Aflion Iceberg vs. Haimu Orange Sea
An in-depth look at the Aflion Iceberg and the Haimu Orange Sea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to personal preference and typing experience. The Aflion Iceberg and Haimu Orange Sea both epitomize linear switches, but they bring distinct qualities to the table. The Aflion Iceberg, crafted by the relatively new manufacturer Aflion, is celebrated for its remarkable smoothness, enhanced by a two-stage spring that offers a satisfying tactile feel. Its sound profile is characterized as clacky and high-pitched, appealing to users who enjoy a more auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea shines with its impeccably smooth action and a more subdued sound, making it ideal for those who favor a neutral auditory landscape devoid of distractions. While the Illusion brings an invigorating and accented typing experience, the Iceberg leans toward a snarch with high-pitched overtones. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on individual preferences for sound and tactile feedback. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When analyzing the housing materials of the Aflion Iceberg and the Haimu Orange Sea, we find striking similarities in their construction that contribute to their sound profiles and aesthetic appeal. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which allows for a clearer resonance when compared to softer materials. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes both switches ideal for integration with RGB lighting, ensuring that the lighting shines brightly and evenly through the switch’s top housing. Thus, it’s evident that the use of polycarbonate in both switches not only enhances their aesthetic value but also ensures similar sonic characteristics, making them appealing choices for enthusiasts seeking vibrant lighting effects.
On the other hand, the bottom housing of both the Aflion Iceberg and the Haimu Orange Sea is constructed from nylon, a classic material in the keyboard switch industry. Nylon’s relatively softer composition leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This attribute results in a mellower typing experience, which can be especially favored by those looking for a pleasant auditory experience while typing. Since both switches employ nylon for their bottom housing, users can expect similar resonance and acoustic characteristics when bottoming out the keys. This consistency in material composition between the bottom housings contributes to a uniform sound quality across both models.
In summary, the Aflion Iceberg and Haimu Orange Sea share notable similarities in both their top and bottom housing materials, leading to comparable audio performance and visual appeal. The polycarbonate top housing found in both switches enhances clarity and brightness in sound while also providing an ideal medium for RGB lighting. Meanwhile, the nylon bottom housing contributes to a fuller auditory experience, characteristic of softer materials. The aligned materials ensure that, while each switch brings its distinctive qualities to the typing experience, the overall sound profiles remain harmoniously intertwined. Consequently, switching between these two models would still yield a similarly satisfying auditory and tactile response, making them both excellent choices for keyboard enthusiasts alike.
Weight
The Aflion Iceberg and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switches demonstrate a notable similarity in their specifications, featuring identical actuation forces of 37 grams and bottom out forces of 45 grams, both classified as light. This means users will experience a similar typing feel and keystroke responsiveness with either switch, making them suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons without causing excessive strain. The light actuation force is beneficial for those who prefer a less resistant feel while typing. Since both switches have the same force measurements, anyone using either switch can expect a consistent and comparable experience. Thus, for those desiring a lighter switch, both the Iceberg and the Orange Sea align perfectly with their preferences, offering a similarly enjoyable typing experience.
Travel distance
The Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch exhibit differing travel distances, with the Iceberg measuring 4 mm and the Orange Sea at 3.6 mm. This makes the Iceberg the longer option, providing a deeper keypress that some users may prefer for a more tactile feedback while typing or gaming. In contrast, the Orange Sea's 3.6 mm travel distance caters to those who may favor a quicker response time due to the shorter distance, which is increasingly popular among gamers seeking faster actuation. As such, while both switches can deliver satisfactory results depending on personal preference, the Iceberg is better suited for those who prefer a more substantial keypress, whereas the Orange Sea appeals to those looking for responsiveness and speed.
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 Haimu Orange Sea comes in at $2.79 per 10 switches.
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
In terms of sound, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch presents a distinct auditory profile characterized by its clacky, high-pitched tone. When pressed, these switches produce a sharp and snappy sound that can be described as crisp and bright, making them particularly appealing to those who enjoy a more percussive typing experience. On the contrary, while the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch features a smooth typing instrument, its sound signature remains unspecified and thus may or may not match the auditory liveliness of the Iceberg. It's important to note that sound can also be influenced heavily by the keyboard's construction and the chosen keycaps, so users may find varying results even with similar switch types.
Regarding feel, the Iceberg switch excels at providing a dynamic and engaging typing experience. The incorporation of a two-stage spring allows for snappy responsiveness, enhancing the overall tactile interaction. Additionally, the Iceberg’s feathery and subtle qualities contribute to a lighter press, reducing finger fatigue during lengthy typing sessions. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea switch offers an invigorating experience characterized by pronounced feedback and a reactive feel. While the Orange Sea is not described as having a light touch, its moderately firm actuation fosters a slightly different, yet immersive, typing sensation that may appeal to users who appreciate more defined actuation without excessive resistance.
In summary, both the Aflion Iceberg and Haimu Orange Sea linear switches present unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Iceberg stands out with its clacky sound and responsive feel, perfect for users seeking an engaging auditory and tactile experience. Meanwhile, the Orange Sea provides a smooth but less audible profile, focusing on a pronounced yet comfortable tactile response. Ultimately, both switches cater to distinct user experiences, ensuring that newcomers to mechanical keyboards can find options that resonate with their preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Aflion Iceberg and Haimu Orange Sea linear switches largely depends on your personal preferences and intended usage. If you value a light, responsive typing experience with a distinctly "clacky" sound, the Aflion Iceberg is an excellent option. Its two-stage spring design ensures a smooth and snappy feel, making it particularly enjoyable for activities that require quick key presses, like gaming or fast-paced typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subdued auditory experience coupled with a comfortably smooth feel, the Haimu Orange Sea switch may be the better choice for you. Its neutral sound profile and invigorating feedback make it suitable for long typing sessions while still providing adequate tactile feedback without overwhelming tactility. Therefore, if you often find yourself in shared spaces or demand a more balanced typing feel, opt for the Orange Sea. In the end, your preference for sound characteristics, typing feel, and usage scenarios will ultimately guide you in selecting the switch that best fits your needs.
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