Aflion Iceberg vs. Cherry MX Brown

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two options stand out: the Aflion Iceberg and the Cherry MX Brown. The Iceberg switches, produced by the relatively new switch manufacturer Aflion, are known for their exceptional quality. With a smooth profile and a two-stage spring, typing on the Iceberg switches provides a satisfying and fulfilling feel. The Iceberg switches can be categorized as clacky, high-pitched, snappy, feathery, and subtle. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Browns are known for their subtlety. These switches offer a light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. The MX Browns can be categorized as textured, bassy, and low-pitched. Both switches have their merits, providing unique typing experiences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

Aflion Iceberg Linear

Cherry MX Brown Tactile

$3.50

$3.07 per 10

$4.00 per 10

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Housing materials

The Aflion Iceberg and the Cherry MX Brown have different housing materials, which greatly affect their sound profiles. The Iceberg features a polycarbonate top housing, while the MX Brown utilizes a nylon top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffness. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the MX Brown produces a deeper and fuller sound, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. While both materials affect the sound when pressing down on the key, the Iceberg's polycarbonate top housing is especially beneficial if you plan to use RGB lighting due to its translucency.

Moving on to the bottom housings, both the Iceberg and the MX Brown employ nylon. This material once again creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, but this time it has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. As nylon is softer and more sound-absorbent than harder plastics, it results in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of the sound and feel when typing.

In summary, the choice of housing materials in the Aflion Iceberg and the Cherry MX Brown greatly influences their sound profiles. The Iceberg's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, while the MX Brown's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. However, both switches share a common ground with their nylon bottom housings, which give a similar deep and full sound experience when typing. So, whether you prefer a sharper or deeper sound, or even if you prioritize RGB lighting compatibility, you can find a suitable option between these two switches.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The Iceberg has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, while the MX Brown requires 45 grams to trigger a keystroke. This means that the Iceberg switch will have a slightly lighter feel when typing, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch or need to type for extended periods. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Iceberg requires 45 grams of force, while the MX Brown requires 55 grams. This indicates that the MX Brown offers a slightly heftier feel when fully pressing down a key. Overall, those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may prefer the MX Brown due to its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces. However, if a lighter touch is desired, the Iceberg would be a suitable choice. Despite the differences, both switches offer a similar level of responsiveness, ensuring that regardless of the choice, users can expect reliable performance.

Travel distance

The Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch have equal travel distances of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will feel the switch travel a distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom. Consequently, whether you choose the Iceberg or the MX Brown switch, you can expect similar results in terms of the travel distance. Both switches provide a tactile feedback, ensuring a satisfying typing experience. It is worth noting that while the travel distances are the same, there may be other differences between the Iceberg and MX Brown switches such as actuation force or noise level.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile. Pressing down on these switches produces a sharp and crisp sound that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound. Key presses on these switches result in a deeper and richer sound with a lower frequency range. Both switches provide distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, so the choice ultimately depends on the user's personal taste and the other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch is described as snappy, feathery, and subtle. These switches are known for their super responsive nature, thanks to their two-stage spring that enhances the typing experience with a lively feel. Additionally, the light actuation force of the Iceberg switch reduces finger fatigue, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch is characterized as textured, meaning it has noticeable friction when pressed. Some users prefer this subtle texture, while others may prefer a smoother and friction-free typing experience. It's important to note that the tactile feedback of the MX Brown switch is gentle, offering a relatively light typing experience.

Considering all the available information, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities. The Iceberg switch provides a clacky and high-pitched sound profile along with a snappy, feathery, and subtle feel, making it suitable for users who enjoy a responsive and lightweight typing experience with crisp audio feedback. On the other hand, the MX Brown switch delivers a bassy and low-pitched sound accompanied by a textured feel, providing a relatively light and gentle tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on the user's individual preferences in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience. It's important to consider other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, as they can also influence the overall sound and feel.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a light and smooth typing experience with a fulfilling feel, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch is a great choice. With a bottom out force of 45 grams, it provides a feathery and snappy feel, reducing finger fatigue and making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. The Iceberg switch also produces a clacky and high-pitched sound, which can be crisp and bright. On the other hand, if you prefer a relatively light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch is a good option. With a bottom out force of 55 grams, it offers a subtle and textured feel, providing noticeable friction when pressed. The MX Brown switch also produces a bassy and low-pitched sound, which adds depth and richness to the typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Iceberg and MX Brown switches depends on your preference for feel and sound.

Mentioned in this article

Aflion Iceberg Linear

$3.50

$3.07 per 10

Learn more

Cherry MX Brown Tactile

$4.00 per 10

Learn more