Aflion Iceberg vs. Neo Lavender HE

Overview

When considering the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the Aflion Iceberg and the Neo Lavender HE represent two distinct paths in the world of tactile feedback. The Aflion Iceberg, a linear switch, is celebrated for its remarkable smoothness and satisfying feel, enhanced by its two-stage spring design, making it a favorite for those who enjoy a 'clacky,' 'high-pitched,' and 'snappy' typing experience. This relatively new entrant from Aflion reflects a commitment to quality that is hard to overlook. On the other hand, the Neo Lavender HE, a hall effect switch, offers a unique advantage with its clean, low sound, particularly appealing for users who prefer a quiet yet responsive typing experience. Compatible with Wooting keyboards, this switch distinguishes itself within the niche of magnetic switches. While both options cater to varying preferences, they each bring unique attributes to the table that can enhance your typing experience. 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

Neo Lavender HE Hall Effect

$3.50

$3.07 per 10

$4.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Iceberg and the Neo Lavender HE, a notable distinction lies in their top housing compositions. The Aflion Iceberg utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which results in a higher-pitched and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, enhancing clarity and resonance, especially beneficial for RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE features a nylon top housing that creates a deeper, fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound more than harder variants, leading to a duller and rounder audio experience. Thus, while both switches utilize plastic materials, the choice of polycarbonate versus nylon dramatically alters the tonal characteristics of each switch.

The bottom housing of both switches, however, is where they find common ground. Both the Aflion Iceberg and the Neo Lavender HE incorporate nylon for their bottom housings. This leads to similar sound profiles because nylon's softer nature provides a fuller, more absorbing sound, resulting in a more muted bottom-out sound when typing. The shared nylon material in the bottom housings underscores a consistent tactile experience across both switches, ensuring that users experience a comparable depth and richness in sound feedback.

Ultimately, the differences between the Aflion Iceberg and Neo Lavender HE showcase how the characteristics of their top housings can affect the overall acoustic experience. While the Iceberg projects a brighter, more resonant sound due to its polycarbonate top, the Lavender HE leans towards a more subdued and round sound profile with its nylon top. However, both switches harmonize through their nylon bottom housings, which contribute to a mutual depth of sound and tactile feedback, making them suitable for diverse typing preferences while maintaining distinct upper-end auditory signatures.

Weight

The Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch both exhibit light actuation and bottom out forces, but they differ slightly in their specifications. The Iceberg features an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Lavender HE has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that, while both switches are considered light, the Iceberg is the lighter option in terms of both actuation and bottom out forces. For those who prefer a less strenuous typing experience for extended use, the Iceberg may be the more suitable choice. Conversely, the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Lavender HE could provide a more substantial feel that some typists prefer for feedback during key presses. Nonetheless, both switches are designed to deliver a comfortable typing experience, with the Iceberg allowing for slightly easier keystrokes overall.

Travel distance

Comparing the travel distances of the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch reveals a distinction between the two options. The Iceberg features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Lavender HE has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Iceberg will provide a more substantial tactile experience, making it a better choice for those who enjoy a deeper feel when pressing down on keys. Conversely, the Lavender HE, with its shorter 3.8 mm travel, caters to users who favor quicker response times and a more abrupt actuation, which is often preferred by gamers. Ultimately, if you appreciate the sensation of a fuller keypress, the Iceberg is the superior option, while the Lavender HE may suit those seeking speed and efficiency in their typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch is characterized by its clacky and high-pitched qualities, which provide a sharp and snappy auditory feedback during use. This results in a crisp and bright sound profile that can be quite satisfying for those who enjoy a percussive typing experience. However, it’s important to note that the overall sound will also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used. On the other hand, the Neo Lavender HE switch is noted for its clean, low sound, setting it apart from many other magnetic switches. While the exact auditory qualities of the Lavender HE aren't specified in detail, it’s likely to offer a different experience than the Iceberg, appealing to users who prefer a subtler sound profile.

When analyzing the feel of these switches, the Iceberg excels with descriptors such as snappy, feathery, and subtle, creating a uniquely responsive typing experience. The combination of a two-stage spring contributes to this not only by enhancing responsiveness but also by ensuring that the force required to actuate the switch remains light, thereby reducing finger fatigue during extended use. This makes the Iceberg an attractive option for both gaming and long typing sessions. In contrast, the feel of the Lavender HE is not described in the available information, leaving potential users wanting for more insight into how it might compare in terms of tactile feedback and responsiveness.

Overall, both the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch offer unique auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different user preferences. The Iceberg is favored for its lively clacky sound and snappy feel, ideal for those who appreciate a more dynamic typing experience, while the Lavender HE might be better suited for individuals who prefer a quieter and cleaner sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will hinge on one's personal preferences regarding sound and feel, as their distinct characteristics can significantly affect the overall typing experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, the choice between the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use case. If you enjoy a light and responsive typing experience with a pleasurable and smooth feel, the Iceberg switch might be your go-to option. It offers a satisfying clacky sound profile that adds a delightful auditory element to your typing, making it ideal for gamers or typists who appreciate a more dynamic feedback. Its feathery touch and snappy responsiveness also make it perfect for extended typing sessions where comfort and low finger fatigue are essential. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a cleaner and quieter sound profile, the Neo Lavender HE is an excellent choice, especially for office environments or shared spaces where noise can be a concern. The Lavender HE's unique technology makes it well-suited for high-precision applications, especially when paired with Wooting keyboards, allowing for creative and versatile usage. In the end, it comes down to whether you value auditory feedback and tactile response more, or if you seek a quieter and more innovative option that balances performance with discretion.

Mentioned in this article

Aflion Iceberg Linear

$3.50

$3.07 per 10

Learn more

Neo Lavender HE Hall Effect

$4.50 per 10

Learn more