Aflion Iceberg vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the Aflion Iceberg and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Iceberg and Gateron Mountain Top both offer unique features that cater to different preferences and needs. The Iceberg from Aflion, though relatively new, showcases the brand's commitment to quality with its smoothness and two-stage spring for a satisfying typing experience. Known for being clacky, high-pitched, and snappy, the Iceberg switch provides a tactile feedback that some users may prefer. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top is designed for office environments, offering a quiet yet responsive typing experience. With a focus on discretion, these switches are easy to press, mild, and subtle to cater to professional settings. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Iceberg and the Gateron Mountain Top both incorporate different housing materials for their switches, with the Iceberg featuring a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing while the Mountain Top utilizes nylon for both the top and bottom housings. The polycarbonate top housing of the Iceberg provides a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is clear and resonant, ideal for showcasing RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the Mountain Top produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Iceberg and Mountain Top opt for nylon material, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound when typing on the switches. Both switches benefit from the softer plastic of nylon, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, leading to a rounder and more muted sound profile. The choice of housing material for the bottom of these switches plays a significant role in how the switches feel and sound during typing, influencing the overall user experience.
While the top and bottom housings of the Iceberg and Mountain Top switches differ in material, the qualities each housing material brings to the switch are split between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing's characteristics impact the bottom-out sound and feel, highlighting the deeper and fuller sound profile of nylon. Conversely, the sound when letting go of a key is influenced more by the top housing, showcasing the sharp and resonant sound of polycarbonate in the Iceberg and the deeper sound of nylon in the Mountain Top. Despite the differences in housing materials, both switches aim to provide a unique typing experience with distinct sound profiles.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, both switches are relatively light in terms of force required. The Iceberg has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Mountain Top has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. Both switches offer a lighter typing experience, making them ideal for long typing sessions or gaming. However, the Mountain Top switch requires slightly more force for both actuation and bottom out compared to the Iceberg switch. This difference may provide a slightly more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a bit more resistance in their keystrokes. Ultimately, whether one prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience will determine which switch is the better choice for them.
Travel distance
The Aflion Iceberg linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Iceberg has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Mountain Top. The 4.0mm travel distance of the Iceberg is more traditional, offering a more deliberate key press experience. On the other hand, the 3.4mm travel distance of the Mountain Top provides a slightly shallower feel, which may be preferred by those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for travel distance and key press feel. Both switches offer a different tactile experience, allowing users to choose based on their individual preferences.
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 Mountain Top comes in at $6.00 per 10 switches.
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 known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, providing a sharp and snappy typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch offers a more neutral sound, suitable for most intents and purposes, with a moderate actuation force requirement. When comparing the two, the Iceberg switch may provide a more distinctive and noticeable typing sound, while the Mountain Top switch offers a quieter and more subtle typing experience, ideal for office environments or shared spaces.
In regards to feel, the Iceberg switch is described as snappy, feathery, and subtle, providing a responsive and light typing experience with a fulfilling feel due to its two-stage spring design. The Gateron Mountain Top switch, on the other hand, is noted for being bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, and subtle, offering a gentle and low-impact typing feel with a spring-like feedback sensation. When comparing the two, both switches offer a smooth and satisfying typing experience with their unique characteristics, catering to different preferences in typing feedback and actuation force.
Overall, if you prefer a keyboard switch with a sharp and distinctive sound profile, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch might be the preferred choice. On the other hand, if you value a quiet and unobtrusive typing experience, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch could be more suitable, especially for professional settings. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preferences in sound, feel, and typing environment, but both switches are designed to provide a high-quality and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Aflion Iceberg linear switch or the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, you should first think about your specific needs and preferences. If you are looking for a switch with a light bottom out force and a smooth typing experience, the Iceberg may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you require a switch designed for a professional setting that provides a quiet typing experience with a comfortable light actuation, then the Mountain Top might be more suitable. Consider the sound profile and feel characteristics mentioned earlier to help guide your decision. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences and the specific environment in which you plan to use them.
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