Aflion Iceberg vs. Outemu Silent Yellow
An in-depth look at the Aflion Iceberg and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at the Aflion Iceberg and the Outemu Silent Yellow mechanical keyboard switches, we can see that they both offer a linear typing experience. The Iceberg from Aflion stands out for its smoothness and two-stage spring design, creating a satisfying feel while typing. It is described as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Snappy', 'Feathery', and 'Subtle'. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow is known for its quiet operation. While the Iceberg provides a more tactile feedback, the Silent Yellow offers a silent typing experience, making it perfect for those who appreciate a quieter workspace. 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
2.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Aflion Iceberg and the Outemu Silent Yellow both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the material's stiffness. This results in a more clear and resonant sound when typing on switches with this type of housing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it a popular choice for switches designed to be used with RGB lighting. However, while both switches have polycarbonate top housings, the Iceberg's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This creates a duller and rounder sound when bottoming out keys on the Iceberg.
On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow also features a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar deep and full sound profile when typing. The use of nylon in the bottom housing allows for sound absorption and contributes to a rounded sound experience. Despite the similarities in the bottom housings of both switches, the differences in their top housings highlight the importance of housing materials in determining the overall sound profile of mechanical switches. The Iceberg's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound upon key release, while the Silent Yellow's polycarbonate top housing also offers a high-pitched sound quality.
In summary, both the Aflion Iceberg and the Outemu Silent Yellow have unique combinations of housing materials that result in distinct sound profiles. The differences in the top and bottom housings of each switch contribute to the overall typing experience, with polycarbonate top housings providing a sharper sound profile and nylon bottom housings offering a deeper and fuller sound. While the switches share similarities in their nylon bottom housings, the Iceberg stands out with its polycarbonate top housing for a more resonant and clear sound, while the Silent Yellow provides a similar experience with a different color and design.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, it is evident that the Iceberg is lighter while the Silent Yellow is heavier. The Iceberg has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter keypress. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow requires a heavier actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for users who prefer a stronger push feel. Those who opt for the Iceberg will find it easier to type for longer periods of time, making it suitable for work or gaming sessions that require prolonged use. In contrast, individuals who choose the Silent Yellow will appreciate the added resistance and feedback that comes with a heavier switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch have identical travel distances of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either switch, you will experience the same amount of travel distance, resulting in a similar typing experience in terms of keypress feel. Both switches offer a consistent and relatively short travel distance compared to other types of switches, making them ideal for smooth and fast typing. So, whether you choose the Iceberg or the Silent Yellow, you can expect a comparable travel distance that will meet your typing needs effectively.
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 Silent 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
In terms of sound, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch is known for producing a clacky and high-pitched sound when pressed, giving a sharp and snappy typing experience. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch is unknown, so it is difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch is characterized by a snappy and feathery feel, providing a responsive typing experience with a light actuation force that reduces finger fatigue. Additionally, the switch has a subtle resistance and a smooth two-stage spring for a satisfying typing feel. Unfortunately, the feel of the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch remains undisclosed, making it challenging to draw a direct comparison between the two in this regard.
Taking all available information into consideration, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch stands out for its unique sound and feel characteristics, offering a satisfying typing experience with a sharp and snappy sound profile and a responsive yet gentle actuation force. While the details of the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch are unknown, it is important to consider individual preferences and priorities when selecting a mechanical keyboard switch. Ultimately, both switches have the potential to provide a great typing experience depending on the user's specific needs and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, you should consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and enjoy a smooth typing experience with a satisfying feel, the Iceberg switch would be a great choice for you. The Iceberg switch is known for its snappy and feathery feel, making it suitable for extended typing sessions without causing finger fatigue. However, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force and are looking for a silent switch option, the Outemu Silent Yellow switch with its 80-gram bottom out force may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences in terms of typing feel and sound, so consider these factors carefully before making your choice.
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