Dareu Holly vs. Aflion Iceberg
An in-depth look at the Dareu Holly and the Aflion Iceberg switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come up are the Dareu Holly and the Aflion Iceberg. The Dareu Holly is a tactile switch known for its medium 50g actuation force, offering a unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, providing a balanced and distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Iceberg is a linear switch from a newer manufacturer, known for its satisfying smoothness and two-stage spring that offers a fulfilling feel. The Iceberg switch is categorized as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Snappy', 'Feathery', and 'Subtle'. Each switch has its own unique characteristics and appeal, making them suitable for different preferences and typing styles. 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
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
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Holly and Aflion Iceberg both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiff plastic that leads to a clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Holly and Iceberg differ in their nylon bottom housings. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
Despite their differences in bottom housing material, both the Dareu Holly and Aflion Iceberg aim to provide a high-quality sound experience for users. The split between the qualities of the top and bottom housings means that pressing down on the switch will primarily showcase the characteristics of the bottom housing, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. This division of qualities allows for a more dynamic and balanced sound profile overall, catering to different preferences in sound texture and depth.
In conclusion, the Dareu Holly and Aflion Iceberg both offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and clear sound, they diverge in their use of nylon for the bottom housing, resulting in differing tones and textures. The split between top and bottom housing qualities ensures a well-rounded sound experience, catering to a variety of user preferences. Ultimately, whether you prefer the stiffer resonance of polycarbonate or the deeper tones of nylon, both switches offer a high-quality sound experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Aflion Iceberg linear switch, it is evident that the Iceberg requires less actuation force at 37 grams compared to the Holly's 50 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Iceberg also comes out lighter at 45 grams, while the Holly's bottom out force is unknown. The Holly provides a slightly heavier typing experience with a higher actuation force, which may appeal to individuals seeking a more substantial keypress feel. On the other hand, the Iceberg offers a lighter touch, making it ideal for those who prefer a softer typing experience for extended periods of time. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force, with the Holly providing a heavier option and the Iceberg offering a lighter alternative.
Travel distance
Both the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Aflion Iceberg linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience a consistent distance traveled from the top to the bottom. The similarity in travel distance between the two switches ensures that users will get a similar typing experience in terms of key travel. This makes them both ideal choices for individuals who prefer a specific travel distance in their mechanical keyboards.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Holly has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Holly for $3.76.
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 Dareu Holly tactile switch is unique in that it offers a combination of chirpy and clacky elements, providing users with a balanced and distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch is known for its sharp and snappy clacky sound, which can be described as crisp and bright. Both switches offer a satisfying auditory experience, with the Holly leaning towards a more nuanced sound profile while the Iceberg delivers a sharper and more pronounced typing sound.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Dareu Holly switch's tactile feel is not specifically described in the provided information. However, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch is praised for its smoothness and fulfilling feel, thanks to its two-stage spring mechanism. Additionally, the Iceberg switch is noted for being snappy and responsive, providing a lively typing experience for users. The absence of detailed information on the Holly's feel suggests that it may offer a different tactile experience compared to the Iceberg switch.
Overall, both the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Aflion Iceberg linear switch bring something unique to the table in terms of sound and feel. While the Holly offers a distinctive chirpy and clacky sound signature, catering to those looking for a balanced typing experience, the Iceberg provides a sharp and snappy sound profile with a fulfilling feel. Depending on personal preferences in sound and feel, users can choose between the two switches to enhance their typing experience. It is important to consider other factors such as keycaps and keyboard build when selecting a switch to ensure compatibility and optimal performance.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a balanced and distinctive typing experience with a unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, you should choose the Dareu Holly tactile switch. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and fulfilling feel with a light bottom out force, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch would be the better option for you. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your preference for sound and feel, so consider these factors when making your decision.
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