Aflion Iceberg vs. Outemu Cream Yellow
An in-depth look at the Aflion Iceberg and the Outemu Cream Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Aflion Iceberg linear switch to the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, there are distinctive elements to consider. The Iceberg from Aflion showcases their commitment to producing high-quality switches, evident in its smoothness and two-stage spring that offers a satisfying feel. Known for being 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Snappy', 'Feathery', and 'Subtle', the Iceberg provides a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow from Outemu lacks a clear reputation but offers a tactile feedback that some users prefer. 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
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Iceberg and the Outemu Cream Yellow, one key difference is seen in the top housing. The Iceberg features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its clear, sharp, and resonant sound profile. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow boasts a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound with a duller and rounder quality. While the Iceberg offers a crisper sound profile suitable for RGB lighting due to its translucency, the Cream Yellow provides a more mellow sound experience thanks to the sound absorption capabilities of nylon.
Another point of comparison between the two switches lies in their bottom housing materials. Both the Iceberg and the Cream Yellow use nylon for their bottom housings, resulting in a similar deep and full sound profile. The softer nature of nylon as a plastic allows for more sound absorption, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use this material. This shared characteristic between the two switches suggests that despite having different top housing materials, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the overall sound and feel of the switch.
Overall, while the Iceberg and the Cream Yellow may differ in their top housing materials, they both offer a rich sound profile attributed to their use of nylon for the bottom housing. The Iceberg's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, contrasting with the Cream Yellow's nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound. Despite these differences, the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that both switches deliver a satisfying typing experience with a focus on sound quality. Ultimately, the choice between the Iceberg and the Cream Yellow will come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
In comparing the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, we can see that the Iceberg has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Cream Yellow's 45 grams. This means that the Iceberg requires less force to trigger a keystroke, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Iceberg requires 45 grams while the Cream Yellow requires 60 grams, indicating that the Cream Yellow provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a heavier push feel. Overall, those who prefer a lighter actuation force may lean towards the Iceberg, while those who prefer a heavier bottom out force may prefer the Cream Yellow. Both switches offer different typing experiences, so it ultimately depends on personal preference.
Travel distance
The Aflion Iceberg linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Iceberg has a slightly longer travel distance, making it better suited for those who prefer a more robust feel when typing. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which can benefit gamers looking for faster response times. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Iceberg being on the longer side and the Cream Yellow being slightly shorter. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Outemu Cream Yellow comes in at $3.10 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
When comparing the sound qualities of the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, the Iceberg switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, providing a sharp and snappy typing experience. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Cream Yellow switch is unknown. It is important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of these switches, the Iceberg switch is praised for its snappy and feathery qualities, offering a responsive typing experience with a light actuation force. This can help reduce finger fatigue and make typing comfortable for extended periods. Additionally, the Iceberg switch is described as having a subtle resistance, making it suitable for quiet environments. Similarly, the feel of the Cream Yellow switch is not specified, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison in terms of tactile feedback and typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Aflion Iceberg linear switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile along with a snappy and feathery feel, the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch does not have specific information available for sound or feel characteristics. As a newcomer, if you enjoy a sharp and crisp typing sound with a responsive and light feel, the Iceberg switch may be a suitable option. However, if you are unsure about the sound and feel preferences, trying out both switches in person or seeking additional reviews and feedback from experienced users can help you make an informed decision.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Aflion Iceberg linear switch or the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, you should first think about your preferred bottom out force. If you prefer a lighter touch, the Iceberg with a 45-gram bottom out force may be more suitable for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier touch, the Cream Yellow with a 60-gram bottom out force might be the better option. Additionally, consider the sound and feel characteristics of each switch. If you enjoy a clacky and high-pitched sound with a snappy and feathery feel, the Iceberg might be the way to go. However, if you are looking for a tactile switch without any specific sound or feel preferences, the Cream Yellow could be a solid choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and requirements.
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