Aflion Iceberg vs. Keygeek Keylin
An in-depth look at the Aflion Iceberg and the Keygeek Keylin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly impact your typing experience, and two noteworthy linear options are the Aflion Iceberg and the Keygeek Keylin. The Iceberg switch stands out for its smooth operation and a unique two-stage spring that provides a fulfilling feel with each keystroke. This switch is often described with terms like "clacky," "high-pitched," "snappy," "feathery," and "subtle," making it a versatile option appealing to different typing preferences. On the other hand, the Keylin switch takes advantage of innovative molds from Keygeek to deliver a premium experience characterized by rich acoustics and exceptional smoothness, ideal for those who prioritize a quieter, more refined typing sound. While both switches offer impressive performance, your choice will ultimately depend on personal preference regarding feel and sound. 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
37g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
UPE
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Spring
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Iceberg and the Keygeek Keylin, it is evident that they utilize different substances for their top housings. The Iceberg features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile due to the material's stiffness. This enhances the overall auditory experience by offering a clearer resonance, making it particularly advantageous for users interested in RGB lighting, as polycarbonate's translucency showcases vibrant colors effectively. In contrast, the Keylin employs a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, leading to a rounder auditory experience. Therefore, the choice of top housing material significantly influences the sound profile produced by each switch, setting them apart in terms of acoustic performance.
Interestingly, both the Aflion Iceberg and Keygeek Keylin use nylon for their bottom housings. This shared material choice means that, regardless of the difference in the top housing compositions, both switches will exhibit similar sound characteristics associated with the softness of nylon. The bottom housing primarily affects the bottom-out sound and feel, contributing to a deeper and duller resonant quality when a key is pressed down. Since both switches utilize nylon in this part, users can expect a comparably rich and rounded acoustic experience when engaging the keys, providing consistency in tactile feedback despite the contrasts present in their top housing materials.
Ultimately, the differences between the Aflion Iceberg and Keygeek Keylin hinge on their respective top housing materials. While the Iceberg’s polycarbonate top delivers a crisp and bright sound profile ideal for RGB applications, the Keylin’s nylon top affords a mellower and warmer auditory experience. Nonetheless, the similarity in the nylon bottom housings of both models harmonizes their overall sound characteristics during key presses, emphasizing the interplay between the materials. Users can appreciate how the distinct properties of each top housing work in tandem with the shared nylon bottom to create a unique typing experience, showcasing the importance of material choice in the design of mechanical switches.
Weight
The Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch exhibit similar characteristics regarding their actuation and bottom out forces, both falling into the lighter side of the spectrum. The Iceberg features a slightly lower actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Keylin's 38 grams, which means it requires a marginally lighter touch to register a keystroke. Moreover, the bottom out force for the Iceberg is 45 grams, while the Keylin's is 48 grams, again reflecting the Keylin's slightly heavier feel. This distinction may appeal to users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience, as the Keylin offers a firmer resistance. Conversely, those who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions may find the Iceberg more suitable due to its slightly lower actuation and bottom out forces. Overall, while both switches provide a light typing experience, the Keylin is the heavier option between the two.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Aflion Iceberg and the Keygeek Keylin linear switches, the Iceberg features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Keylin has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Iceberg the longer option, providing a more traditional feel that some users may appreciate for its depth and feedback. On the other hand, the Keylin's shorter travel distance could be a more appealing choice for gamers seeking quicker response times during gameplay. Ultimately, if you lean towards a more responsive experience, the Keylin might be preferable, whereas the Iceberg could be better suited for those who favor a more pronounced keystroke.
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 Keygeek Keylin has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keylin for $3.29.
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 distinctly clacky and high-pitched auditory profile. This sharp, bright, and percussive quality brings a lively character to each keystroke, making the typing experience feel energetic and responsive. The crisp nature of the Iceberg's sound can resonate well in a busy environment, pleasing those who favor a more engaging auditory feedback. On the other hand, the sound characteristics of the Keygeek Keylin switch remain unspecified, leaving an unknown factor in this comparison. However, it's essential to recognize that the sound of both switches can be influenced by the choice of keyboard, keycaps, and even the surface they are mounted on.
In terms of feel, the Iceberg switch excels with its snappy responsiveness and dual-stage spring design, which contributes to a fulfilling tactile experience. Its feathery light touch diminishes finger fatigue, making it suitable for prolonged typing sessions across various activities like gaming or work. Additionally, the subtle resistance allows for a comfortable and manageable typing experience. The Keylin switch's feel is also unspecified, which leaves a gap in comparison. However, one can anticipate a premium experience based on the quality reputation of Keygeek switches, even if the exact sensations remain unclear.
In conclusion, while the Aflion Iceberg linear switch stands out with its clacky sound and varied tactile sensations, the Keygeek Keylin switch's qualities are less defined but still imply a premium experience. Typists looking for a vibrant auditory feedback will gravitate towards the Iceberg, while those interested in smooth operation will need to explore further the uncharted qualities of the Keylin. In either case, both switches promise a level of quality that can satisfy most keyboard enthusiasts, catering to both sound and feel preferences based on personal choice and keyboard configurations.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch, your decision largely hinges on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and the specific typing experience you're seeking. If you prefer a lighter typing experience with snappy responsiveness and a clackier sound profile, the Iceberg could be the ideal choice for you. It's particularly well-suited for those who engage in fast-paced gaming or enjoy a lively acoustic feedback while typing. Conversely, if you’re looking for a smoother, quieter experience with rich acoustics and a slightly higher actuation force, the Keylin switch might align better with your needs. This switch is perfect for more focused work or shared spaces where you want to minimize noise distraction while still enjoying premium typing comfort. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct advantages, so consider how each aligns with your keyboard use cases and tactile preferences to make the best choice for your setup.
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