Aflion Iceberg vs. Gateron Mars
An in-depth look at the Aflion Iceberg and the Gateron Mars switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Aflion Iceberg and Gateron Mars are two compelling options for linear switch enthusiasts, each offering unique characteristics to enhance your typing experience. The Aflion Iceberg, a product of the relatively new Aflion brand, stands out for its exceptional smoothness and satisfying feel, thanks to a two-stage spring mechanism that provides a refined tactile experience. Its profile is characterized by a clacky, high-pitched, snappy, feathery, and subtle sound, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a bit of auditory feedback along with smooth keypresses. On the other hand, the Gateron Mars switches are innovative with their combination of a POK stem and a housing made from a blend of Nylon and POM, which contributes to a stable and consistent feel. While both switches cater to linear switch preferences, the choice ultimately hinges on the tactile feedback and sound profile you desire from your 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Iceberg and Gateron Mars switches exhibit contrasting sound profiles resulting from their differing housing materials. The Iceberg’s top housing is made of polycarbonate, a material that emphasizes a sharper and higher-pitched sound due to its stiffness. This characteristic allows for clear auditory feedback when typing, as the rigid structure enhances resonance, making the switch particularly desirable for those who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke sound. On the contrary, the Mars features a nylon top housing, known for producing a deeper, fuller sound profile. Nylon’s softer properties absorb more sound, leading to a duller and rounder auditory experience. This fundamental difference in material contributes significantly to the overall typing feel and sound feedback of each switch, catering to a variety of user preferences.
Examining the bottom housings reveals additional contrasts between the two switches. The Iceberg's nylon bottom housing mirrors the material's classical characteristics, delivering a sound profile that is also deeper and more muted, thereby complementing the sharper quality of the polycarbonate top. The Gateron Mars, however, utilizes POM for its bottom housing, which also results in a muted sound but with an inherently unique tonal quality. While both the Iceberg and Mars aim for a deeper sound signature at the bottom, the differing materials contribute distinctively to this effect: nylon’s absorptive properties versus POM’s unique auditory character. Consequently, these variations lead to a different overall typing experience, evidencing how the combination of housing materials uniquely influences the acoustic and tactile feedback of each switch.
Ultimately, the interplay between top and bottom housing materials in the Aflion Iceberg and Gateron Mars highlights the complexity of keyboard switch design. Although both switches aim to create enjoyable sound profiles, the differences in materials lead to distinctive typing experiences. For instance, while the Iceberg produces a crisper sound when keys are released, the Gateron Mars provides a more muted yet pleasant tone upon key release due to the plush nature of its top housing. If users gravitate toward a sharper sound, the Iceberg would likely be their preference; conversely, those who prefer a warmer, rounded sound may find the Mars more appealing. Despite the comparable goals of these switches in delivering satisfying auditory feedback, their differing materials distinctly shape the experience for each typist.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, there's a notable distinction in their actuation forces. The Iceberg requires a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions and gaming as it minimizes finger fatigue. In contrast, the Gateron Mars switch has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, which could provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. However, while the Mars switch's actuation force is known, its bottom out force remains unavailable, leaving a gap in fully understanding its typing dynamics. The Iceberg's bottom out force is set at 45 grams, indicating that it provides a consistent resistance throughout the keypress, adding to its appeal for those who favor lighter switches. Overall, the Iceberg is lighter and may suit users looking for comfort during extended use, whereas the Mars offers a heavier experience that might cater to users seeking more tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, the travel distances highlight a notable difference between the two. The Iceberg features a travel distance of 4 mm, which falls into the more traditional range and offers a more pronounced keypress feel. In contrast, the Mars has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, catering to gamers and users who favor a quicker response time. This shorter distance may be perceived as more abrupt, potentially leading to a "snappier" typing experience. Ultimately, if you're looking for a deeper and more substantial keypress, the Iceberg would be the preferable choice, while the Mars serves those who prioritize speed and responsiveness. Thus, while both switches have their unique advantages, the Iceberg has the longer travel distance, and the Mars is the shorter option.
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 Gateron Mars has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mars for $5.50.
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
When it comes to sound, the Aflion Iceberg switch distinctly stands out with a clacky and high-pitched profile. This switch produces a sharp and snappy sound that is characterized as crisp, bright, and percussive, making it quite appealing for those who enjoy an audible typing experience. The high-pitched nature further ensures that it's suitable for users who prefer a lighter, less bassy sound, which can enhance the overall typing satisfaction. In contrast, details about the sound profile of the Gateron Mars switch are currently unknown; therefore, it is difficult to make a direct comparison in this area. However, it is worth noting that the sound a switch produces can also be influenced by numerous factors, such as the keyboard’s construction and the type of keycaps used.
In terms of feel, both switches offer noteworthy qualities, but the Iceberg exhibits a pronounced character. Its snappy responsiveness is a highlight, attributed to its dual-stage spring, which contributes to a lively typing experience. Moreover, the Iceberg’s feathery lightness reduces finger fatigue, making it ideal for prolonged use, whether for gaming or writing. The subtle resistance it offers also ensures that typists can indulge in an enjoyable tactile experience without overwhelming strain. Currently, there is no information available regarding the feel of the Gateron Mars switch, making direct comparisons challenging in this domain as well.
Overall, while the Aflion Iceberg switch presents a well-rounded profile in both sound and feel, the lack of information on the Gateron Mars switch makes it difficult to draw equivalent comparisons. The Iceberg’s clacky sound and responsive, light feel are standout characteristics for users seeking an engaging typing experience. Until more details about the Mars switch emerge, users might lean toward the Iceberg for its satisfying tactile qualities and audio feedback. Nonetheless, as the sound and feel of keyboard switches can be quite subjective and influenced by various factors, both users may ultimately find they enjoy aspects of each switch in their own right.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, your preferences and typing habits will play a crucial role in your choice. If you value a light bottom-out force for a swift and responsive typing experience, the Iceberg’s 45-gram force and its snappy, feathery feel make it an excellent choice. It’s particularly well-suited for long typing sessions or gaming marathons, where comfort and reduced finger fatigue are paramount. Additionally, if you appreciate a lively sound profile and a smooth action, the Iceberg’s clacky, high-pitched sound will resonate well with you. On the other hand, if you’re drawn to innovative designs and prefer a switch that may offer a unique tactile experience, consider the Gateron Mars. While specific details about its force and sound are currently unavailable, its blend of nylon and POM material suggests a durable and potentially distinct typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your typing style, the environments you’ll be using your keyboard in, and the types of feedback you value most in a switch.
Mentioned in this article
