Aflion Iceberg vs. TKC Kiwi
An in-depth look at the Aflion Iceberg and the TKC Kiwi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options in the market are the Aflion Iceberg and the TKC Kiwi. The Iceberg, manufactured by Aflion, showcases the company's dedication to producing high-quality switches. Known for its smoothness and two-stage spring, the Iceberg offers a satisfying and fulfilling typing experience. With categories such as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Snappy', 'Feathery', and 'Subtle', this linear switch provides a range of options for different preferences. On the other hand, the TKC Kiwi is a tactile switch designed to enhance typing experiences with a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press. These switches, categorized as 'Stepped', 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', 'Accented', and 'Polished', provide a satisfyingly snappy sound profile, immersing users in a truly immersive typing experience. The Kiwis are also lightly factory lubed, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so that you can best decide on the switch that suits your individual preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Iceberg and the TKC Kiwi differ significantly, particularly in their top housing. The Iceberg features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiff plastic that results in a clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Kiwi utilizes a UHWMPE top housing, a newer material for switch housings that produces a very bright sound signature, offering resonant clacks when typing. While both materials contribute to an enhanced sound experience, the Iceberg's polycarbonate emphasizes clarity and sharpness, while the Kiwi's UHWMPE provides a bright and resonant tone.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the Iceberg uses a nylon material, which is considered a classic switch housing material. Typing on switches with nylon housing elicits a deep and full sound profile. Nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Kiwi incorporates a UHWMPE bottom housing, contributing to its overall bright sound signature. This material enhances the resonant clacks produced when typing on the switches. Both materials provide distinct auditory feedback, with nylon offering a deeper sound and UHWMPE delivering a brighter and more resonant tone.
Considering the differences in top and bottom housing materials, the Iceberg and Kiwi switches offer contrasting sound profiles. The Iceberg, with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, prioritizes clarity and depth, respectively. It excels in providing a sharp and resonant sound when pressing and releasing keys. On the other hand, the Kiwi's UHWMPE top and bottom housings offer a consistently bright and resonant sound signature throughout keypresses. While they differ in materials, both switches aim to enhance the typing experience through the strategic use of specific housing materials. Whether you prefer the sharper and clearer sound of the Iceberg or the bright and resonant clacks of the Kiwi, both switches promise a notable auditory feedback when typing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch, it becomes apparent that there are some notable differences. The Iceberg exhibits a relatively light actuation force of 37 grams, which makes it a suitable choice for individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience. In contrast, the Kiwi has a slightly higher actuation force of 43 grams, offering a bit more resistance.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Iceberg requires 45 grams of force to fully press the key, providing a satisfying but not overly heavy keystroke. On the other hand, the Kiwi has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel.
Considering the weight factor, the Iceberg can be favored by individuals who appreciate a lighter switch for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming periods. Its lower actuation and bottom out forces contribute to a comfortable and effortless typing experience. Alternatively, the Kiwi is a better choice for those who prefer a stronger push feel while typing, as its higher forces offer a more substantial and tactile response.
Overall, these switches provide contrasting experiences based on their actuation and bottom out forces. While the Iceberg leans towards a lighter and smoother typing sensation, the Kiwi offers a more pronounced tactile feedback with a slightly heavier touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience. However, it is worth noting that if lighter actuation or bottom out forces are desired, using the Iceberg and Kiwi together would yield similar results.
Travel distance
Both the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance being traveled from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches will provide similar results. Neither switch is shorter or longer than the other as they both cover the same distance.
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 TKC Kiwi comes in at $8.00 per 10 switches.
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 Iceberg switch from Aflion is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile. The sharp and snappy sound produced by these switches can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Kiwi switch from TKC has a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. Low-pitched switches typically have a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, while a neutral switch has a moderate sound profile that suits most purposes. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Iceberg switch offers a snappy and feathery typing experience. The snappy nature of these switches makes them super responsive and lively, while their feathery lightness reduces finger fatigue and strain during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the Iceberg switch is described as having a subtle typing feel, with gentle resistance and a non-resonant sound signature that makes it suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, the Kiwi switch provides a stepped and accented tactile feel. Stepped switches have a two-stage tactile experience with some pre-travel and/or post-travel, while accented switches offer a medium level of tactility without being overwhelming or too subtle. Polished switches, like the Kiwi, have a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities in both sound and feel. The Iceberg has a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, with a snappy and feathery feel. On the other hand, the Kiwi has a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, with a stepped and accented tactile feel. Both switches offer smoothness and a satisfying typing experience. It is important to consider personal preferences and the intended use case when choosing between these switches. If you prefer a sharp and snappy sound with a smooth and lively feel, the Iceberg would be a great choice. If you prefer a low-pitched and mellow sound with a balanced tactile feel, the Kiwi would be a suitable option. Regardless of the choice, both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience and provide a satisfying result.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are someone who prefers a lighter switch with a smooth and fulfilling feel, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. With its bottom out force of 45 grams and two-stage spring, the Iceberg offers a satisfying typing experience. Additionally, if you enjoy a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, the Iceberg will provide that crisp and bright sound when pressed. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium to medium-heavy switch with a tactile bump, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch would be the better option. With a bottom out force of 67 grams, the Kiwi offers a snappy typing experience with a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press. It also has a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone while being suitable for various purposes. Furthermore, if you prefer a stepped, accented, and polished feel, the Kiwi switch delivers on these aspects with its two-stage tactile sensation, prominent amount of tactility, and smooth key travel. Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Iceberg and TKC Kiwi switches depends on your personal preferences for weight, feel, and sound in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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