Aflion Iceberg vs. Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro
An in-depth look at the Aflion Iceberg and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Iceberg and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro both stand out as linear options with unique characteristics. The Iceberg by Aflion, although a newer player in the switch market, showcases top-notch quality with its smooth and fulfilling two-stage spring mechanism. Known for being clacky, high-pitched, snappy, feathery, and subtle, the Iceberg offers a satisfying typing experience for those who appreciate a precise and responsive feel. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro is celebrated for its smooth and substantial keystrokes, delivering a sharp bottom-out and tactile feedback. Described as bouncy, clacky, creamy, polished, resonant, and silky, the V3 Matcha Green Pro appeals to users seeking a crisp and gratifying typing sensation. 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
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Iceberg and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced by the switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through. Therefore, both switches offer a similar sound profile and aesthetic appeal thanks to their polycarbonate top housing.
On the other hand, the Iceberg features a nylon bottom housing, while the V3 Matcha Green Pro also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. As a result, both switches offer a different typing experience in terms of sound and feel, with the nylon bottom housing playing a significant role in the overall sound production.
In switches where the top and bottom housings are different materials, like in the Iceberg and the V3 Matcha Green Pro, the qualities of each housing material are divided between the top and bottom of the switch. This means that the bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing the key. Therefore, the choice of housing materials in a switch can greatly affect the overall typing experience and sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, it is clear that the Iceberg is lighter while the V3 Matcha Green Pro is heavier. The Iceberg requires an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the V3 Matcha Green Pro has a higher actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a bit more resistance. Both switches offer similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out, catering to different preferences in typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether the user prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Aflion Iceberg linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Iceberg has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Matcha Green Pro. The 4.0 mm travel distance on the Iceberg is more traditional, offering a deeper key press feel, which may be preferred by some users. On the other hand, the 3.8 mm travel distance on the Matcha Green Pro is slightly shorter, providing a quicker and more responsive typing experience, making it a popular choice among gamers. Both switches offer a smooth linear feel, but the slight difference in travel distance may affect the typing experience for some users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro has an MSRP of $4.66 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Matcha Green Pro for $2.20.
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 linear switch is best suited for those who enjoy a clacky and high-pitched sound profile when typing. This can provide a crisp, bright, and percussive auditory experience that may be appealing to users who prefer a sharp sound when pressing keys. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch offers a similar clacky sound profile, but with a resonant quality that provides a clean and sharp sound when typing. Both switches can deliver satisfying sound feedback, depending on personal preferences and the overall setup of the keyboard.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch offers a snappy and feathery typing experience. The dual-stage spring mechanism provides a responsive and lively feel, while the light actuation force reduces finger fatigue, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch offers a bouncy and creamy typing experience. The keys have a spring-like feedback and a smooth, buttery sensation when pressed, which can enhance the overall typing comfort and ease of use. Both switches provide a unique tactile feel that caters to different preferences in typing feedback and response.
Overall, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch offer distinct sound and feel characteristics that can appeal to a wide range of users. While the Iceberg switch leans towards a sharp and snappy sound with a responsive and light feel, the Matcha Green Pro switch provides a resonant sound profile with a bouncy and creamy typing experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches can offer satisfying results in terms of auditory feedback and typing comfort. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, as a newcomer to the world of mechanical keyboard switches, it is important to consider your preferences and typing style when choosing between the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a snappy, high-pitched sound profile, the Iceberg switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and a smooth, resonant feel with a creamy or bouncy sensation, the Matcha Green Pro switch could be more to your liking. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so consider how you use your keyboard and what kind of typing experience you value most before making your decision.
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