Aflion Iceberg vs. HMX Lucky

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves choosing between options that offer distinct tactile experiences and performance characteristics. The Aflion Iceberg, a relatively new arrival in the market, has quickly gained a reputation for its smooth operation and delightful feedback, thanks to a unique two-stage spring that enhances its overall feel. Users appreciate its clacky and high-pitched auditory profile, making it an engaging choice for those who relish a pronounced sound while typing. On the other hand, the HMX Lucky appeals to users seeking a softer touch, with its lightweight construction and glittery nylon housings providing a neutral yet satisfying typing experience. This switch focuses on a more muted response that can be perfect for lengthy typing sessions or focused productivity without distractions. Both switches are compelling options within the realm of linear switches, but they cater to different preferences and typing styles. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you best.

By the numbers

Aflion Iceberg Linear

HMX Lucky Linear

$3.50

$3.07 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Iceberg and the HMX Lucky, we see a significant contrast in their top housings, while the bottom housings exhibit similarities. The Iceberg features a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for producing a sharper and crisper sound profile. This material's stiffness enhances resonance, contributing to a more defined auditory experience, especially in RGB lighting scenarios due to its translucence. In stark contrast, the HMX Lucky is equipped with a nylon top housing, which yields a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon's softer composition absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a more muted and rounded auditory output. This foundational difference between polycarbonate and nylon at the top housing level sets the overall character of the switches apart.

However, both switches employ nylon for their bottom housings, creating a sense of commonality amidst their differences. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both the Iceberg and Lucky means that they share a similar quality in sound dampening and feel when a key is bottomed out. The nylon's inherent softness absorbs sound, leading to a deeper and fuller auditory sensation in both switches. As such, while the icebergs will produce a sharper sound when released, the deeper notes echoed through the nylon bottom housing will help create a harmonious synthesis in resulting sound quality, allowing users to experience a balance of crispness and fullness during use.

In summary, the housing materials of the Aflion Iceberg and HMX Lucky present a fascinating study in contrasts and similarities. While the Iceberg's polycarbonate top housing offers a bright and resonant sound profile suited for vibrant RGB lighting, the Lucky's nylon top housing provides a more muted and rich auditory experience. These differences frame how each switch performs individually. However, the shared nylon bottom housing for both models indicates that they will produce similar results in bottom-out sound quality, ensuring that both switches deliver a satisfying tactile experience to users. This intersection between differing top materials and common bottom housings underlines the delicate interplay of sonic characteristics in keyboard switch design.

Weight

When comparing the Aflion Iceberg linear switch to the HMX Lucky linear switch, both have identical actuation forces of 37 grams, indicating that users will experience a similar ease of triggering a keystroke with either switch. However, the bottom out force differs slightly, with the Iceberg requiring 45 grams to bottom out compared to the Lucky's 43 grams. This makes the Lucky a bit more forgiving when fully pressed down, which could result in a more comfortable experience during extended use. Overall, while both switches are on the lighter side, the Lucky's marginally lower bottom out force may appeal more to those who prioritize a softer feel during intense typing or gaming sessions. Thus, for users who prefer lighter switches, both options present viable choices, though the Lucky ultimately offers a slightly less forceful bottom out experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch, we find that the Iceberg has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Lucky measures slightly less at 3.8 mm. This makes the Iceberg the longer option compared to the Lucky. The difference in travel distance can influence user experience: the longer 4 mm distance of the Iceberg may provide a more substantial feel for users who prefer a deeper keypress, offering a more tactile feedback. In contrast, the shorter 3.8 mm distance of the Lucky aligns with the preferences of gamers who favor faster response times, as they can engage the switch more quickly with less effort. Users seeking responsiveness will likely prefer the HMX Lucky, whereas those who appreciate a more pronounced key travel will find the Aflion Iceberg more suitable.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched characteristics. This means that when you press the keys, you get a sharp and snappy acoustic profile that is crisp and bright, lending itself well to a more pronounced auditory feedback during typing. In contrast, the sound profile of the HMX Lucky linear switch is unknown, which leaves the auditory experience open to speculation. However, it’s essential to remember that sound can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and type of keycaps used, meaning the overall noise could vary regardless of the switch alone.

Focusing on the feel of the switches, the Aflion Iceberg offers a snappy and feathery experience that elevates the typing sensation. With its two-stage spring system, users can expect a responsive and lively feel, ideal for those who appreciate quick actuation. The subtle resistance it provides also makes it a comfortable option for prolonged use, mitigating finger fatigue. On the other hand, the feel of the HMX Lucky switches remains unspecified, leaving a gap in comparison. Nevertheless, if they share attributes similar to the Iceberg's qualities, one could anticipate a neutral and satisfying typing experience.

In conclusion, while the Aflion Iceberg linear switch stands out with a distinctive high-pitched and clacky sound profile paired with a snappy, feathery feel, the HMX Lucky linear switch lacks a clear auditory and tactile description. For newcomers looking for similar results, the Iceberg offers confidence in its performance, but the Lucky's qualities remain a mystery. Thus, if you seek a specific typing and sound experience, the Iceberg may be the safer choice, while the Lucky would require further exploration to ascertain its characteristics effectively.

Conclusion

To conclude, when choosing between the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch, consider your personal preferences and typing habits. If you prefer a snappier and more responsive feel while typing, the Iceberg switch will likely be your best bet, thanks to its dual-stage spring that enhances the active typing experience. The clacky and high-pitched sound profile also adds a certain tactile joy, making each keystroke feel lively and engaging. This switch is excellent for gamers and those who appreciate a more dynamic auditory feedback from their keyboard. On the other hand, if you lean towards a softer, more neutral typing experience that's still deeply satisfying, the Lucky switch would be more suited to your needs. Its lightweight feel ensures reduced finger fatigue, making it perfect for long typing sessions, whether for work, school, or casual usage. While it may lack the pronounced sound profile of the Iceberg, the Lucky’s smooth action and quiet operation make it a solid choice for shared environments. Ultimately, your choice should be guided by what aspects of the typing experience matter most to you: vivacity and responsiveness or comfort and subtlety.

Mentioned in this article

Aflion Iceberg Linear

$3.50

$3.07 per 10

Learn more

HMX Lucky Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more