Aflion Iceberg vs. Bsun Olive
An in-depth look at the Aflion Iceberg and the Bsun Olive switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Iceberg and Bsun Olive offer two distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Iceberg, a linear switch from the relatively new manufacturer Aflion, shines with its exceptional smoothness and a two-stage spring that provides a satisfying feel during keystrokes. Its clacky and high-pitched sound profile can make typing feel light and snappy, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize speed and seamless key presses. In contrast, the Bsun Olive switches are known for their pronounced tactile feedback and resonant deep sound, thanks to their all-POM housings and unique long pole stem design. These medium-weight switches deliver an invigorating auditory experience that many typists find satisfying, particularly because of the pronounced bottom-out feel. Ultimately, whether you lean towards the Iceberg for its smooth linear action or the Olive for its tactile engagement and sharp auditory feedback will depend on your typing style and personal 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
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Aflion Iceberg and the Bsun Olive exhibit distinctly contrasting sound profiles due to the different materials employed in their top housings, despite both being engineered for a quality typing experience. The Iceberg’s polycarbonate top housing is noted for producing a sharper and crisper sound profile, derived from the material's rigidity. This stiffness lends itself to a sound that is both high-pitched and resonant, making the most of RGB lighting due to its translucence. In contrast, the Olive's POM top housing creates a sound that is deeper and relatively more muted. This difference highlights how the choice of top housing affects the auditory characteristics of the switches; while both aim for an engaging sound experience, their approaches diverge significantly.
The bottom housing components of both switches further serve to illustrate their unique sound profiles, despite the Olive and Iceberg employing different materials. The Iceberg's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile, as its softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller output. This complements the sharper top sound generated by its polycarbonate material. Meanwhile, the Olive utilizes a POM bottom housing that mirrors the top's deeper sound profile, reinforcing a more muted auditory experience overall. This interplay indicates that while both the Iceberg and Olive are designed to optimize sound quality, the overall effects are moderated by the varying materials used in their construction.
Ultimately, the housing materials of the Aflion Iceberg and Bsun Olive effectively allow for the demonstration of how distinct acoustical characteristics can be achieved through different top and bottom housing combinations. While the Iceberg's polycarbonate top and nylon bottom work together to produce a brighter sound experience, the Olive manages to deliver a cohesively muted sound through both its POM top and bottom housing. Consequently, one can appreciate that even with varying materials, the design intent can yield similar typing experiences, albeit through divergent auditory outputs. The interaction between different materials truly showcases the art and science behind keyboard switch construction, highlighting the nuanced way in which housing choices influence overall sound and feel.
Weight
The Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch showcase distinct differences in both actuation and bottom out forces, catering to varying typing preferences. The Iceberg features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, especially beneficial for extended usage during work or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Olive switch presents a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial feel that some users favor for a tactile typing experience. Consequently, while both switches have their unique strengths, the Iceberg is the lighter option overall, promoting longer typing comfort, whereas the Olive is heavier, appealing to those who enjoy a firmer keystroke feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch, the Iceberg features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Olive has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference highlights the Iceberg's more traditional feel, ideal for users who appreciate a deeper keypress, offering a satisfying amount of travel. Conversely, the Olive's shorter 3.4 mm travel distance is better suited for those seeking quicker response times, making it particularly appealing to gamers who value speed and efficiency. As a result, if you prefer a more pronounced feedback with a lengthy press, the Iceberg will likely serve you better, while the Olive may feel more abrupt but advantageous for rapid typing and gaming.
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 Bsun Olive has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Olive for $4.70.
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
The Aflion Iceberg linear switches produce a bright and crisp sound characterized by their clacky and high-pitched auditory profile. This makes them resonate sharply when pressed, providing an energetic sound that's enjoyable for those who appreciate more percussive keyboard acoustics. In contrast, the Bsun Olive switches focus on a distinct auditory experience with a resonant, deep sound that offers a rich bass note. While the Iceberg offers a lighter, more vibrant sound due to its higher pitch, the Olive's deeper tones create a more pronounced auditory presence in a typing environment. Ultimately, while both switches provide engaging sounds, they belong to different auditory categories that cater to different preferences.
When it comes to feel, the Iceberg switches exhibit a snappy, feathery sensation, providing a light and responsive typing experience that requires minimal effort, making them ideal for extended sessions. Their two-stage spring design enhances this effortless feel, resulting in a typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue. Conversely, the Olive switches deliver a prominent tactile feedback profile characterized as accented and invigorating. They provide a moderate to firm actuation force with a sharp tactile bump, creating an immersive typing sensation. While both switches share the "snappy" descriptor, the Iceberg leans towards a smoother, lighter touch, whereas the Olive emphasizes distinct tactile feedback that is both satisfying and energizing.
In summary, the Aflion Iceberg and Bsun Olive switches represent two unique approaches to keyboard experience, each with its distinct characteristics in sound and feel. The Iceberg's clacky, high-pitched auditory profile pairs with a smooth and lightweight typing experience, ideal for users looking for a nimble feel. Meanwhile, the Olive's deep sound and pronounced tactile feedback create a rich auditory and tactile engagement suited for those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prefer a sharper, more vibrant sound combined with a smooth feel or a rich, resonant sound with pronounced tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prefer a lighter touch and seek a smooth, snappy typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue, the Iceberg is an excellent option. Its clacky auditory profile adds a lively tone to your keystrokes, making it suitable for those long gaming sessions or extensive typing tasks where comfort is paramount. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback and prefer a richer sound, the Olive switch would likely suit you better. With its medium-heavy actuation force and distinct tactile bump, the Olive provides an invigorating typing experience that offers not only satisfying keystrokes but also an immersive feel that heightens your engagement with every press. Additionally, its deeper, resonant sound will appeal to users who appreciate auditory enrichment in their typing. In essence, choose the Iceberg for lightness and smoothness or the Olive for a robust tactile experience, and let your personal typing style guide your decision.
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