Aflion Iceberg vs. Gateron Ink Box Pink
An in-depth look at the Aflion Iceberg and the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the Aflion Iceberg and the Gateron Ink Box Pink. The Iceberg, produced by Aflion, showcases the quality that this relatively new switch manufacturer brings to the table. With a satisfying smoothness and a fulfilling feel attributed to its two-stage spring, the Iceberg switch offers a fantastic typing experience. Categorized as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Snappy', 'Feathery', and 'Subtle', it provides a unique combination of traits. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink stands out with its translucent design and lighter typing feel compared to other mechanical switches. With a higher-pitched clack, these switches offer a distinct auditory experience. Classified as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Silky', and 'Polished', they provide a different set of qualities. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Aflion Iceberg and the Gateron Ink Box Pink have contrasting materials for their top housing. The Iceberg utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for better visibility of RGB lighting, making it ideal for those who enjoy customizable lighting effects. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink features Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing. This material produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, providing a satisfying clacky sensation. While both materials have their unique sound characteristics, the polycarbonate housing of the Iceberg is stiffer, resulting in a clearer and more resonant sound, while the INK blend housing of the Ink Box Pink adds a touch of sharpness without being overly intense.
In terms of their bottom housing materials, the Iceberg adopts a nylon bottom housing, while the Ink Box Pink incorporates Gateron's INK blend. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its relatively softer nature, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder tone. Conversely, the INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Box Pink shares a similar sound profile with its top housing, providing a pointed and higher-pitched clacky sound. Whether it's the Iceberg's nylon or the Ink Box Pink's INK blend, both materials contribute to the sound profile and overall feel of the switch. The specific bottom housing material will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing a key, while the top housing material will influence the sound when releasing a key.
Although the Aflion Iceberg and the Gateron Ink Box Pink have different housing materials, they create similar results in terms of sound profiles. Both switches exhibit a sharper and higher-pitched sound, achieving a satisfying clacky sensation. The Iceberg's polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing work in tandem to produce a clear and resonant sound, while the Ink Box Pink's proprietary INK blend material for both top and bottom housing maintains the pointed and high-pitched sound. Whether it's the stiffer and translucent polycarbonate or the softer and sound-absorbing nylon, both switches offer an enhanced auditory experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, it is clear that there are notable differences. The Iceberg switch has a lighter actuation force, requiring only 37 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the Ink Box Pink switch has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams. Similarly, when it comes to bottoming out, the Iceberg switch requires 45 grams of force, whereas the Ink Box Pink switch demands 60 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Iceberg switch is an ideal choice. With its lower actuation and bottom out forces, it provides a smoother and more effortless keystroke for extended periods of typing or gaming. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial and tactile typing experience may opt for the Ink Box Pink switch. The higher actuation and bottom out forces of the Ink Box Pink switch offer a stronger push feel, providing a more satisfying and substantial typing feedback.
It is worth noting that while the Iceberg switch is lighter in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, the Ink Box Pink switch falls into a medium range. Therefore, for users seeking a middle ground between light and heavy typing experiences, the Ink Box Pink switch may offer a satisfactory compromise.
Overall, the choice between the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch ultimately depends on individual preferences. Those favoring a more effortless and lighter typing experience may gravitate towards the Iceberg switch, while individuals seeking a stronger and more substantial typing feel may find satisfaction with the Ink Box Pink switch.
Travel distance
The Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch have different travel distances. The Iceberg has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is the more traditional and deeper option. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it shallower and potentially more responsive. The choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and specific needs. Gamers who value faster response times may lean towards the Ink Box Pink with its shorter travel distance. However, some individuals may find the shorter travel distance to feel abrupt. For those who prefer a deeper and more satisfying key press, the longer travel distance of the Iceberg switch may be the preferred option. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Gateron Ink Box Pink has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Box Pink for $7.65.
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
The Aflion Iceberg linear switch is known for its satisfying smoothness and two-stage spring, which provides a fulfilling feel. The sound produced by the Iceberg switch is clacky and high-pitched, resulting in a crisp and bright sound when pressed. In terms of feel, the Iceberg switch is described as snappy, providing a super responsive typing experience. It is also feathery, requiring little exertion from the fingers and reducing finger fatigue. Additionally, the Iceberg switch has a subtle resistance and a non-resonant sound signature, making it suitable for shared spaces.
Similarly, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch is smooth and offers a lighter typing feel compared to other mechanical switches. The sound produced by the Ink Box Pink switch is also clacky and high-pitched, resulting in a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. The feel of the Ink Box Pink switch is silky, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. It is also polished, resulting in a sleek and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, both the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch offer satisfying smoothness and a light typing feel. They both produce a clacky and high-pitched sound when pressed. However, the Iceberg switch is described as snappier and feathery, while the Ink Box Pink switch is silkier and polished. Overall, both switches provide a smooth and enjoyable typing experience, with the Ink Box Pink switch having a slightly lighter feel. Depending on personal preferences, either switch can be a great choice for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a light and smooth linear switch, the Aflion Iceberg is a great choice. With a bottom out force of 45 grams, it offers a feathery and subtle typing feel that is comfortable for extended typing sessions. The Iceberg switch is known for its satisfying smoothness and fulfilling feel, thanks to its two-stage spring. It produces a clacky sound, which is sharp and percussive, and has a high-pitched profile.
On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier switch with a smoother typing experience, the Gateron Ink Box Pink is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 60 grams, it provides a medium typing feel. The Ink Box Pink switch offers a silky and polished typing experience, ensuring minimal resistance and smooth key travel. It also produces a clacky sound and has a high-pitched profile, similar to the Iceberg switch.
Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Iceberg and Gateron Ink Box Pink will depend on your personal preferences. If you value a lighter and more subtle typing feel, along with a satisfying smoothness, the Iceberg switch would be a great fit for you. However, if you prefer a slightly heavier switch with an exceptionally smooth typing experience, the Ink Box Pink switch is the way to go. Both switches offer a clacky sound and have a high-pitched profile, so it ultimately comes down to which typing feel and bottom out force you prefer. In the end, whichever switch you choose, you can expect a quality keyboard experience.
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