HMX Gravel vs. Aflion Iceberg
An in-depth look at the HMX Gravel and the Aflion Iceberg switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Gravel and the Aflion Iceberg present two intriguing options for enthusiasts seeking a linear typing experience. The HMX Gravel is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness and refined feel, offering a medium-light actuation force that provides a responsive and effortless typing experience. This switch is perfect for those who prioritize a lightweight touch while maintaining a satisfying level of control. On the other hand, the Aflion Iceberg, though produced by a relatively new manufacturer, showcases the brand's commitment to quality with its smooth profile and unique two-stage spring design, which delivers a fulfilling tactile response. The Iceberg leans more towards a clackier, snappier feel, appealing to users who enjoy a bit of auditory feedback while typing. Both switches cater to different preferences, making them worthy contenders in the landscape of mechanical keyboards. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Gravel and the Aflion Iceberg both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in similar auditory characteristics that enhance the performance of each switch. The design choice of using polycarbonate is pivotal due to its inherent stiffness, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate not only allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects but also ensures that users can experience a more pronounced and resonant auditory feedback when typing. Both switches take advantage of this plastic's qualities, resulting in a crisp sound that effectively elevates the overall typing experience.
In contrast, both the Gravel and the Iceberg employ nylon for their bottom housing, which significantly influences the sound and feel during use. Nylon is recognized for its softer characteristics, effectively absorbing more sound and providing a deeper, fuller sound profile. This difference in material contributes to the unique auditory sensations users encounter while typing. While the top polycarbonate housing sharpens the sound upon release, the nylon bottom housing rounds out the note; the result is a combined experience that balances tension and comfort. Even though the materials diverge in type, their integration yields a coherent auditory profile that confirms the compatibility of both constructions.
By combining polycarbonate in the top housing with nylon in the bottom, both the HMX Gravel and Aflion Iceberg achieve a well-rounded sound experience. The polycarbonate’s clarity complements the nylon’s warmth, leading to an engaging and satisfying auditory response in any typing scenario. Additionally, the materials' effects split based on the key press dynamics—where the stiffness of the polycarbonate affects the release sound and the softness of the nylon impacts the bottom-out sensation. Consequently, despite their similarities, the thoughtful pairing of these materials ensures a harmonious balance in overall performance, appealing to a wide range of users seeking both aesthetics and functionality in their switches.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Gravel and Aflion Iceberg linear switches, both offer light performance but differ slightly in their specifications. The HMX Gravel switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Aflion Iceberg switch features a lighter actuation force at 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the Iceberg requires less force to trigger a keystroke, making it potentially more suitable for long typing sessions or extended gaming, where reduced fatigue is desired. Conversely, the Gravel's slightly heavier feel at both actuation and bottom out forces might appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Overall, while both switches are on the lighter side, the Aflion Iceberg is the lighter option, making it a better choice for users looking for ease of use over long durations.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Aflion Iceberg linear switch, it is clear that the Gravel offers a shorter distance at 3.5 mm, while the Iceberg measures 4 mm. This means that users of the Gravel switch may experience a more responsive key press, which caters to gamers and those who prefer quicker response times. Conversely, the Iceberg's longer travel distance provides a more substantial feel, which some users might find more satisfying and easier to control. Ultimately, if you lean towards quick, immediate feedback, the Gravel is the optimal choice; however, if you prefer a more pronounced depth in your keystrokes, the Iceberg would be more suitable.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Gravel has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gravel for $2.99.
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 it comes to sound, the HMX Gravel switches have not been specified, leaving a gap in our understanding. In contrast, the Aflion Iceberg switches produce a distinctively clacky and high-pitched sound profile. This sharp, crisp, and bright auditory feedback can create an engaging typing experience for users who appreciate a more percussive acoustic signature. Users should keep in mind that sound can be significantly influenced by the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used, which means that even if you favor the Gravel for their silent attributes, an appropriate setup might yield similarly discreet results.
Regarding the feel, the Gravel switches offer exceptional smoothness and a refined typing sensation, characterized by a medium-light actuation force that leans toward the lighter side. This allows for a responsive and effortless typing experience, making the Gravel a great choice for prolonged use. On the other hand, the Iceberg switches are noted for their snappy and feathery characteristics, attributed to their specialized dual-stage springs. This design not only enhances the responsiveness but also provides a very light and comfortable push, minimizing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. While the Gravel is known for its smoothness, the Iceberg offers a spirited feel that may resonate well with gamers and heavy typers alike.
In conclusion, both the HMX Gravel and Aflion Iceberg switches present unique qualities that cater to different preferences, but they share common ground in delivering a comfortable typing experience. The sound of the Gravel remains unspecified, so users may wish to test them out in person for their auditory characteristics. The Iceberg stands out with its lively sound and unique tactile feedback, thanks to its dual-stage springs. Ultimately, the choice between these two will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel; however, both options promise a satisfying experience that can greatly enhance the joy of typing.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the HMX Gravel and the Aflion Iceberg linear switches will largely depend on your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you’ll be using them. If you prioritize an effortlessly smooth and refined typing experience, the Gravel switch, with its slightly heavier bottom-out force of 50 grams, might be more suited for you. This switch is designed to cater to enthusiasts who enjoy a silky feel without compromising on response time. However, if you find yourself in a shared or quieter environment and prefer a lighter, snappier typing experience, the Aflion Iceberg, with a 45-gram bottom-out force, would be the better choice. The Iceberg's clacky sound profile adds an engaging acoustic layer to your typing, making it a delightful option for those who appreciate auditory feedback and a lively interaction with their keyboard. Additionally, its feathery and subtle feel may reduce finger fatigue during long sessions, whether in gaming or prolonged writing tasks. Ultimately, consider your typing style, sound preference, and the environment, and choose the switch that resonates most with your needs.
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