Aflion Iceberg vs. KTT Mallo

Overview

When comparing the Aflion Iceberg and the KTT Mallo mechanical keyboard switches, one can immediately notice their distinct characteristics. The Iceberg, a linear switch from Aflion, is known for its smoothness and satisfying feel due to its two-stage spring. It falls under categories such as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Snappy', 'Feathery', and 'Subtle'. On the other hand, the Mallo switch from KTT is a tactile switch that offers a gentle tactility and a medium-light typing feel. It is categorized as 'Feathery', 'Mild', 'Neutral', 'Stepped', 'Subdued', and 'Subtle'. While the Iceberg provides a more pronounced typing experience, the Mallo offers a subtle and balanced feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and typing style. 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

KTT Mallo Tactile

$3.50

$3.07 per 10

$5.50

$4.40 per 10

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Housing materials

The Aflion Iceberg and the KTT Mallo both feature a polycarbonate top housing which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially useful for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. Both switches are likely to produce similar sound profiles and aesthetics due to the shared material of their top housing.

However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Iceberg utilizes a nylon material while the Mallo also features a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing. Both switches benefit from the qualities of the nylon bottom housing, providing a unique typing experience with a focus on sound depth and fullness.

In terms of functionality, the housing materials play a significant role in the overall sound profile and typing experience of the switches. The qualities brought by the top and bottom housing materials will be split between the two parts of the switch, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has more impact on the sound when releasing a key. This balance of materials ensures that both the Aflion Iceberg and the KTT Mallo offer a well-rounded typing experience that combines the sharper, crisper sound of the polycarbonate top housing with the deeper, fuller sound of the nylon bottom housing.

Weight

The Aflion Iceberg linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the KTT Mallo tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Iceberg also has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Mallo has a heavier bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that the Iceberg would provide a lighter typing experience overall, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Mallo would offer a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force, which some users may prefer for a more tactile feel while typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch, it can be observed that both switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that users will experience a consistent key press feel with either switch, as they both provide equal distance for activation. In terms of travel distance, there is no significant difference between the two switches, making them equally suitable for those who prefer a key press with a 4 mm travel distance. Overall, both the Aflion Iceberg and the KTT Mallo switches offer a similar typing experience due to their identical travel distances.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched qualities, producing a sharp and percussive sound when pressed. On the other hand, the KTT Mallo tactile switch is described as having a neutral and subdued sound profile, offering a more subtle and dampened sound compared to most switches. While the Iceberg switch may provide a more pronounced and sharp sound, the Mallo switch offers a gentler and more understated typing experience suitable for various environments.

When it comes to feel, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch is characterized by its snappy and feathery qualities, offering a responsive and light typing experience with a satisfying smoothness due to its two-stage spring design. Conversely, the KTT Mallo tactile switch is known for its feathery and mild characteristics, providing a light actuation force that reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the Mallo switch features a stepped tactile feel, offering a more subtle and approachable typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced tactile feedback.

In conclusion, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Iceberg switch provides a sharper and more responsive typing experience with a clacky sound profile, the Mallo switch offers a gentler and more balanced feel with a neutral and subdued sound signature. Both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles, so choosing between them would depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. Ultimately, whether you prefer a more pronounced and snappy typing feel or a gentler and more subtle tactile feedback, both the Iceberg and Mallo switches provide high-quality options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.

Conclusion

Therefore, when considering whether to choose the Aflion Iceberg linear switch or the KTT Mallo tactile switch, you should take into account a few key factors. If you prefer a light bottom out force and a snappy, high-pitched sound profile, the Iceberg may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more gentle tactile feedback with a medium-light bottom out force and a neutral, subdued sound profile, the Mallo may be the better option. Additionally, if you enjoy a feathery typing feel with subtle resistance, both switches offer this quality, providing a comfortable typing experience for extended sessions. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and bottom out force, as both the Iceberg and Mallo switches offer unique qualities to enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

Aflion Iceberg Linear

$3.50

$3.07 per 10

Learn more

KTT Mallo Tactile

$5.50

$4.40 per 10

Learn more