Aflion Iceberg vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the Aflion Iceberg and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Aflion Iceberg and the Akko V3 Piano Pro, both linear switches with their own unique characteristics. The Iceberg from Aflion stands out for its smoothness and two-stage spring design, offering a satisfying feel with qualities like high-pitched and snappy key presses. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro from Akko is renowned for its snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, providing a lively and crisp typing experience with attributes like bouncy and creamy keystrokes. Both switches have their merits, but choosing between them ultimately depends on your personal preferences. 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
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
20mm spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Iceberg features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer plastic composition. This material is ideal for switches designed with RGB lighting as its translucency allows for a visually appealing display of colors. In contrast, the Akko V3 Piano Pro utilizes a nylon top housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound with its softer plastic composition. While the Iceberg's top housing focuses on clarity and resonance, the V3 Piano Pro's nylon top housing emphasizes a more muted and rounded sound.
Both the Iceberg and the V3 Piano Pro feature nylon bottom housings, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. The difference in materials for the top and bottom housings of each switch impacts the overall sound and feel when typing. The softer nylon bottom housing of both switches absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound upon bottoming out a key. Conversely, the polycarbonate top housing in the Iceberg and the nylon top housing in the V3 Piano Pro will influence the sound when releasing a key, with the Iceberg producing a sharper and crisper sound compared to the V3 Piano Pro's deeper and fuller sound.
In summary, the choice of housing material in a mechanical switch greatly impacts the sound and feel of typing. The Iceberg's polycarbonate top housing offers a clear and resonant sound, while the V3 Piano Pro's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Both switches share a nylon bottom housing, contributing to a duller and rounder sound upon bottoming out a key. Understanding the qualities of each housing material allows users to select a switch that best suits their preferences in sound and typing experience.
Weight
The Aflion Iceberg linear switch is lighter in both actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch. The Iceberg requires 37 grams to actuate and 45 grams to bottom out, while the V3 Piano Pro needs 45 grams to actuate and 55 grams to bottom out. This makes the Iceberg better suited for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the V3 Piano Pro provides a slightly more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Both switches offer a different typing experience due to the variance in actuation and bottom out forces, catering to users with different preferences in switch weight.
Travel distance
The Aflion Iceberg linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Akko V3 Piano Pro has a shorter travel distance compared to the Aflion Iceberg. The 0.5 mm difference may not seem significant, but it can affect the overall feel and responsiveness of the switch. Gamers, in particular, may prefer the Akko V3 Piano Pro for its quicker response time due to the shorter travel distance. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Aflion Iceberg with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the specific typing or gaming experience desired.
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 Akko V3 Piano Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Piano Pro for $3.10.
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 sound profile, providing a sharp and crisp auditory experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch also has a clacky sound, but with a resonant quality that offers a clean and sharp sound profile. Both switches deliver distinct sound characteristics that can enhance the overall typing experience, making them suitable for different preferences and environments.
In terms of feel, the Iceberg switch is described as snappy, feathery, and subtle, offering a responsive and light typing experience with a gentle resistance. In contrast, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch provides a bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky feel, offering a spring-like feedback sensation with a smooth and refined finish that minimizes friction. While both switches offer unique tactile qualities that cater to different typing preferences, they both aim to provide a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience.
Taking all the available information into consideration, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch each have their own distinctive sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. Whether you prefer a sharper and high-pitched sound with a snappy feel, or a cleaner and resonant sound with a bouncy and creamy feel, both switches offer a quality typing experience. Ultimately, it will come down to personal preference and typing style when choosing between the Aflion Iceberg and Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a smooth, two-stage spring feel, the Iceberg switch may be more to your liking. Additionally, if you enjoy a clacky sound profile and a snappy, feathery typing experience, the Iceberg switch could be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a snappy, bouncy sound signature, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch might be the better option. The Piano Pro switches are known for their lively, crisp quality and a range of descriptors such as creamy, polished, and silky for the typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and bottom out force.
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