TTC Ice vs. Aflion Iceberg
An in-depth look at the TTC Ice and the Aflion Iceberg switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves attracted to the distinct characteristics of different options, such as the TTC Ice and Aflion Iceberg switches, both of which boast a linear design yet offer unique experiences. The TTC Ice is celebrated for its crystal-clear, transparent design and delivers a smooth, responsive feel coupled with a satisfying bottom-out sound, which is ideal for both gaming frenzies and everyday typing tasks. Its categorized traits of being 'Clacky' and 'Feathery' emphasize a light and airy touch that's perfect for those who enjoy a lively keystroke. Conversely, the Aflion Iceberg, though relatively new on the scene, stands out due to its two-stage spring mechanism, providing a notably fulfilling feel as well as versatility in sound, described as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Snappy', 'Feathery', and 'Subtle'. This variety in sound profiles makes the Iceberg an enticing choice for users seeking a balance of auditory feedback and tactile response. While both switches are excellent contenders for your mechanical keyboard, they cater to slightly different preferences in typing experience. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24mm single-stage spring
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Ice and Aflion Iceberg offer some compelling comparisons, particularly in terms of their top housings, which in both cases are made of polycarbonate. This commonality allows both switches to deliver a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate’s properties as a stiffer plastic not only enhance the clarity and resonance of the sound but also contribute to a visually appealing aesthetic due to its translucency. This feature is particularly beneficial for users interested in customizing their keyboards with RGB lighting, as both switches can effectively project light through the polycarbonate material. Therefore, when it comes to the sound profile attributed to the top housing in each switch, users can expect similar results in auditory performance.
Contrastingly, the bottom housings of the TTC Ice and Aflion Iceberg exhibit a significant difference. While the Ice employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, which maintains the crispness that characterizes its top housing, the Iceberg's bottom housing is constructed from nylon. The nature of nylon—a softer plastic—stands in stark contrast to polycarbonate, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softness allows nylon to absorb more sound, leading to a duller and rounder auditory experience upon bottoming out. The differences in material composition thus influence the overall typing feel and sound, with the Ice promoting clarity throughout and the Iceberg providing a warmer, richer sound from the base.
Finally, the interaction between the top and bottom housings in each switch creates distinct typing experiences. In the case of the TTC Ice, both top and bottom housings promote a consistency in sound quality, leading to an overall sharper sound profile from keypress to release. Conversely, the Iceberg exemplifies a nuanced blend of textures: the nylon bottom housing introduces a deeper resonation contrasted with the brighter sound quality found in the polycarbonate top. This divergence means that while the TTC Ice emphasizes a cohesive auditory sharpness, the Aflion Iceberg offers a more layered sound experience owing to the interplay of its varied materials. Thus, with these different combinations, users may prefer one switch over the other based on their personal sound and feel preferences while typing.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Ice linear switch and the Aflion Iceberg linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The TTC Ice features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorized as medium, while the Aflion Iceberg has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This significant difference indicates that the Iceberg requires less force to actuate, making it a preferable option for users who value longer typing sessions or lighter feel, especially in portable keyboards. In contrast, the heavier push of the TTC Ice may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Thus, while both switches serve their purposes well, the TTC Ice is the heavier option, and the Aflion Iceberg is the lighter choice for those seeking ease and comfort in extended use.
Travel distance
The TTC Ice linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Aflion Iceberg linear switch offers a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference in travel distance marks the Ice as the shorter option, catering to users who favor a more responsive feel when pressing down on a key, a feature that is often sought after by gamers aiming for quicker response times. In contrast, the Iceberg's 4 mm travel distance might appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial depth during key presses, providing a more traditional typing experience that some users appreciate. In summary, if quick responsiveness is your priority, the TTC Ice switch would be the superior choice, while those who prefer a deeper key feel may lean towards the Aflion Iceberg.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Ice has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice for $5.99.
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, both the TTC Ice and Aflion Iceberg linear switches share a clacky character that provides a pronounced acoustic feedback with each keystroke. The Ice switch is noted for its sharp, bright, and percussive sound, making it quite engaging during use. Similarly, the Iceberg also produces a clacky sound, characterized by its crispness, but adds a high-pitched element that can appeal to users who prefer a more penetrating auditory experience. This additional high-pitched quality may be more suited to those who enjoy a brighter sound profile rather than a warm, bass-heavy tone. Overall, both switches deliver a lively auditory presence, though the Iceberg might stand out more for those specific sound preferences.
In terms of feel, both switches promise a delightfully smooth typing experience tailored for comfort and responsiveness. The Ice switch is recognized for its feathery touch, making it light and easy to actuate, which is beneficial for long typing sessions and reduces finger fatigue. The Iceberg switch matches this with its own feathery nature while also being snappy, giving it an extra layer of responsiveness—thanks to its two-stage spring design—that enhances the tactile feedback during use. While the Ice focuses heavily on a light touch, the Iceberg incorporates a subtle resistance that maintains liveliness without overwhelming the user. This makes both switches ideal for extended use, although the Iceberg may provide a more dynamic feel for those who enjoy a bit more feedback.
In summary, both the TTC Ice and Aflion Iceberg linear switches offer enjoyable typing experiences, but they cater to slightly different preferences. If you're looking for a sharp, clacky sound and a smooth, light feel, either switch will deliver an engaging performance. However, if you desire an added layer of interactivity in your keystrokes, the Iceberg’s snappy response may provide an edge in that regard. Ultimately, both options are excellent for gamers and typists alike, ensuring that you can achieve a satisfying experience whether you choose the Ice or the Iceberg.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the TTC Ice and the Aflion Iceberg linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you prefer a switch with a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams that provides a smooth typing experience with a satisfying clacky sound, especially in a gaming context where feedback can enhance performance, the TTC Ice will serve you well. Its clacky tone adds an engaging element to your typing, making it a fantastic choice for both gaming and everyday tasks. Conversely, if you favor a lighter switch with a bottom-out force of just 45 grams, the Aflion Iceberg could be more suitable, especially if you need a switch that minimizes finger fatigue over long periods. The Iceberg's dual-stage spring gives a snappy feel, perfect for fast-paced gaming or extended work sessions without straining your fingers. Additionally, its subtle sound profile makes it an ideal option for shared spaces or quieter environments. So, consider your typing style, frequency of use, and sound sensitivity when making your decision—both switches offer unique features that enhance your overall typing experience.
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