Aflion Iceberg vs. Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro
An in-depth look at the Aflion Iceberg and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch stand out as top contenders. The Aflion Iceberg, a linear switch from a new switch manufacturer, boasts a smooth profile and a unique two-stage spring that provides a satisfying feel. Known for its clacky, high-pitched, snappy, feathery, and subtle characteristics, the Iceberg switch is a solid choice for those seeking a precise and swift typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro, a tactile switch, offers a different set of features that cater to keyboard enthusiasts. With a higher-pitched sound profile and a pronounced tactile bump, this switch provides a bouncy, snappy, and polished 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
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Spring
20mm
Housing materials
The Aflion Iceberg and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro both feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiff plastic that leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for switches with RGB lighting, as it allows the lighting to shine through the housing. Both switches offer similar sound profiles and aesthetics due to their shared polycarbonate top housing material.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Iceberg utilizes a nylon housing while the V3 Lavender Purple Pro also features a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer properties that absorb more sound than harder plastics. With the nylon bottom housing, both switches will offer a rounder and duller sound, contributing to a different typing experience compared to the top polycarbonate housing. Despite the bottom housing material being different from the top, both switches maintain a similar sound profile thanks to the use of nylon in the bottom housing.
When using switches with different top and bottom housing materials, the qualities of each material will impact different aspects of the typing experience. The bottom housing has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing will affect the sound when releasing a key. This split in housing materials allows for a balance in sound profiles and typing sensations, offering a unique typing experience for each switch. While the Aflion Iceberg and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro may differ in their bottom housing material, both switches provide a well-rounded typing experience with a combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials.
Weight
The Aflion Iceberg linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams compared to the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that the Iceberg switch will require less force to press down and activate a key, making it more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming where lighter keypresses are preferred. On the other hand, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch provides a bit more resistance, giving a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. While both switches offer a smooth typing experience, the choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Aflion Iceberg linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Iceberg being slightly longer than the V3 Lavender Purple Pro. The Iceberg may provide a slightly more substantial key press feel due to its longer travel distance, making it a better choice for those who prefer a deeper actuation. On the other hand, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro's shorter travel distance may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for travel distance and key press feel.
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 Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro has an MSRP of $3.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Lavender Purple Pro for $2.20.
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
In terms of sound, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch is characterized as clacky and high-pitched, providing a sharp, crisp, and percussive sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch's sound profile is higher-pitched without further descriptors provided. Depending on personal preference and the overall setup of your keyboard, the Iceberg switch may provide a more distinct and lively sound experience compared to the Lavender Purple Pro switch.
Moving on to the feel, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch is described as snappy, feathery, and subtle, offering a light and responsive typing experience while maintaining a gentle resistance. In contrast, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch is characterized as accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished. These qualities suggest a switch that provides a medium level of tactility, a spring-like feedback sensation, super responsiveness, and a smooth key travel experience. Depending on personal preference for tactility and typing feel, each switch offers unique characteristics for an enjoyable typing experience.
Overall, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch both offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Iceberg switch provides a clacky, high-pitched sound and a smooth, responsive feel, while the Lavender Purple Pro switch offers a higher-pitched sound profile and a medium amount of tactility with a bouncy, snappy, and polished feel. Depending on whether you prefer a sharper sound with smooth typing or a higher-pitched sound with a medium amount of tactility, both switches can offer a satisfying typing experience. It is important to consider personal preferences and the overall keyboard setup when choosing between these two switches to achieve the desired sound and feel results.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a smooth typing experience with a satisfying feel, the Iceberg may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a slightly higher bottom out force, a delightful tactile bump, and a higher-pitched sound profile, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what typing experience you value most – a smooth and light feel with the Iceberg or a tactile and bouncy feel with the V3 Lavender Purple Pro.
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