Aflion Iceberg vs. HMX Jelly

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, choosing the right one can significantly enhance your typing experience, and two standout options in the linear category are the Aflion Iceberg and the HMX Jelly. The Aflion Iceberg, emerging from a relatively new manufacturer, showcases a remarkable smoothness complemented by a two-stage spring that delivers a fulfilling feel with a unique clacky and snappy sound profile. Its design makes it an excellent choice for users seeking a satisfying tactile response without the noise often associated with clicky switches. In contrast, the HMX Jelly boasts a low-pitched, deep, thocky sound signature that appeals to those who prefer a more subdued auditory experience. Its lightweight 42g actuation force ensures effortless keystrokes, making it ideal for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. Both switches offer distinct advantages, catering to different preferences for sound and feel; however, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Aflion Iceberg Linear

HMX Jelly Linear

$3.50

$3.07 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Aflion Iceberg and the HMX Jelly showcase distinct housing materials that significantly influence their respective sound profiles during use. The Iceberg features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and translucence. This particular choice of material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when typing, making it particularly well-suited for RGB lighting setups as the polycarbonate allows the light to pass through beautifully. In contrast, the Jelly employs a nylon top housing, which inherently provides a duller and rounder sound profile due to the softer nature of the material. Nylon’s ability to absorb sound results in a deeper and fuller auditory experience when compared to polycarbonate.

Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which presents an interesting convergence in their construction despite the differences in their top materials. The nylon in both switches contributes a richer, more profound bottoming-out sound and feel, emphasizing the smoother, muffled notes that come from pressing the keys. This similarity means that while the Iceberg and Jelly may produce divergent sound profiles when typing due to their top housings, the impact of the nylon bottom housing unifies their tonal qualities at the bottoming-out stage, creating a satisfying and plush typing experience across both models.

Ultimately, the differences in the Iceberg’s polycarbonate top housing and the Jelly’s nylon top housing highlight the varying auditory profiles that characterize these two switches. The Iceberg’s sharper sound is contrasted with the Jelly's fuller acoustic, a distinction owing directly to the properties of their respective top materials. However, the synergy created by their shared nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches deliver deep, satisfying feedback when pressed down. Users seeking a crisp and vibrant sound may fare better with the Iceberg, while those preferring a warmer and rounder acoustics will likely lean toward the Jelly, but both can offer an enjoyable typing experience through their complementary features.

Weight

When comparing the Aflion Iceberg linear switch with the HMX Jelly linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Iceberg features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a more comfortable option for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming, as it requires less effort to register a keystroke. In contrast, the Jelly has slightly heavier specifications, with an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This means that the Jelly provides a more substantial typing experience, appealing to those who prefer a firmer push feel. While both switches are categorized as light, the Iceberg is the lighter option overall, which may make it more suitable for users seeking long-term comfort. Thus, while both switches can deliver good performance, the choice between them ultimately depends on one's preference for actuation and bottom out force.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch, the Iceberg presents a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jelly offers a slightly shorter distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Iceberg, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial tactile feedback for users who appreciate that deeper feel when pressing down on a key. Conversely, the Jelly's shorter travel distance could appeal to gamers or those seeking quicker response times, allowing for rapid key presses without the resistance of longer switches. Ultimately, users will find that if they prefer a more responsive experience, the Jelly may be the better choice, while those who favor a more traditional depth may opt for the Iceberg. Thus, the two switches cater to different preferences in terms of travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch produces a lively clacky noise characterized by a sharp, crisp, and high-pitched auditory profile. This makes it appealing for those who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic feedback while typing. In contrast, the HMX Jelly linear switch features a low-pitched, deep, thocky sound signature, which tends to be more subdued and satisfying for users who prefer a rich and bass-heavy experience. While the distinct sound of each switch caters to different preferences, it's essential to remember that the overall sound can also be influenced by the keyboard construction and choice of keycaps.

In terms of the feel, the Iceberg switch shines with its snappy responsiveness and feathery touch, providing a lively typing experience that many find invigorating. The dual-stage spring adds a fulfilling, subtle resistance that enhances the overall tactile sensation while reducing finger fatigue during prolonged use. On the other hand, the Jelly switch does not offer specific information regarding its feel, making it challenging to directly compare this aspect with the Iceberg. However, the Jelly's lightweight actuation force of 42g suggests that it may provide a similarly comfortable typing experience, albeit with unknown nuances.

In conclusion, while the Aflion Iceberg and HMX Jelly linear switches represent different auditory experiences—with one being clacky and the other thocky—the Iceberg is certainly praised for its lively, smooth feel. The Jelly may share the potential for a lightweight feel, but without more detailed information, such subtleties remain uncertain. Ultimately, selecting between these switches will hinge on personal preferences for sound and feel, as both can deliver satisfying typing experiences that cater to different keyboard enthusiasts.

Conclusion

To sum up, your choice between the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch will ultimately depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and use case. If you enjoy a lighter typing experience with a snappy and feathery feeling, the Iceberg switch's 45 grams of bottom-out force makes it an excellent choice for extended typing sessions, be it for gaming or work. Its clacky and high-pitched sound also adds a crispy auditory feedback that many users find satisfying. On the other hand, if you're looking for a deeper, thocky sound profile that’s perfectly complemented by an incredibly smooth typing experience, the Jelly switch, with its slightly heavier 48 grams bottom-out force and factory lubrication, might be more to your liking. The Jelly switch is great for those who prefer a richer auditory experience as they type. In essence, consider the Iceberg if you prioritize a lightweight, snappy feel and bright acoustics, while the Jelly should be your go-to if you value a smooth, deeper sound and don’t mind a slightly firmer actuation. Ultimately, your choice will enhance your typing experience based on what aspects matter most to you.

Mentioned in this article

Aflion Iceberg Linear

$3.50

$3.07 per 10

Learn more

HMX Jelly Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more