Aflion Iceberg vs. KTT Matcha

Overview

The Aflion Iceberg and the KTT Matcha are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct experiences for users. The Iceberg, manufactured by Aflion, represents the brand's commitment to producing high-quality switches. With a satisfying smoothness and a fulfilling feel thanks to its two-stage spring, the Iceberg is a linear switch that provides a clacky, high-pitched typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha is a tactile switch that offers a comfortable and snappy tactility while typing. Users can also enjoy a clean bottom-out sound due to its long pole stem. Both switches have their unique characteristics that make them appealing choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. 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 Matcha Tactile

$3.50

$3.07 per 10

$5.20

$4.88 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Aflion Iceberg and the KTT Matcha both utilize polycarbonate in their top housings, which leads to similar sound profiles. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, resulting in a clear and resonant sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. Therefore, both the Iceberg and the Matcha will offer a similar sound experience and visual aesthetic when it comes to their top housings.

However, when it comes to the bottom housings, the Iceberg and the Matcha take different approaches. The Iceberg utilizes nylon, a classic switch housing material that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic compared to polycarbonate, which allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Matcha's bottom housing is also made of polycarbonate, which means it will contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, similar to its top housing. This difference in bottom housing materials will affect the bottom-out sound and feel of each switch, providing unique typing experiences.

In summary, while both the Aflion Iceberg and the KTT Matcha share a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, their bottom housings differ. The Iceberg's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, while the Matcha's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a more consistent sound profile. Whether you prefer a duller and rounder sound or a consistently sharp and resonant sound, these differences in housing materials will determine your typing experience on each switch.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch, we can see that they have quite similar characteristics. Both switches have a bottom out force of 45 grams, indicating a consistent amount of force required to press the keys all the way down. However, there is a slight difference in their actuation forces. The Iceberg has a lower actuation force of 37 grams, making it lighter to trigger a keystroke compared to the Matcha, which requires 40 grams of force to actuate. This slight variation might result in a slightly different typing experience between the two switches. If a lighter switch is preferred for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, the Iceberg would be the better choice. On the other hand, those who prefer a slightly stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience might opt for the Matcha. Overall, both switches offer a relatively light actuation force and a consistent bottom out force, ensuring a satisfying typing experience.

Travel distance

Both the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches will provide a similar experience when typing as they offer the same amount of travel distance from the top to the bottom. The user will feel a consistent distance when pressing down on the keys for both switches, ensuring a similar typing experience. Therefore, there is no significant difference between the travel distance of the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Aflion Iceberg linear switch is best known for its smoothness and fulfilling feel. It provides a satisfying typing experience with its two-stage spring, resulting in a smooth and responsive response. In terms of sound, the Iceberg switch is described as clacky and high-pitched, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. This can be advantageous for those who prefer a more bright and percussive sound profile. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha tactile switch offers a comfortable and snappy tactility when typing. It is known for its distinct clean bottom-out sound, thanks to its long pole stem. In terms of sound, the Matcha switch is also described as clacky and provides a sharp and snappy sound.

When it comes to feel, the Iceberg switch is described as snappy and feathery. It offers a super responsive typing experience, likely due to its longer or dual-staged springs. This gives it a lively feel and reduces finger fatigue, making it suitable for extended typing sessions. Additionally, the Iceberg switch is also described as subtle, meaning it has a gentle resistance and a typing feel that is not too heavy. This makes it comfortable for shared spaces and provides a light typing experience.

Similarly, the KTT Matcha switch offers a snappy and feathery feel, ensuring a responsive and comfortable typing experience. It is also described as stepped, meaning it provides a tactile feel like it has two stages with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. This adds a mild tactility to the typing experience without being overwhelming. Furthermore, the Matcha switch is described as accented, providing a prominent amount of tactility that is neither too strong nor too subtle. This makes it suitable for those who prefer a medium tactile switch.

In conclusion, both the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch offer excellent qualities. They both provide satisfying smoothness and a fulfilling feel, making them enjoyable to type on. They also produce a clean bottom-out sound and have a snappy and feathery feel, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. While the Iceberg switch is described as high-pitched and the Matcha switch is described as stepped and accented, they both provide similar clacky sound profiles. Ultimately, whether you prefer a linear switch or a tactile switch, both options offer a great typing experience.

Conclusion

In closing, if you're looking for a smooth and satisfying linear switch, the Aflion Iceberg is a fantastic choice. With its light bottom out force of 45 grams, you'll experience a feathery feel that is perfect for extended typing sessions. The Iceberg also produces a clacky and high-pitched sound, adding a crisp and bright element to your typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch, the KTT Matcha is a standout option. It offers a comfortable and snappy tactility, thanks to its stepped design. Additionally, the Matcha has a clean bottom-out sound, making it an excellent choice for shared spaces. Whether you prioritize smoothness and lightness or prefer a tactile experience, both switches provide top-notch quality and performance. Ultimately, the decision between the Aflion Iceberg and the KTT Matcha depends on your personal preferences and typing style.

Mentioned in this article

Aflion Iceberg Linear

$3.50

$3.07 per 10

Learn more

KTT Matcha Tactile

$5.20

$4.88 per 10

Learn more