Aflion Iceberg vs. Kailh NovelKeys Cream

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two options that stand out are the Aflion Iceberg and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream. The Iceberg, produced by relatively new switch manufacturer Aflion, is known for its exceptional smoothness and satisfying feel, thanks to its two-stage spring. Categorized as 'clacky', 'high-pitched', 'snappy', 'feathery', and 'subtle', the Iceberg promises a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream switches offer a heftier linear typing experience. With a fairly deep sound profile that is not overly pronounced, these switches categorized as 'buttery', 'low-pitched', 'textured', 'resonant', and 'invigorating'. Each switch offers its own distinct qualities and advantages, allowing users to choose according to their preferences. 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 Cream Linear

$3.50

$3.07 per 10

$6.50

$6.25 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Aflion Iceberg and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream have different materials for their top housings. The Iceberg utilizes polycarbonate, which offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Its translucent nature allows for RGB lighting to shine through, making it visually appealing. In contrast, the Cream uses POM for its top housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound profile. While both materials contribute to a unique sound experience, the Iceberg's polycarbonate provides a more clear and resonant sound compared to the Cream's POM.

Moving on to the bottom housing, the Iceberg features a nylon material, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer texture of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Cream's bottom housing is made of POM, which also produces a pleasing and unique sound. The sound profile for both switches is on the deeper side and relatively more muted. So, if you are looking for a switch with a deep and immersive typing experience, both the Iceberg and the Cream will deliver similar results with their respective bottom housings.

It is important to note that the top and bottom housings of a switch contribute differently to the overall typing experience. When pressing down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become more noticeable, influencing the bottom-out sound and the overall tactile feel. In contrast, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the materials used for the top and bottom housings play a crucial role in determining the overall sound profile and tactile feedback of a switch, making each switch unique in its own way.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch, it is clear that they offer different weight options. The Iceberg has a relatively light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. In contrast, the NovelKeys Cream requires a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and has a bottom out force of 70 grams. This makes the Iceberg a lighter option, suitable for those who prefer a smooth and effortless typing experience that is ideal for extended periods of typing or gaming. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. For individuals who enjoy the satisfaction of a firmer keystroke and prefer a heavier switch, the NovelKeys Cream would be a suitable choice. It is worth noting that both switches offer clear distinctions between their actuation force and bottom out force, ensuring that users will achieve distinct results based on their individual preferences.

Travel distance

The Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch have identical travel distances of 4 mm. This means that both switches will provide a consistent and satisfying tactile experience, as the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom will be the same for both. Whether you opt for the Aflion Iceberg or the Kailh NovelKeys Cream, you can expect a smooth and responsive typing or gaming experience with a travel distance of 4 mm.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch is described as clacky and high-pitched. Pressing this switch produces a sharp and snappy sound, giving it a crisp, bright, and percussive auditory profile. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch has a low-pitched and resonant sound. Typing on this switch creates a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, with a clean and sharp sound profile. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Aflion Iceberg switch offers a snappy and feathery typing experience. It has a responsive and lively feel, thanks to its two-stage spring. This switch requires little exertion from the fingers, reducing fatigue and making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. It falls into the category of subtle switches, providing gentle resistance and a typing feel suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switch is described as buttery, textured, and invigorating. It offers a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Some users may appreciate its subtle texture that adds a bit of friction, while others may prefer a smoother, friction-free feel. This switch also offers pronounced feedback, a moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel, creating an immersive typing sensation.

In conclusion, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch have distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Iceberg switch has a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, along with a snappy and feathery feel. On the other hand, the Cream switch offers a low-pitched and resonant sound, coupled with a buttery, textured, and invigorating feel. It is important to consider personal preferences when choosing between these switches, as they provide different typing experiences. However, if you enjoy sharp and crisp sound profiles with a responsive feel, both switches can deliver similar results, albeit with their own unique characteristics.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you prefer a lighter typing experience with a satisfying smoothness, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch would be a great choice for you. With a bottom out force of 45 grams, it offers a feathery and subtle feel that is comfortable for extended typing sessions. The Iceberg also produces a clacky and high-pitched sound when pressed, which can be crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy typing experience with a deeper sound profile, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch would be a better fit. With a bottom out force of 70 grams, it offers a buttery and invigorating feel, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with pronounced feedback. The Cream switches produce a low-pitched and resonant sound, creating an immersive auditory experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound profile.

Mentioned in this article

Aflion Iceberg Linear

$3.50

$3.07 per 10

Learn more

Kailh NovelKeys Cream Linear

$6.50

$6.25 per 10

Learn more