Aflion Iceberg vs. Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry

Overview

When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two notable options are the Aflion Iceberg and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry. The Iceberg, manufactured by Aflion, showcases the quality that this newer switch manufacturer produces. With its smoothness and two-stage spring, typing on the Iceberg is both satisfying and fulfilling. Its categorizations include 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Snappy', 'Feathery', and 'Subtle'. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Blueberry offers a different typing experience. Known for its sharp tactile bump, these switches provide a distinct sensation for those who enjoy a pronounced typing feel. Additionally, the Blueberry switches emit a lower-than-average sound frequency, delivering a deep, resonant noise without being overly "thocky". Categorized as 'Snappy', 'Buttery', 'Low-pitched', 'Textured', 'Resonant', 'Invigorating', and 'Stiff', they offer a range of tactile feedback options. 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

Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry Tactile

$3.50

$3.07 per 10

$6.50

$6.25 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Aflion Iceberg and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry keyboards differ in composition and resulting sound profiles. The Iceberg features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate produces a more resonant sound that is especially well-suited for RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Blueberry utilizes a POM top housing, which generates a deeper and more muted sound. While both materials offer unique sound profiles, the Iceberg's polycarbonate provides a higher-pitched and clearer sound compared to the Blueberry's POM housing.

In terms of the bottom housing, the Iceberg incorporates a nylon material, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile for the Iceberg. On the other hand, the Blueberry employs a POM bottom housing that shares a similar deep sound profile to its top housing. Additionally, the POM material contributes to a relatively muted sound, offering a different sound experience from the Iceberg's nylon bottom housing.

It is worth noting that the impacts of the top and bottom housing materials differ when using these switches. While pressing down on the switch will primarily bring out the qualities of the bottom housing, such as the bottom-out sound and feel, the sound when releasing a key will be more influenced by the top housing. Therefore, while the Iceberg's polycarbonate and the Blueberry's POM top and bottom housing materials may have their differences, both keyboards ultimately provide unique and pleasing sound experiences.

Weight

When comparing the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Iceberg switch has a relatively light actuation force of 37 grams, making it easier to trigger a keystroke with minimal effort. In contrast, the Blueberry switch requires a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience that may appeal to those who prefer a stronger push feel. Moving on to the bottom out force, the Iceberg switch requires 45 grams of force to fully press down, while the Blueberry switch demands a more significant 80 grams of force. This indicates that the Blueberry switch has a more pronounced tactile feedback and might be suitable for individuals who desire a highly tactile typing experience.

The difference in actuation and bottom out forces suggests that the Iceberg switch is lighter overall, which can be beneficial for extended typing sessions or gaming. Its lower actuation force allows for more effortless keystrokes, making it ideal for tasks that require prolonged typing. On the other hand, the Blueberry switch's heavier actuation and bottom out forces provide a more substantial and tactile typing experience. This would be favored by those who appreciate the feeling of a sturdier key press. While the Iceberg switch provides a lighter and smoother typing experience, the Blueberry switch offers a more pronounced tactile feedback. Therefore, the choice between these two switches ultimately depends on personal preferences and the typing experience one seeks.

Travel distance

The Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience a consistent 4 mm travel distance. Whether you choose the Iceberg or the Blueberry, you can expect similar results in terms of the distance you feel when typing.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound. When pressed, these switches produce a sharp and crisp sound that can be described as bright and percussive. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch has a low-pitched and resonant sound profile. Typing on these switches will result in a mellow and bass-heavy tone, providing an immersive auditory experience. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

Moving on to the feel of the switches, both the Iceberg and Blueberry switches are described as snappy. This means that they are super responsive, providing a lively typing experience. The Iceberg switch has additional descriptors of feathery and subtle. Feathery implies that the switch is exceptionally light to press, reducing finger fatigue and making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. Subtle means that the switch has a gentle resistance and a sound signature that is not resonant, which is suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, the Blueberry switch has descriptors of buttery, textured, invigorating, and stiff. Butteriness refers to a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, while textured indicates noticeable friction when pressed. The invigorating quality offers pronounced feedback and a snappy feel, creating an immersive typing sensation. Lastly, stiffness implies that the Blueberry switch requires more force to actuate and bottom-out, requiring the user to apply more pressure when typing.

Overall, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch offers a satisfying smoothness and fulfilling feel with its two-stage spring design. It has a clacky and high-pitched sound, providing a sharp and crisp auditory experience. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch features a sharp tactile bump, perfect for those who prefer a sharp typing feel. It has a low-pitched and resonant sound profile, resulting in a mellow and immersive auditory experience. Both switches offer a snappy feel, with the Iceberg also being feathery and subtle, and the Blueberry being buttery, textured, invigorating, and stiff. Depending on personal preferences and typing requirements, both switches provide unique qualities that cater to different user needs.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a light and smooth switch with a satisfying feel, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch would be a great choice. These switches have a bottom out force of 45 grams, making them light and comfortable for extended typing sessions. With their two-stage spring, the Iceberg switches provide a snappy and responsive feel. Additionally, they produce a clacky and high-pitched sound, which can be crisp and bright.

On the other hand, if you prefer a sharp and tactile typing experience, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch would be a better option. With a bottom out force of 80 grams, these switches offer a heavier actuation and require more force when pressing the keys. They have a very sharp tactile bump, providing pronounced feedback and an invigorating typing sensation. The Blueberry switches produce a lower-pitched and resonant sound, which can be clean and sharp.

In terms of feel, both switches offer a snappy and responsive typing experience. However, the Iceberg switch is described as feathery and subtle, providing a light typing feel and reducing finger fatigue. On the other hand, the Blueberry switch is described as buttery and textured, offering a smooth keystroke experience with noticeable friction when pressed.

Ultimately, your choice between the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch will depend on your preferences for switch weight, typing feel, and sound profile. Consider whether you prefer a lighter switch with a smooth feel and high-pitched sound (Iceberg) or a heavier switch with a tactile feel and lower-pitched sound (Blueberry). By understanding your preferences and needs, you can make an informed decision and find the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for your typing style. In the end, it's all about finding the switch that enhances your overall typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Aflion Iceberg Linear

$3.50

$3.07 per 10

Learn more

Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry Tactile

$6.50

$6.25 per 10

Learn more