Aflion Iceberg vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the Aflion Iceberg and the KTT Pine 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 KTT Pine. The Iceberg switch is a linear switch manufactured by Aflion, a relatively new player in the market, but known for producing high-quality switches. These Iceberg switches are praised for their satisfying smoothness and fulfilling feel, attributed to their two-stage spring design. Categorized as 'clacky', 'high-pitched', 'snappy', 'feathery', and 'subtle', the Iceberg switch offers a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the Pine switch by KTT is a translucent, forest green linear switch that offers a medium-heavy feel and a buttery smooth typing experience. Thanks to its polished, factory-lubed finish, these switches minimize friction and provide smooth key travel. Categorized as 'bassy', 'buttery', 'creamy', and 'low-pitched', the Pine switch offers its own distinct qualities. 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
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Iceberg and the KTT Pine show some similarities and differences. Both switches use polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that provides a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, both top housings are translucent, which makes them especially suitable for switches that use RGB lighting. Thus, if you are looking for a switch with a clear, vibrant, and distinctive sound, both the Iceberg and Pine would provide similar results.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Iceberg utilizes nylon, whereas the Pine uses polycarbonate. Nylon is known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. Due to its relatively softer composition, nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing in the Pine contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound. Therefore, the choice between the Iceberg and Pine would depend on whether you prefer a deeper and fuller sound (Iceberg) or a sharper and crisper sound (Pine) when pressing down on the keys.
In terms of tactile experience, the housing materials play a role in dictating the sound and feel of the switch. The bottom housing, made of either nylon or polycarbonate, influences the bottom-out sound and feel when you press down on a key. The softer nature of nylon in the Iceberg would provide a more cushioned and muted bottom-out experience. Meanwhile, the stiffer polycarbonate of the Pine would result in a more solid and impactful bottom-out sensation. On the other hand, the top housing material affects the sound when you release a key. Whether it's the sharp and crisp sound of polycarbonate in both switches or the clear and resonant sound attributed to polycarbonate's stiffness, it contributes to the overall auditory experience of typing.
In summary, both the Aflion Iceberg and the KTT Pine feature polycarbonate top housings, ensuring a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile, while allowing for the use of RGB lighting. The differentiating factor lies in the bottom housing material, with the Iceberg utilizing nylon for a deeper and fuller sound, and the Pine utilizing polycarbonate for a sharper and crisper sound. These distinctions affect the bottom-out sound and feel, with nylon providing a cushioned and muted experience and polycarbonate offering a solid and impactful sensation. Understanding the influence of housing materials allows users to choose a switch that aligns with their preferred auditory and tactile preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, we can observe some similarities and differences. The Iceberg has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, while the Pine requires a slightly heavier force of 45 grams for actuation. This means that the Iceberg switch is more sensitive and easier to trigger with a lighter touch, whereas the Pine switch requires a slightly firmer press.
In terms of bottom out force, the Iceberg has a force of 45 grams, while the Pine switch has a higher bottom out force of 58 grams. This indicates that when pressing the keys all the way down, the Pine switch provides a more substantial and tactile typing experience compared to the Iceberg.
Considering the weight aspect, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Iceberg switch more suitable for their needs as it allows for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. On the other hand, individuals seeking a stronger push feel and a more robust typing feedback may find the Pine switch more to their liking.
Overall, the Iceberg switch is lighter in terms of both actuation and bottom out force, providing a smoother and less forceful keystroke. Meanwhile, the Pine switch is slightly heavier, offering a more solid and pronounced typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either switch, you will feel a consistent distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a similar tactile experience and are suitable for individuals who prefer a shorter travel distance. Whether you choose the Iceberg or the Pine, you can expect similar results in terms of the travel distance of the switches.
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 KTT Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $4.15.
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
The Aflion Iceberg linear switch is best known for its smoothness and two-stage spring, providing a satisfying and fulfilling feel. It offers a snappy typing experience and a sound profile that can be described as clacky and high-pitched. This means that when pressed, the Iceberg switch produces a sharp and crisp sound, which some users may find satisfying. On the other hand, the KTT Pine linear switch is medium-heavy and built for an effortless typing experience. It provides a buttery smooth feel and has a sound profile that can be characterized as bassy and low-pitched. This means that the Pine switch produces a deeper and richer sound, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. The Pine switch also offers a seamless and uniform typing sensation, with a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Overall, both switches have their unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, providing users with options depending on their preferences. While the Iceberg is clacky and high-pitched, the Pine is bassy and low-pitched, offering different sound profiles. Additionally, the Iceberg is snappy and provides a light typing feel, while the Pine is buttery and creamy, offering a smooth and effortless typing experience. Regardless of the choice, users can expect a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience from both switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a light and smooth linear switch, the Aflion Iceberg would be a great choice for you. With a bottom out force of 45 grams, it offers a satisfying smoothness and a fulfilling feel, thanks to its two-stage spring. The Iceberg switches are known for their clacky and high-pitched sound profile, which produces a crisp and bright sound when pressed. In terms of feel, the Iceberg is described as snappy, feathery, and subtle, providing a super responsive typing experience while reducing finger fatigue.
On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier switch with a buttery smooth feel, the KTT Pine would be a suitable option. With a bottom out force of 58 grams, it offers a medium-heavy typing experience that is built for effortless typing. The Pine switches are known for their bassy and low-pitched sound profile, offering a deeper and richer sound during key presses. In terms of feel, the Pine switches are described as buttery and creamy, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with a seamless and uniform typing sensation.
Ultimately, the choice between the Iceberg and Pine switches depends on your personal preferences. If you prefer a lighter switch with a snappy and feathery feel, the Iceberg would be the way to go. If you prefer a slightly heavier switch with a buttery and creamy feel, the Pine would be a better fit. Both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience, so go ahead and choose the one that aligns with your preferences and typing style.
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