Aflion Iceberg vs. Gateron Ink Black V2

Overview

Introducing two exceptional linear mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Iceberg and the Gateron Ink Black V2. Both switches offer a smooth typing experience, but each has its unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Iceberg, produced by the relatively new switch manufacturer Aflion, showcases the exceptional quality synonymous with their offerings. With a pleasing smoothness and a fulfilling feel, thanks to its two-stage spring, the Iceberg switch provides a clacky, high-pitched, snappy, feathery, and subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2, a long-time community favorite, delights users with its smooth downstroke and rich clack. This switch is low-pitched, bassy, chirpy, mild, and polished. While these generalities provide a glimpse into the switches, let us delve deeper to help you decide which one is the best fit for you.

By the numbers

Aflion Iceberg Linear

Gateron Ink Black V2 Linear

$3.50

$3.07 per 10

$7.50

$7.24 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Aflion Iceberg and the Gateron Ink Black V2 differ in terms of their composition. The Iceberg utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Moreover, the Iceberg's translucent polycarbonate top housing is ideal for those who plan to use RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 features a proprietary INK blend top housing by Gateron, which generates a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound without being overly sharp. It is often described as "clacky."

In terms of the bottom housing, the Iceberg employs a nylon material that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Ink Black V2 incorporates Gateron's proprietary INK blend bottom housing, which complements the comparatively higher-pitched sound profile of the top housing. This results in a satisfying thin and clacky sound when typing.

While the housing materials bring distinct characteristics to each switch, it is important to note that they can also interact and influence one another. When pressing down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become evident, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, even though the Iceberg and the Ink Black V2 have different housing materials, users can expect similar results in terms of the overall sound profile, albeit with variations in pitch and resonance.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, there are notable differences. The Iceberg has a relatively light actuation force of 37 grams, requiring a gentle push to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the Ink Black V2 has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams, demanding a slightly stronger push for the same result. Similarly, when considering the bottom out force, the Iceberg requires 45 grams of force to fully press down, providing a relatively light and comfortable typing experience. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams, offering a more substantial and tactile typing feel. For those who prefer a lighter and smoother typing experience, the Iceberg would be the preferred choice. Alternatively, individuals who enjoy a more robust and pronounced keystroke would lean towards the Ink Black V2. Ultimately, the weight of a switch is a personal preference, and both these options cater to different typing styles and user needs.

Travel distance

The Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will feel the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent and comfortable keypress experience in terms of travel distance. Therefore, regardless of whether you choose the Iceberg or the Ink Black V2, you can expect similar results and a satisfying typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Aflion Iceberg switch has a clacky and high-pitched profile. This means that it produces a sharp and snappy sound with a crisp and bright tone. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Black V2 switch has a low-pitched, bassy, and chirpy profile. This means that it offers a more mellow and bass-heavy tone with a unique squeak. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. If you prefer a sharp and snappy sound, the Iceberg switch will be a good choice, while if you prefer a deeper and richer sound with a hint of chirpiness, the Ink Black V2 switch will be more suitable.

In terms of feel, the Aflion Iceberg switch is known for being snappy, feathery, and subtle. This means that it is highly responsive, thanks to its longer or dual-staged springs, providing a more lively typing experience. It is also exceptionally light to press, reducing finger fatigue and making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. Additionally, it offers a gentle resistance and a non-resonant sound signature, making it suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Black V2 switch has a mild and polished feel. This means that it offers a more gentle typing experience, with a safe middle-ground zone in terms of sound and feel. It also has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. If you prefer a snappy and lightweight feel with a gentle resistance, the Iceberg switch is a great option. If you prefer a more approachable and polished feel, the Ink Black V2 switch will be a good fit.

In conclusion, the Aflion Iceberg and Gateron Ink Black V2 switches have distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Iceberg switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound, along with a snappy, feathery, and subtle feel. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 switch provides a low-pitched, bassy, and chirpy sound, along with a mild and polished feel. These switches cater to different preferences and typing experiences. However, both switches are known for their smoothness and satisfying qualities, ensuring a pleasant typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Iceberg and Ink Black V2 switches will depend on personal preferences, such as desired sound profile and typing feel.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a light and satisfying typing experience, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch is a great choice for you. With its bottom out force of 45 grams, it offers a feathery feel that reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the Iceberg switch is known for its smoothness and fulfilling two-stage spring, providing a snappy and responsive typing experience. Its clacky and high-pitched sound profile adds a crisp and bright sound to your typing.

On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a more gentle and polished feel, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch would be a suitable option. With a bottom out force of 70 grams, it offers a mild typing experience that falls within the safe middle-ground zone. The Ink Black V2 is praised for its smooth downstroke and rich clack, providing a refined and sleek typing experience. Its low-pitched and bassy sound profile adds a deeper and richer tone to your key presses, with a unique chirpy characteristic.

Ultimately, your choice between the Aflion Iceberg and the Gateron Ink Black V2 switches will depend on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound. Consider whether you prefer a lighter and more responsive typing experience with a clacky and high-pitched sound, or a medium-heavy switch with a gentle and polished feel, along with a low-pitched and bassy sound. Both switches offer exceptional quality and are suitable for various typing needs, so choose the one that aligns with your preferences and enjoy the ultimate mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

Aflion Iceberg Linear

$3.50

$3.07 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Ink Black V2 Linear

$7.50

$7.24 per 10

Learn more