slightly different nuances in their keystrokes. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that's right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm single-stage spring
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Aflion Iceberg switches, substantial differences become apparent, particularly in the composition of the top housings. The Glory Yellow features a nylon top housing, known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its comparatively softer plastic nature. This attribute allows the nylon to absorb sound effectively, resulting in a more subdued auditory experience that many enthusiasts can appreciate for its warm quality during typing. In contrast, the Iceberg utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant auditory experience, and its translucence makes it ideal for showcasing RGB lighting, enhancing the visual appeal of the switch.
On the other hand, both the Gateron Glory Yellow and Aflion Iceberg switches share a notable similarity in their bottom housing composition, as they both incorporate nylon material. This means that when typing, both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile from the bottom housing, providing users with a consistent auditory experience in that regard. The use of nylon for the bottom housing is beneficial for both switches, ensuring a rounder sound when the key bottoms out. This similarity indicates that regardless of which switch is being used, the tactile feedback and sound from the lower part of the switch remain comparably rich and satisfying.
Ultimately, the separation of housing materials between the tops and bottoms of these switches results in a unique blend of auditory experiences. The Glory Yellow’s nylon top fosters a warm and muted sound, while its nylon bottom maintains cohesion in the deeper sound profile. In contrast, the polycarbonate top of the Iceberg promises a more piercing acoustic signature, while the nylon bottom anchors the overall depth of sound. This configuration means that even though users will experience distinctly different auditory characteristics when pressing and releasing the keys, both switches provide a satisfying experience through their effective use of nylon for the bottom housing, ensuring some shared acoustic qualities that can appeal to users across preferences.
Weight
The Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Aflion Iceberg linear switch present a notable contrast in actuation force and bottom out force. The Glory Yellow requires a relatively heavier actuation force of 50 grams, while the Iceberg is lighter at just 37 grams. This difference makes the Iceberg more suitable for prolonged typing sessions, as its lighter actuation force can reduce finger fatigue during extended use. However, the bottom out force for the Glory Yellow remains unknown, making it difficult to draw a direct comparison in that regard. In contrast, the Iceberg has a bottom out force of 45 grams, adding to its overall lighter feel when compared to the Glory Yellow, which could appeal to those who prefer a more responsive typing experience. Thus, while the Gateron Glory Yellow may cater to users seeking a heavier and more substantial typing feel, the Aflion Iceberg is better suited for those who favor a lighter touch.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Aflion Iceberg linear switch feature the same travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that pressing down on either switch will deliver a similar tactile experience. This equal distance ensures that users can expect comparable actuation and responsiveness when utilizing either switch, facilitating a consistent typing feel across keyboards that incorporate them. Therefore, whether you choose the Glory Yellow or the Iceberg, you'll achieve identical results in terms of switch travel, enhancing the overall uniformity in your typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Glory Yellow 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 Yellow 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 sound profile of the Gateron Glory Yellow switch remains unspecified in the provided information. In contrast, the Aflion Iceberg switch is noted for its distinctive auditory characteristics. It produces a clacky sound, which is sharp, bright, and percussive, creating a lively typing environment. The Iceberg's high-pitched sound adds to this quality, making it crisp and clear, perfect for users who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback without a richer bassy tone. This shifting sound profile of the Iceberg could lead to a more energetic typing experience, but the final sound will always be influenced by the keyboard's construction and keycap choice.
In terms of tactile feel, the Gateron Glory Yellow is similarly undifferentiated, leaving its sensory attributes open to interpretation. The Aflion Iceberg, however, is characterized by a snappy response, attributed to its two-stage spring construction, providing a lively typing sensation. This switch's feathery touch requires minimal exertion, promoting comfort during extensive typing or gaming sessions. Additionally, it has a subtle resistance that strikes a balance between lightness and engagement, appealing to users who want a smooth yet responsive experience without overwhelming fatigue on their fingers.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Glory Yellow switch lacks detailed subjective qualities, the Aflion Iceberg switch shines with its clacky sound and engaging tactile feedback. If the auditory and tactile aspects of the Glory Yellow align with standard expectations of a linear switch, users could experience a smooth typing feel that closely mirrors the Iceberg’s enjoyable characteristics, albeit with less pronounced auditory feedback. Ultimately, if you're seeking a vibrant auditory experience coupled with an engaging tactile feel, the Iceberg may be the superior choice, while the Glory Yellow could still cater adequately to those searching for a standard linear switch experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Aflion Iceberg linear switches, your choice will ultimately depend on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a smooth keystroke and a light, enjoyable travel experience, the Glory Yellow is an excellent choice, particularly if you're looking for a switch that minimizes finger fatigue, even though the specific bottom-out force is unspecified. This makes it well-suited for long typing sessions or intensive gaming when comfort is key. On the other hand, if you prefer a snappier and more responsive feel with a noticeable actuation point, the Aflion Iceberg is the way to go. Its lighter bottom-out force of 45 grams ensures that you can engage quickly without excessive strain on your fingers, while its crisp, high-pitched sound adds an enjoyable auditory element to your typing experience. Ultimately, consider what features matter most to you—smoothness versus responsiveness, sound profile, and how you plan to use your keyboard—and choose the switch that aligns with your needs for the most satisfying experience.
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