Aflion Iceberg vs. HMX Lotus (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Aflion Iceberg and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often comes down to personal preference and playing style. The Aflion Iceberg, a newcomer in the switch market, excels in delivering a smooth typing experience characterized by a satisfying two-stage spring that enhances its clacky and snappy feel. This combination makes it an appealing option for those who enjoy a lively and responsive feedback during their typing sessions. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) offers a medium-heavy actuation force of 62.5g, providing a delightful bounce and a bright, resonant sound that users often rave about. While both switches fall under the linear category, catering to users who prefer the absence of a tactile bump or click, they offer distinct sensations that cater to different preferences. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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
When comparing the Aflion Iceberg and the HMX Lotus (Heavy), the differences in their top housing materials are particularly noteworthy. The Iceberg features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This characteristic arises from the rigidity of polycarbonate, allowing for a more resonant output when keys are released. In contrast, the Lotus (Heavy) employs a nylon top housing, which generates a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon leads to more sound absorption, resulting in a more muted and rounded auditory experience. Thus, while the Iceberg offers clarity and brightness in its sound, the Lotus (Heavy) provides warmth and depth, catering to different user preferences in acoustics.
Interestingly, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which cultivates a deeper and fuller sound profile in both cases. This shared component contributes significantly to the overall acoustic experience, as the bottom housing is integral to the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback when the key is pressed down. The classic nylon material is adept at absorbing sound, reinforcing the warmth produced by the bottom housings of both the Iceberg and the Lotus (Heavy). As a result, although the top housings differ in material and subsequently in sound characteristics, both switches ultimately offer a similar foundational acoustic experience due to the nylon bottom housing.
In practical terms, this means that while users can expect to enjoy differing auditory nuances between the two switches due to their top housing materials, the overall typographical experience remains consistent to a degree. The Iceberg’s crisper sound profile will be encountered during key releases, enhancing the clarity, while the Lotus (Heavy) will provide the richer, fuller sound at the moment of bottoming out, thanks to their shared nylon bottom housing. Thus, potential users can select between these two switches based on personal sound preferences, while also finding familiarity in the full and resonant sounds made possible by nylon in the bottom housing.
Weight
The Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, reflecting distinct user preferences. The Iceberg features a light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for those who value prolonged typing comfort and ease of keystrokes during long sessions. In contrast, the Lotus (Heavy) switch requires a heftier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, catering to users who prefer a more substantial and tactile typing experience. Consequently, the Iceberg is the lighter option, ideal for individuals seeking to minimize fatigue, while the Lotus is the heavier alternative for those desiring a firmer push feel when typing. The differences in actuation and bottom out forces emphasize how each switch is designed to meet varying ergonomic and tactile preferences among users.
Travel distance
The Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch differ in their travel distances, with the Iceberg measuring 4 mm and the Lotus (Heavy) at 3.5 mm. This means that the Iceberg offers a longer travel distance, providing a more substantial feel when pressing a key, which some users might find more satisfying, especially those who prefer a hearty depth in their switches. In contrast, the shorter 3.5 mm travel distance of the Lotus (Heavy) aligns with modern trends favoring quicker response times, making it an appealing option for gamers who prioritize responsiveness. Therefore, the Iceberg will provide a deeper, more tactile experience, while the Lotus (Heavy) caters to those looking for a snappier feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for switch depth versus quick actuation.
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 (Heavy) has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lotus (Heavy) 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
In terms of sound, the Aflion Iceberg switches are characterized by a clacky and high-pitched profile, producing a sharp, crisp, and bright noise with each key press. This distinctive sound provides an engaging audio feedback that can enhance the typing experience, particularly for those who enjoy a more lively auditory sensation. On the other hand, the sound signature of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches is not specified, leaving it unclear how they might compare. However, if you're looking for a bright and vibrant sound, the Iceberg is the clear choice, while the Lotus's sound remains a potential unknown.
When it comes to feel, the Iceberg switches shine with their snappy responsiveness, creating an electrifying typing experience that feels alive with each keystroke. The dual-stage spring system contributes to a feathery lightness, reducing finger fatigue and allowing for comfortable extended use, whether for work or gaming. The subtle resistance also adds to their versatility in shared spaces, making them a wonderful blend of enjoyable yet unobtrusive. In contrast, there is no listed information about the feel of the Lotus (Heavy) switches, leaving their tactile experience a mystery. This absence of detail makes it challenging to directly compare their feel to that of the Iceberg switches.
In conclusion, the Aflion Iceberg linear switches stand out with their engaging clacky sound and responsive, comfortable feel due to their unique spring design. The silence regarding the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches creates a gap in the evaluation, as we lack insight into their sound and tactile characteristics. For those seeking a vibrant and enjoyable typing experience, the Iceberg presents itself as a commendable option, while the Lotus remains an enigma waiting to be explored.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch should hinge on your specific needs and preferences. If you prefer a lighter, more responsive feel, the Iceberg is an excellent option. Its 45-gram actuation force offers a snappy and feathery typing experience, making it ideal for extended typing sessions, whether you're gaming or working. The clacky, high-pitched sound profile also adds a satisfying auditory element that can enhance your typing enjoyment. On the other hand, if you favor a more robust switch that provides a noticeable weight and a bouncy sensation with each keystroke, the Lotus (Heavy) is the way to go. With a 62.5-gram bottom-out force, it delivers a delightful tactile feedback that many find satisfying. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your typing style, whether you lean towards a lighter feel for speed and efficiency or a heavier switch for a more deliberate, weighted experience.
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