Aflion Iceberg vs. Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the Aflion Iceberg and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Aflion Iceberg and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) are two popular mechanical keyboard switches that offer different features and experiences for keyboard enthusiasts. The Iceberg, manufactured by Aflion, showcases the company's commitment to producing high-quality switches. Known for its smoothness and satisfying feel, thanks to its two-stage spring, the Iceberg falls under the categories of 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Snappy', 'Feathery', and 'Subtle'. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro is a budget-friendly switch that doesn't sacrifice performance. Renowned for its smoothness and satisfyingly thick resistance, this switch excels in both gaming and typing, making it a versatile option. With a low, "thocky" sound and categorized as 'Bassy', 'Buttery', 'Low-pitched', 'Textured', and 'Thocky', the Milky Yellow Pro is a go-to choice for budget-conscious enthusiasts. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so that you can best decide on the ideal switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Aflion Iceberg and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) differ in their housing materials. The Iceberg features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a clearer and more resonant sound. On the other hand, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) utilizes a nylon top housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. So, while the Iceberg's polycarbonate top housing emphasizes clarity and resonance, the Milky Yellow Pro's nylon top housing enhances depth and fullness in its sound profile.
Both the Iceberg and the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) share a nylon bottom housing. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile in both switches. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, in terms of their bottom-out sound and feel, both switches offer a similar experience due to the common nylon material used in their bottom housings. However, since the top housing has more impact on the sound when releasing a key, there may be some differences in sound between the two switches.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the Aflion Iceberg and Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) influences the sound profiles they produce. The Iceberg's polycarbonate top housing prioritizes clarity, resonance, and a higher-pitched sound, while the Milky Yellow Pro's nylon top housing emphasizes depth, fullness, and a slightly duller sound. However, both switches feature nylon bottom housings, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Therefore, if you prefer a sharper, crisper sound profile, the Iceberg with its polycarbonate top housing would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper, fuller sound profile, the Milky Yellow Pro with its nylon top housing would be a better fit.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch, it is evident that there are significant differences. The Iceberg has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, while the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) requires a slightly heavier force of 50 grams to trigger a keystroke. This means that users who prefer a lighter touch and a more effortless typing experience may find the Iceberg switch more suitable. On the other hand, those who enjoy a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience may gravitate towards the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switch with its slightly heavier actuation force.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Iceberg switch requires 45 grams of force to fully press the key down, whereas the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switch demands a higher force of 62 grams. This indicates that for users who tend to press the keys firmly, resulting in a more pronounced bottoming out sensation, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switch may offer a more satisfying typing experience.
It is worth mentioning that even though the Iceberg switch has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force in comparison to the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3), users who prefer a heavier touch can attain similar results by using heavier keycaps on the Iceberg switch. This customization option allows for personalization of the typing experience without compromising on the overall feel of the switch.
In summary, the Iceberg linear switch offers a lighter actuation force and bottom out force, making it ideal for users seeking a smoother and more effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch provides a slightly heavier touch, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing sensation.
Travel distance
Both the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key, both switches will travel 4 mm from the top to the bottom. Consequently, you can expect similar results in terms of the distance and feel when using either of these switches.
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 Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) has an MSRP of $2.33 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) for $2.30.
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 comparing the sound qualities of the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch, they exhibit different characteristics. The Iceberg switch has a clacky and high-pitched sound, which is crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Milky Yellow Pro switch is described as bassy and low-pitched, with a thocky sound that is deep, rich, and satisfying. It is important to note that the actual sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. While the Iceberg and Milky Yellow Pro switches may have different sound profiles, both can provide a pleasing auditory experience depending on personal preference.
In terms of feel, the Iceberg switch offers a snappy and feathery typing experience. With its dual-stage spring, it provides a satisfyingly responsive feel, making the typing experience feel more alive. Additionally, it has a subtle resistance, maintaining a light typing feel, and is suitable for shared spaces due to its non-resonant sound signature. On the other hand, the Milky Yellow Pro switch is described as buttery and textured. It offers a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. However, it should be noted that some users may prefer a slight texture or noticeable friction when pressing the switch, while others may prefer a smoother and friction-free experience.
In conclusion, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch have distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Iceberg switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound, while the Milky Yellow Pro switch has a bassy, low-pitched, and thocky sound. In terms of feel, the Iceberg switch offers a snappy and feathery typing experience, while the Milky Yellow Pro switch provides a buttery and textured sensation. Overall, both switches offer unique characteristics that can cater to different preferences. It is advisable for newcomers to try out each switch and make a decision based on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a light switch with a satisfying smoothness and a fulfilling feel, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch is a great choice. Its light bottom out force of 45 grams makes it comfortable for extended typing sessions, reducing finger fatigue. The Iceberg switch also produces a clacky and high-pitched sound, which can be crisp and bright. Its subtle feel, with gentle resistance and a non-resonant sound signature, makes it suitable for shared spaces.
On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and a switch that excels in both gaming and typing, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 62 grams, this switch provides satisfyingly thick resistance. It has a buttery and smooth keystroke experience, ensuring a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switch also offers a low-pitched, bassy, and thocky sound, which can be deep, rich, and satisfying.
Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Iceberg and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize a light switch with a smooth feel and a non-resonant sound, the Iceberg switch is a great option. However, if you want a medium switch that excels in both gaming and typing with a buttery and textured feel, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switch is the perfect choice. Consider your desired typing experience and sound profile to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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