Aflion Iceberg vs. HMX Lotus
An in-depth look at the Aflion Iceberg and the HMX Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two standout options are the Aflion Iceberg and the HMX Lotus, both of which are linear switches. The Iceberg switch, produced by the relatively new switch manufacturer Aflion, is praised for its smoothness and satisfying feel thanks to its two-stage spring design. With qualities like being clacky, high-pitched, snappy, feathery, and subtle, the Iceberg switch offers a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus switch is known for its medium weight of 50g bottom out and bright, resonant sound, providing a bouncy feeling with every keystroke. Although both switches offer distinct advantages, it's important to delve deeper into their specific characteristics to determine the best choice for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
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
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Iceberg and the HMX Lotus both play a crucial role in determining the sound profile of the switches. The Iceberg utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which results in a sharper and crisper sound due to the stiffness of the material. In contrast, the Lotus features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound than harder plastics. While both materials have their own unique characteristics, they both contribute to enhancing the overall sound experience of the switches.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Iceberg and the Lotus rely on nylon for this component. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. Despite using the same material for the bottom housing, the switches may still offer slightly different sound profiles due to other factors such as the design and construction of the switches.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for switches such as the Aflion Iceberg and the HMX Lotus plays a significant role in shaping the sound profile and feel of the switches. While the Iceberg utilizes polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing, the Lotus employs nylon for both components. Despite these differences, both switches aim to provide a unique typing experience with their respective sound profiles. Whether it be a sharper and crisper sound from polycarbonate or a deeper and fuller sound from nylon, the choice of housing material ultimately contributes to the overall typing experience for users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch, it is evident that both switches are relatively light in terms of force required. The Iceberg has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Lotus' 45 grams. Similarly, the Iceberg has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams, whereas the Lotus has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 50 grams. Both switches provide a smooth typing experience with a light touch, making them ideal for those who prefer a lighter actuation force for extended typing or gaming sessions. In this case, choosing either the Iceberg or the Lotus will result in similar typing experiences due to their comparable actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of weight and feel.
Travel distance
The Aflion Iceberg linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Iceberg has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Lotus. The Iceberg with its 4 mm travel distance offers a more traditional feel, providing a deeper press when typing. On the other hand, the Lotus with its 3.5 mm travel distance is slightly shorter, making it ideal for those who prefer faster response times, such as gamers. Both switches offer similar functionality but cater to different preferences in terms of keypress depth and responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on whether you prefer a longer, more deliberate keypress or a quicker, more responsive one.
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 HMX Lotus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lotus for $2.99.
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
The Aflion Iceberg linear switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profiles, creating a sharp and crisp typing experience. This sound quality can be pleasing for those who prefer a more vibrant and percussive typing sound. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus linear switch's sound profile is unknown, so it is difficult to directly compare the two switches in this aspect.
When it comes to feel, the Iceberg switch offers a snappy and feathery typing experience, thanks to its two-stage spring mechanism. This responsiveness and light actuation force can enhance typing speed and accuracy, making it suitable for various typing tasks. In contrast, the typing feel of the Lotus switch is not provided, so it is unclear how it compares to the Iceberg in terms of tactile feedback and keypress response.
Overall, both the Aflion Iceberg and HMX Lotus linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. While the Iceberg switch provides a clacky and high-pitched sound with a snappy and feathery typing feel, the specific sound and feel characteristics of the Lotus switch remain undisclosed. Therefore, choosing between the two switches would depend on whether you prioritize the known qualities of the Iceberg or are willing to explore the potential benefits of the Lotus switch. Ultimately, both switches are likely to deliver a satisfying typing experience, but the exact nuances may vary based on individual preferences and setup configurations.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a smooth typing experience with a two-stage spring, the Iceberg is the way to go. The Iceberg switch offers a snappy and feathery feel, making it ideal for those who seek a responsive and comfortable typing experience. On the other hand, if you enjoy a slightly heavier bottom out force and a bouncy keystroke with a bright sound, the Lotus switch is the better option. The Lotus provides a super bouncy feel and a bright, resonant sound that adds a delightful touch to each keystroke. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your preference for typing feel, sound profile, and bottom out force. Choose wisely based on your personal typing preferences and enjoy a satisfying typing experience with either the Iceberg or Lotus linear switch.
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