TTC Honey vs. Aflion Iceberg
An in-depth look at the TTC Honey and the Aflion Iceberg switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the TTC Honey and the Aflion Iceberg. The TTC Honey is renowned for its smooth and creamy feel, offering a typing experience like no other. Additionally, these switches emit a deep and pleasant sound, making every keystroke a satisfying one. On the other hand, the Aflion Iceberg, manufactured by a relatively new player in the switch industry, showcases the quality and innovation Aflion has to offer. With its satisfying smoothness and a unique two-stage spring, the Iceberg provides a fulfilling feel that is hard to match. While the Honey is characterized by its subdued and buttery qualities, the Iceberg offers a clacky and high-pitched sensation. Both switches have their own unique advantages, providing options for different preferences. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities so that you can make an informed decision and choose the best switch for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
25.5 mm lengthened spring
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the TTC Honey and the Aflion Iceberg feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches results in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is advantageous if RGB lighting is desired. Consequently, users can expect similar sound characteristics and aesthetics from both switches' polycarbonate top housings.
However, when comparing the bottom housings of the two switches, they differ significantly. The Honey utilizes another polycarbonate material for its bottom housing, while the Iceberg features a nylon bottom housing. This distinction affects the sound profile experienced while typing. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Honey contributes to a sharper and more resonant sound, aligning with its top housing. In contrast, the nylon bottom housing of the Iceberg elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound. Thus, users can expect distinctive sound characteristics depending on the bottom housing material chosen.
It is important to note that the qualities brought by the housing materials of each switch are distributed differently between the top and bottom. The bottom housing has a more substantial impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, as these qualities are felt when pressing down on the switch. On the other hand, the top housing has a stronger influence on the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, even though both switches share a polycarbonate top housing, the characteristics experienced during key presses and releases may differ due to the differing bottom housings employed.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Honey linear switch and the Aflion Iceberg linear switch, there are some similarities and differences regarding their actuation force and bottom out force. Both switches have relatively light forces, making them suitable for individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience. The Honey switch has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Iceberg switch has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. Both switches require a gentle touch for actuation and bottoming out, ensuring that keystrokes are registered without excessive force. Therefore, individuals looking for a similar typing experience can opt for either of these switches, as they provide similar results in terms of weight and force.
Travel distance
The TTC Honey linear switch and the Aflion Iceberg linear switch have different travel distances. The Honey has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Iceberg has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more prevalent in keyboards nowadays. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness, the shorter travel distance of the Honey switch would be more suitable for you. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial feel may find the longer travel distance of the Iceberg switch more appealing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on your personal preference for either a shorter, more responsive feel or a longer, more substantial keystroke.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Honey has an MSRP of $9.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Honey for $6.78.
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 it comes to sound, the TTC Honey linear switch offers a more subdued experience. These switches produce a dampened sound when pressed, providing a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch has a clacky and high-pitched sound profile. When pressed, it produces a sharp and crisp sound that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. The choice of board and keycaps can also influence the sound of the switches. So, if you prefer a quieter and more subdued sound, the Honey switch would be a better choice, while the Iceberg switch is ideal if you prefer a snappy and high-pitched sound.
In terms of feel, the TTC Honey linear switch is best described as creamy, frictionless, and buttery. These switches offer a smooth and buttery typing experience, thanks to lubrication applied at the factory or specific materials used. Typing on Honey switches feels like gliding your fingers across the keys effortlessly, with each keystroke seamlessly melting in. Additionally, the Honey switch provides a subtle and polished feel, with gentle resistance and reduced friction, resulting in a sleek and refined typing experience. On the other side, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch offers a snappy and feathery feel. It is super responsive due to longer or dual-staged springs, making the typing experience feel more alive. The switch also requires little exertion and has a gentle resistance, reducing finger fatigue and providing comfort for extended typing sessions.
Overall, compared to the TTC Honey linear switch, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch offers a different experience in both sound and feel. The Honey switch provides a subdued sound and a creamy, frictionless, and buttery feel. On the other hand, the Iceberg switch has a clacky and high-pitched sound, along with a snappy and feathery feel. It's important to consider personal preferences and the context in which the keyboard will be used to make the best choice. If you desire a quieter and smoother typing experience, the Honey switch is recommended. However, if you prefer a crisper sound and a more responsive typing feel, the Iceberg switch would be a suitable option. Ultimately, both switches offer their own unique qualities, ensuring an enjoyable typing experience for any user.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a light bottom out force, smooth and creamy typing experience, and a deep and pleasant sound profile, the TTC Honey linear switch would be the best choice for you. These switches offer a smooth and buttery typing experience, like gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. The sound is described as subdued, offering a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force, a fulfilling feel due to the two-stage spring, and a snappy and clacky sound, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch would be more suitable. These switches are known for their smoothness and responsiveness, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The sound produced is sharp, crisp, and percussive, perfect for those who enjoy a brighter sound profile. Overall, the choice between these switches depends on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound.
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