Aflion Iceberg vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the Aflion Iceberg and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the Aflion Iceberg, a linear switch, and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade, a tactile switch. The Iceberg switch by Aflion, a relatively new player in the switch manufacturing industry, is praised for its smoothness and unique two-stage spring design, providing a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches from Outemu offer a quieter, tactile typing feel with a distinct "thocky" sound, ideal for those looking for a more tactile response. While both switches have their own unique characteristics and benefits, it's important to dive deeper beyond these generalities to determine which switch would best suit your typing preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
50g
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
3.30 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
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
The housing materials of the Aflion Iceberg and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade offer contrasting sound profiles due to their composition. The Iceberg's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched sound with a clear and resonant profile, perfect for those who prefer a crisper typing experience. In contrast, the Silent Yellow Jade's nylon top housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound that may appeal to users seeking a more muted typing experience. While both materials excel in their own right, the choice between them ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile.
When it comes to the bottom housing of the switches, both the Iceberg and Silent Yellow Jade feature nylon material, providing a consistent experience in terms of sound profile. The nylon bottom housing of both switches offers a deeper and fuller sound that is characteristic of this classic switch housing material. This shared component ensures that users will experience a similar sound profile when pressing down on the keys, with both switches delivering a satisfying typing experience that is enhanced by the soft and sound-absorbing qualities of nylon.
Although the top and bottom housing materials of the Aflion Iceberg and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade offer distinct sound profiles, they both play a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience of each switch. The Iceberg's combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing creates a balance between sharpness and fullness in sound, making it a versatile option for users who value both qualities. Similarly, the Silent Yellow Jade's consistent use of nylon throughout its housing ensures a deep and resonant sound profile that is maintained across the entire switch. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, it is clear that there are differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. 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 typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel. Those who like a stronger push when typing would appreciate the Silent Yellow Jade more. Despite these differences, both switches offer a smooth typing experience, so whether you choose the lighter Iceberg or the heavier Silent Yellow Jade, you can expect similar results in terms of performance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Aflion Iceberg linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer of the two options compared to the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch with a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Iceberg offers a more traditional travel distance, while the Silent Yellow Jade provides a shallower feel. Gamers may opt for the shorter travel distance of the Silent Yellow Jade for faster reaction times, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Iceberg. Both switches offer different experiences due to their varying travel distances, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference when choosing between the two.
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 Jade 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 offers a clacky and high-pitched experience, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch is known for its quiet "thocky" sound, providing a more subdued typing experience. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Iceberg being more on the crisp and bright side, while the Silent Yellow Jade leans towards a softer and more muted tone.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Iceberg switch boasts a snappy and feathery sensation, providing a responsive and light typing experience that is suitable for extended use without causing finger fatigue. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch does not have specific descriptors mentioned, but being a tactile switch, it likely offers a noticeable tactile bump while typing. This tactile feedback can enhance the typing experience by providing a satisfying sensation when a key is actuated.
Overall, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Iceberg switch excels in producing a sharp and snappy sound with a smooth and responsive feel, catering to those who prefer a more tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade switch focuses on providing a quieter typing experience with a punchy tactile bump, appealing to users who enjoy a more subtle and tactile feedback. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will come down to personal preference in sound and feel, but rest assured that both options offer satisfying results in their respective categories.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, consider your preference for key feel and sound. If you prioritize a light and smooth typing experience with a satisfying two-stage spring and a crisp, clacky sound, the Iceberg may be the switch for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy tactile bump with a quiet, thocky sound and a unique translucent jade yellow housing, the Silent Yellow Jade switch would be a great choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and whether you prioritize feel or sound in your mechanical keyboard experience.
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