Aflion Iceberg vs. Cherry MX Purple RGB

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly influence your typing experience. The Aflion Iceberg, a linear switch, delivers a smooth and satisfying feel, thanks to its two-stage spring, making it a great choice for those who prefer a quiet and uninterrupted keystroke. Its unique characteristics, described as "clacky" and "feathery," cater to users who enjoy a fluid typing experience without any tactile feedback. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch offers a tactile experience that's characterized by a distinct bump, allowing for greater typing precision and a tactile confirmation with each keystroke. Developed in collaboration with keyboard enthusiast Glarses, this switch appeals to those who appreciate a more responsive feel while typing or gaming. Both switches offer compelling advantages depending on your preferences—whether you lean towards the smoothness of the Iceberg or the tactile feedback of the MX Purple. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Aflion Iceberg Linear

Cherry MX Purple RGB Tactile

$3.50

$3.07 per 10

$6.19

$5.79 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials used in the Aflion Iceberg and Cherry MX Purple RGB switches present a compelling contrast in auditory and tactile experiences due to the differing characteristics of their top housings. The Iceberg features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its sturdiness and translucence, effectively allowing RGB lighting to shine through while creating a sharper and more resonant sound profile when a key is pressed. This type of housing enhances the overall clarity of the switch’s auditory feedback, producing a high-pitched and crisp sound that can be particularly appealing for typists and gamers who favor a snappier key response. In contrast, the MX Purple RGB utilizes a nylon top housing, which contributes to a more muted and rounder sound profile due to its softer nature. As nylon absorbs more sound, the auditory feedback becomes deeper and fuller, enriching the typing experience but yielding a different aesthetic appeal due to its opacity compared to the polycarbonate counterpart.

Both the Aflion Iceberg and Cherry MX Purple RGB share similarities in their bottom housing materials, as both employ nylon. Given that nylon is a classic switch housing material, both switches exhibit a similar auditory characteristic when it comes to the bottom-out sound. As the nylon bottom housing absorbs sound rather than amplifies it, users will experience a deeper and fuller auditory feedback across both switches while bottoming out the keys. Consequently, the relatively softer plastic of nylon contributes to a cohesive, rounded sound in both switches, emphasizing the importance of bottom housing in the overall feel and sound experience when typing or gaming.

Ultimately, the differences in the top housing materials lead to distinct sound profiles for the Aflion Iceberg and Cherry MX Purple RGB, while their shared nylon bottom housing ensures a similarly rich bottom-out sound. When typing on the Iceberg, users will notice the crispness and clarity designed into its polycarbonate top, which heightens the auditory experience when releasing keys. On the other hand, the MX Purple RGB delivers a more subdued yet profound auditory experience due to its nylon top. Thus, the interplay of different materials in the top housing versus a shared bottom housing provides a diversified experience across these switches, catering to various user preferences in sound and feel.

Weight

When comparing the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch, there are notable differences in actuation force. The Iceberg features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, allowing for easier and potentially more comfortable typing over extended periods, making it a great option for long gaming sessions or daily office use. In contrast, the MX Purple RGB has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, catering to those who favor a more substantial typing feel. While the Iceberg's bottom out force is 45 grams, providing a consistent pressure when fully pressed, the bottom out force for the MX Purple RGB is unknown. This means that while the Iceberg offers a defined bottom out experience matching its actuation force, the Cherry MX's performance could differ without knowing how it behaves at full travel. Consequently, the Iceberg is the lighter choice overall, making it better suited for prolonged typing, while the MX Purple RGB's heavier actuation may appeal to users preferring a stronger tactile feedback.

Travel distance

The Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, indicating that they offer the same key travel from the top to the bottom when pressed. This similarity means that users can expect comparable tactile feedback and typing experience, as the distance traveled by each switch is identical. Consequently, whether using the Iceberg or the MX Purple RGB, typists and gamers alike can anticipate a uniform feel during their keystrokes, without any noticeable difference in key depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch delivers a distinctive auditory experience, characterized by its clacky and high-pitched qualities. When pressed, it produces a sharp, crisp sound that's both bright and percussive, making each keystroke feel engaging. This sound profile is ideal for users who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch does not have a detailed sound description provided, which leaves its auditory characteristics somewhat unknown. However, it’s essential to keep in mind that the overall sound experience can vary significantly depending on the keyboard’s construction and the chosen keycaps.

In terms of feel, the Iceberg switch excels with its snappy, feathery, and subtle attributes. The dual-staged spring mechanism contributes to a responsive typing experience that can make typing feel lively and engaging. Its feathery action adds to the comfort, reducing finger fatigue during prolonged use, which is particularly beneficial for those engaged in gaming or extended typing sessions. The subtle resistance further enables a light touch while maintaining a satisfying tactile response. Conversely, there is no detailed description regarding the feel of the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch provided, leaving its tactile experience unknown.

Overall, both switches present unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Aflion Iceberg stands out with its impressive sound and tactile feel, ideal for users who seek responsiveness and an engaging auditory experience. While the Cherry MX Purple RGB might not offer the same level of detail in its sound and feel characteristics, it’s likely to appeal to users who prefer a more traditional tactile experience. Given the varied responses to typing feel and sound for each switch, choosing between them ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style.

Conclusion

To wrap up, when choosing between the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch, consider your specific typing or gaming preferences and your environment. The Iceberg switch, with its light actuation force of 45 grams and its snappy, clacky sound profile, is ideal for those who prefer a smooth and responsive typing experience. If you find yourself typing for long stretches or gaming intensively, the feathery feel of the Iceberg switch might reduce finger fatigue and keep your hands comfortable. Additionally, its high-pitched sound can add a lively auditory dimension to your experience, making it great for a personal setup or in shared spaces where you want a bit of character. On the other hand, if you are looking for a refined tactile sensation, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch offers a medium-strength bump that many enthusiasts find satisfying. Its tactile feedback is perfect for typists who appreciate a little resistance during their keystrokes, providing more engagement during your typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, consider how tactile feedback and sound impact your preferences, and choose the switch that best matches your keyboard experience goals.

Mentioned in this article

Aflion Iceberg Linear

$3.50

$3.07 per 10

Learn more

Cherry MX Purple RGB Tactile

$6.19

$5.79 per 10

Learn more