Aflion Iceberg vs. Bsun Jade Rosales
An in-depth look at the Aflion Iceberg and the Bsun Jade Rosales switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Iceberg and Bsun Jade Rosales are two noteworthy options for enthusiasts seeking a linear typing experience. The Iceberg, produced by the relatively new switch manufacturer Aflion, is celebrated for its satisfying smoothness and a fulfilling tactile response thanks to its unique two-stage spring design. Users often describe it as clacky and high-pitched, delivering a snappy yet feather-light touch, making it an appealing choice for those who enjoy a more dynamic typing experience. On the other hand, the Bsun Jade Rosales, crafted by XY Studio, is the result of meticulous refinement over a year, showcasing custom housings, stems, and advanced lubrication techniques that culminate in an exceptionally smooth and whisper-quiet typing experience. While the Iceberg may cater to those drawn to a more auditory and tactile feedback, the Jade Rosales excels in providing a seamless feel ideal for prolonged typing sessions. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Y3X
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Custom Milky Material
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Spring
20.5mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Iceberg and the Bsun Jade Rosales share a commonality in their choice of top housing material, both utilizing polycarbonate. This choice underscores the acoustic qualities inherent in polycarbonate, which promote a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to the material's stiffness, allowing for a clear and resonant sound that enhances the auditory experience when typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an ideal choice for users who favor RGB lighting, as it allows for vibrant illumination to shine through. Thus, when it comes to top housing, both switches promise a visually appealing and sonically articulate performance, leading to similar results in sound quality.
In contrast to the top housings, the Aflion Iceberg distinguishes itself with its nylon bottom housing, while the Bsun Jade Rosales features a proprietary "Custom Milky Material" for its bottom housing. Nylon, recognized as a classic switch housing material, is known for its capacity to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition. This quality helps to absorb sound more effectively, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience when compared to the top housing's sharper traits. Meanwhile, the Jade Rosales's custom material adds an element of uniqueness but lacks comprehensive specifications on how its sound performance compares to nylon. Thus, while both switches employ different bottom housing materials, their contributions to the overall sound and typing experience will vary significantly.
Ultimately, the differences between the Aflion Iceberg and the Bsun Jade Rosales illustrate how the interaction of their respective materials can shape the switch's acoustic characteristics. With polycarbonate in the top housing for both switches, users can expect similarity in the sound produced upon key release. However, the nylon of the Iceberg's bottom housing will deliver a contrasting depth in sound, while the Jade Rosales's custom material may yield an unpredictable result. The culmination of these materials in their respective designs ensures that the typing experience is nuanced, balancing clarity with resonance in a unique way for each switch. Consequently, while some elements produce a similar acoustic signature in both switches, the overall sound profile experiences divergence due to the different bottom housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch, we see distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, which cater to different typing preferences. The Iceberg switch features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it well-suited for those who favor a lighter, more effortless typing experience, ideal for extended use during work or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Jade Rosales switch has a medium-light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, providing a slightly more substantial typing feel, which may appeal to users looking for a stronger push at the key's actuation. Overall, the Iceberg switch could be preferred by those who value prolonged comfort and minimal fatigue, while the Jade Rosales offers a balance between comfort and feedback for users who appreciate a firmer keystroke. Thus, while the actuation and bottom out forces differ, this allows users to achieve distinctly different tactile experiences based on their preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the Aflion Iceberg linear switch with the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch, there is a noticeable difference in travel distance. The Iceberg features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option, while the Jade Rosales has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is comparatively shorter. This distinction is significant because a greater travel distance like that of the Iceberg provides a more pronounced feel when pressing down on a key, catering to those who prefer a hearty depth. On the other hand, the Jade Rosales, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal to gamers or users seeking quicker response times and a more immediate actuation. Therefore, depending on individual preferences for key feel, one may choose the Iceberg for a more traditional experience or the Jade Rosales for a more responsive edge.
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 Bsun Jade Rosales has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jade Rosales for $5.39.
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 Aflion Iceberg switch offers a clacky and high-pitched auditory profile. This means that those who prefer a sharp, bright, and percussive sound will find it satisfying, especially in environments where audible feedback is appreciated. However, specific sound characteristics of the Bsun Jade Rosales switch are currently unknown, making direct comparisons difficult. It's important to keep in mind that sound is also influenced by external factors like the choice of keyboard board and keycaps, meaning both switches may deliver unique sound profiles based on these variables.
In terms of feel, the Iceberg switch excels with descriptors such as snappy, feathery, and subtle. The snappy response of the switch, enhanced by its dual-stage spring, creates an invigorating typing experience, making it excellent for rapid input. The feathery touch means that it requires minimal effort to actuate, which is ideal for long typing sessions as it reduces finger fatigue. The subtle resistance provides a comfortable balance without overwhelming feedback, making it appropriate for shared workspaces. The feel of the Bsun Jade Rosales remains unspecified, leaving an open opportunity for exploration in texture and responsiveness.
Overall, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch boasts a vibrant sound and engaging feel that caters particularly well to those who enjoy tactile and audible feedback while typing. Contrastingly, the Bsun Jade Rosales provides an air of mystery due to the lack of detailed information regarding its sound and feel. While users can expect to enjoy a smooth typing experience from both options, the Iceberg’s established auditory and tactile characteristics make it a compelling choice for those seeking an engaging keyboard experience right out of the box. Without more details on the Jade Rosales, it's clear that while both switches have the potential to deliver satisfactory results, the Iceberg offers a more defined set of attributes for immediate consideration.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch, your specific needs and preferences play a crucial role. If you prefer a lighter feel, with a bottom out force of just 45 grams and a clacky, high-pitched sound profile, the Iceberg is an excellent choice. Its snappy and feathery characteristics make it ideal for extended typing sessions, whether you're gaming, brainstorming, or working, without causing significant finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you find comfort in a slightly heavier actuation force of 53 grams, the Jade Rosales could be more suitable for you. Although its sound profile isn't highlighted in the provided information, its reputation for an exceptionally smooth typing experience due to meticulous refinement suggests it excels in delivering a seamless tactile feedback. Ultimately, consider your typing style and environment: the Iceberg shines in a lively atmosphere and is perfect for those who want quick responsiveness, while the Jade Rosales might offer a more refined, consistent experience for those who prefer a balance of weight and smooth operation.
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