Aflion Iceberg vs. SP-Star Polaris Gray
An in-depth look at the Aflion Iceberg and the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Aflion Iceberg and the SP-Star Polaris Gray are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct qualities for those seeking an optimal typing experience. Aflion, although relatively new in the switch manufacturing industry, showcases their commitment to quality with the Iceberg switch. Renowned for its smoothness and fulfilling feel, the Iceberg switch stands out among linear switches. It provides a clacky, high-pitched sound profile while offering a snappy and feathery typing sensation. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray appeals to users who prefer a bouncy typing experience. With its clean and clacky sound profile, it offers a low-pitched and neutral feel with a mild and polished touch. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Aflion Iceberg and the SP-Star Polaris Gray both utilize polycarbonate material in their top housing, providing similar benefits. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, due to its translucency, polycarbonate is especially useful if you plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows for a visually appealing lighting effect. However, it is important to note that the Iceberg boasts a polycarbonate bottom housing, while the Polaris Gray features a polycarbonate top housing. This difference will affect the sound and feel of the keys. When pressing down on the Iceberg, you will experience the deeper and fuller sound profile attributed to its nylon bottom housing. In contrast, the Polaris Gray's sound will be influenced more by the polycarbonate top housing when you release the keys.
The nylon bottom housing of the Aflion Iceberg sets it apart from the SP-Star Polaris Gray, which features a polycarbonate bottom housing. Typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of the material. The nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Polaris Gray, with its polycarbonate bottom housing, offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, allowing for a more clear and resonant sound. As a result, the sound and feel of the bottom-out action on these switches will vary, with the Iceberg providing a softer and more rounded experience, while the Polaris Gray will offer a sharper response.
In summary, both the Aflion Iceberg and the SP-Star Polaris Gray benefit from polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. This material is especially advantageous for users who plan to employ RGB lighting due to its translucency. However, the Iceberg sets itself apart with its nylon bottom housing, which generates a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound. Meanwhile, the Polaris Gray utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, resulting in a clearer and more resonant sound. The differences in bottom housings influence the overall sound and feel of the switches, with the Iceberg emphasizing a softer and rounder experience while the Polaris Gray offers a sharper response.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Iceberg has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a lighter switch overall. This lighter actuation force allows for a smoother and more effortless keystroke, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray's actuation force is unavailable, making it difficult to directly compare to the Iceberg in this aspect. However, the Polaris Gray does have a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. This heavier force provides a more substantial and tactile typing experience, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push feel. So, while the Iceberg offers a lighter typing experience, the Polaris Gray offers a slightly heavier and more tactile feel. Depending on individual preferences, one may find the lighter actuation and bottom out force of the Iceberg more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming, while others may prefer the more substantial and tactile experience provided by the Polaris Gray.
Travel distance
Both the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will feel the same amount of distance traveled from the top to the bottom. The travel distance is an important factor to consider when choosing a switch as it can affect the typing experience and comfort. In this case, both the Iceberg and Polaris Gray switches offer a similar level of travel distance, ensuring consistent results and a comparable typing experience.
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 SP-Star Polaris Gray has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Polaris Gray for $5.00.
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 switches are known for their clacky and high-pitched profile. These switches produce a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, giving a satisfying and percussive experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches have a low-pitched, neutral, and thocky profile. This means they have a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to the Iceberg switches. The sound of the Polaris Gray switches is deep, rich, and satisfying, resembling a deep "thud" or a soft "knock" when the key is pressed and released. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be affected by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Iceberg switches are described as snappy, feathery, and subtle. These switches are super responsive, thanks to their longer or dual-staged springs, which enhances the typing experience and makes it feel more lively. They also have a light actuation force, reducing finger fatigue and making them comfortable for extended typing sessions. The Iceberg switches provide a gentle resistance and a sound signature that is not resonant, making them suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches are described as mild and polished. They offer a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. These switches have a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. The reduced friction and smooth key travel of the Polaris Gray switches contribute to their polished feel.
Taking all the available information into account, the Aflion Iceberg linear switches offer a satisfying smoothness, fulfilling feel, and a clacky, high-pitched sound profile. They are well-suited for those who prefer snappy switches with a light actuation force. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switches provide a bouncy typing experience with a clean, clacky, low-pitched sound profile. These switches are mild in feel and offer a polished typing experience. Both switches have their unique qualities, and the choice between them depends on personal preferences. However, if you are looking for a similar smooth and fulfilling feel with a clean sound profile, the Polaris Gray switches can provide a comparable experience to the Iceberg switches.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are looking for a light and smooth typing experience, with a satisfying feel and a snappy sound, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch is the one for you. Its bottom out force of 45 grams makes it easy on the fingers and reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, its two-stage spring adds a fulfilling feel to each keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a bouncy typing experience and a clean, clacky sound, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch is the better choice. With a bottom out force of 67 grams, it offers a slightly more pronounced typing experience while still maintaining a polished and refined feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on your personal preferences in terms of sound and feel.
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