Aflion Iceberg vs. Outemu Green
An in-depth look at the Aflion Iceberg and the Outemu Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Aflion Iceberg linear switch with the Outemu Green clicky switch, you'll find distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The Iceberg is a linear switch produced by the relatively new manufacturer Aflion, known for its smoothness and unique two-stage spring for a satisfying typing experience. Described as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Snappy', 'Feathery', and 'Subtle', the Iceberg offers a quiet and smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Green clicky switch lacks specific noteworthy characteristics but is favored for its tactile feedback and audible click with each keystroke. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
80g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Iceberg and the Outemu Green, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. A clear housing typically indicates the use of polycarbonate and is advantageous for RGB lighting. However, despite sharing the same top housing material, their differences lie in the bottom housing. The Iceberg utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound with its softer plastic composition. Conversely, the Green also uses nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in a similar deep and full sound profile as the Iceberg.
While both the Iceberg and the Green switches have similar top housings made of polycarbonate, their choice of bottom housing materials sets them apart. The nylon bottom housing in both switches elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature compared to harder plastics. This quality makes typing on these switches more pleasant as the sound is duller and rounder, creating a more satisfying typing experience. Despite this similarity, the impact of the bottom housing material differs from the top housing in terms of sound and feel when pressing down on the keys.
Overall, the differences in the housing materials of the Aflion Iceberg and the Outemu Green contribute to varying sound profiles and typing experiences. The stiffer polycarbonate top housing in both switches creates a sharp and resonant sound, ideal for RGB lighting. However, the softer nylon bottom housing in both switches absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile that enhances the typing experience. Understanding how the combination of top and bottom housing materials impact the sound and feel of a switch can help users choose the right switch for their preferences. Ultimately, whether it's the Iceberg's combination of polycarbonate and nylon or the Green's pairing of polycarbonate and nylon, each switch offers a unique typing experience based on its housing materials.
Weight
The Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch have distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Iceberg has a light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a lighter option overall. In contrast, the Green switch requires a heavier actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Iceberg, allowing for longer typing periods, while those seeking a more robust feel may prefer the heavier Green switch. Both switches offer unique typing experiences based on their respective actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose the one that best suits their preferences for typing or gaming.
Travel distance
The Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in terms of how far the switch travels from the top to the bottom. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. This similarity in travel distance means that you can expect similar results in terms of key feel and typing experience with either switch. Therefore, whether you choose the Iceberg or the Green switch, you can be confident that you will get a consistent and satisfying typing experience with a travel distance of 4 mm.
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 Green 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 it comes to sound, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched characteristics, producing a sharp and crisp sound when typing. On the other hand, information on the sound profile of the Outemu Green clicky switch is unavailable. It's important to note that the actual sound produced by a switch can vary depending on factors like the keyboard's build and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Iceberg switch is praised for being snappy and feathery, offering a responsive typing experience with a light actuation force that reduces finger fatigue. The two-stage spring in the Iceberg switch contributes to its liveliness, making it a popular choice for those who appreciate a smooth and satisfying feel. Unfortunately, information on the feel of the Outemu Green switch is not provided.
Overall, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch stands out for its smoothness, satisfying feel, clacky sound, and snappy response. While the information on the Outemu Green clicky switch is limited, it's safe to say that if you enjoy the qualities found in the Iceberg switch, you may also find similar results with the Outemu Green switch. Make sure to consider personal preferences and typing habits when choosing between these two switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch, consider your typing preferences and needs. If you prefer a light and smooth typing experience with a satisfying feel, then the Iceberg switch with its 45g bottom out force may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a heavier typing experience with a clicky sound profile, then the Green switch with its 80g bottom out force could be more suitable for your typing style. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preference for key feel, sound, and the typing experience you desire.
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