Aflion Iceberg vs. Durock Medium Tactile

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Iceberg and the Durock Medium Tactile offer distinct experiences for their users. The Iceberg, a linear switch, hails from the relatively new switch manufacturer, Aflion. Known for their high-quality switches, the Iceberg showcases a satisfying smoothness in its typing experience. Its two-stage spring also provides a fulfilling feel. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile from Durock is a favorite among enthusiasts for its unique flavor of tactility. With a pronounced yet balanced tactile feedback, this switch delivers a typing experience that is accompanied by a jelly-like sound signature. Both switches offer different characteristics in terms of sound and feel, providing users with options based on their preference. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your typing needs.

By the numbers

Aflion Iceberg Linear

Durock Medium Tactile Tactile

$3.50

$3.07 per 10

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Aflion Iceberg and the Durock Medium Tactile share similar housing materials, specifically in their polycarbonate top housings. Both switches utilize polycarbonate to create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which allows for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, both switches' top housings are translucent, making them ideal for use with RGB lighting. Therefore, if you are looking for a switch with these characteristics, either the Iceberg or the Medium Tactile would offer similar results.

However, when it comes to their bottom housings, the Iceberg and the Medium Tactile differ as they both use nylon material. While nylon is a classic switch housing material for both switches, they have distinct sound profiles. Typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, individuals who prioritize a deeper and fuller sound experience may find the Iceberg more suitable, whereas those who prefer a crisper sound may lean towards the Medium Tactile.

It is important to note that the different housing materials in the top and bottom housings of a switch can significantly influence the overall sound and feel. Pressing down on either the Iceberg or the Medium Tactile will primarily showcase the qualities of their respective bottom housings, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the sound when releasing a key will be primarily influenced by the characteristics of the top housing. Therefore, users can expect subtle variations in sound and feel between the Iceberg and the Medium Tactile due to the split qualities of their housing materials.

Weight

When comparing the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Iceberg has a relatively light actuation force of 37 grams, making it easy to trigger keystrokes with minimal effort. In contrast, the actuation force of the Medium Tactile switch is unknown, so it is difficult to directly compare. However, the bottom out force of the Iceberg is 45 grams, indicating that it requires slightly more pressure to fully depress the key. On the other hand, the bottom out force of the Medium Tactile switch is heavier at 65 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience.

Considering weight preferences, those who appreciate a lighter typing experience may opt for the Iceberg. With its lower actuation and bottom out forces, it allows for prolonged typing sessions without causing fatigue. This feature makes it suitable for work environments or extended gaming sessions. Conversely, individuals who prefer a stronger push feel and greater tactile feedback may lean towards the Medium Tactile switch. Its higher bottom out force provides a more substantial typing sensation, contributing to a satisfying typing experience.

Overall, the Iceberg linear switch can be considered lighter compared to the Medium Tactile tactile switch, although their actuation forces cannot be directly compared. Each switch offers unique advantages, and the choice between them ultimately depends on the user's personal preferences and desired typing experience.

Travel distance

The Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same amount of travel distance. Therefore, you can expect similar results in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. It is worth noting that having a travel distance of 4 mm is considered to be a standard measurement for many mechanical switches. Therefore, both the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch offer a typical keypress experience with equal travel distances.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Aflion Iceberg linear switch is known for its satisfying smoothness, providing a crisp, bright, and percussive sound when pressed. The two-stage spring adds to the fulfilling feel of the switch, making the typing experience feel more alive. Additionally, the Iceberg switch is described as snappy, which means it is super responsive. It also has a feathery feel, meaning it is exceptionally light to press and reduces finger fatigue. Overall, the Iceberg switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound with a snappy and feathery feel.

On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch is loved for its pronounced yet balanced tactility. The switch provides a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle, giving it an accented feel. It also has a stepped feature, meaning it feels like it has two stages, with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. The Medium Tactile switch is described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. Additionally, it has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. However, the sound signature of the Medium Tactile switch is not mentioned, so it is unknown.

In summary, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch offer different subjective qualities. The Iceberg switch has a clacky and high-pitched sound with a snappy and feathery feel. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile switch has an unknown sound signature but provides a pronounced yet balanced tactility, an accented feel, and a mild and polished typing experience. While they may not have the same qualities, both switches aim to provide a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you're looking for a relatively new switch manufacturer with high-quality switches, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch would be a great choice. It offers a satisfying smoothness and a fulfilling feel, thanks to its two-stage spring. The Iceberg has a light bottom out force of 45 grams, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions without causing finger fatigue. It also produces a clacky and high-pitched sound when pressed, which can give a crisp and bright typing experience.

On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a pronounced yet balanced tactility, the Durock Medium Tactile switch would be your go-to option. It has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel. The Medium Tactile switch is accentuated, stepping beyond subtle tactility without being overwhelming or scratchy. It offers a mild and polished typing experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. While we don't have specific information about its sound signature, Durock's switches are known for their jelly-like sound.

Ultimately, when deciding between the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile switch, consider your preference for linear or tactile switches, the bottom out force you're comfortable with, and the sound and feel qualities that suit your typing style. Both switches have their unique features and characteristics, so choose the one that aligns best with your personal preferences.

Mentioned in this article

Aflion Iceberg Linear

$3.50

$3.07 per 10

Learn more

Durock Medium Tactile Tactile

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

Learn more