Aflion Iceberg vs. SP-Star Polaris Purple
An in-depth look at the Aflion Iceberg and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the Aflion Iceberg and the SP-Star Polaris Purple. The Iceberg, produced by the relatively new switch manufacturer Aflion, is a linear switch that showcases the high-quality standards of their brand. With a pleasing smoothness and a satisfying feel, thanks to its two-stage spring, the Iceberg offers a range of sound profiles including clacky, high-pitched, snappy, feathery, and subtle. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple is a tactile switch that delivers an exhilarating typing experience with its prominent tactile bump. Alongside its snappy sound profile, the Polaris Purple is categorized as neutral, mild, and polished. While these general pointers give a glimpse into the unique features of each switch, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision based on your preferences and 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 Purple both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in both switches. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency allows for RGB lighting effects to shine through, making it especially useful for those who want to add visual flair to their keyboard setup. So, in terms of sound and aesthetics, users can expect similar results from both the Iceberg and the Polaris Purple.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Iceberg features a nylon construction, while the Polaris Purple utilizes polycarbonate. This difference in material creates contrasting sound profiles. Typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing in the Polaris Purple contributes to a sharper and more resonant sound, due to its stiffer characteristics. So, users can choose between a rounder sound in the Iceberg or a crisper sound in the Polaris Purple, depending on their personal preferences.
It's important to note that the qualities of each housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on a switch, the user will feel the impact and experience the characteristics of the bottom housing. This includes the bottom-out sound and feel. However, the sound when releasing a key will be heavily influenced by the qualities of the top housing. So, while the Iceberg and Polaris Purple share similarities in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing, their respective bottom housings give them unique sound profiles and tactile experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, there are noticeable differences between the two. The Iceberg switch has an actuation force of 37 grams, which is relatively light, while its bottom out force is 45 grams. In contrast, the Polaris Purple switch does not provide information on its actuation force. However, its bottom out force is stated as 67 grams, making it medium-heavy in comparison to the Iceberg.
Considering weight, some individuals prefer lighter switches as it allows for longer typing sessions, which is great for work or extended gaming sessions. The Iceberg switch, with its lighter actuation and bottom out forces, would cater well to this preference, allowing for smooth and effortless keystrokes. However, others may prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. These individuals would lean towards switches with heavier forces, such as the Polaris Purple with its higher bottom out force.
In terms of actuation force, the Iceberg and Polaris Purple differ as specific information for the Polaris Purple is not available. Therefore, it cannot be determined whether they have similar actuation forces. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Polaris Purple is definitely heavier in comparison to the Iceberg. If a user desires a switch with a similar bottom out force to the Polaris Purple, they would need to select a switch with a force of 67 grams or higher.
In summary, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch has a lighter actuation and bottom out force, catering to those who prefer a lighter typing experience. The SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, with its medium-heavy bottom out force, appeals to individuals who enjoy a more forceful and substantial typing sensation.
Travel distance
The Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key, you will feel the switch travel a distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom. Therefore, both switches will provide a similar tactile experience in terms of travel distance. They are equal in this aspect, ensuring a consistent and familiar user experience regardless of the choice 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 SP-Star Polaris Purple 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 Purple 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
The Aflion Iceberg linear switch is best known for its smoothness and fulfilling feel. It provides a clacky and high-pitched sound when pressed, which is crisp, bright, and percussive. The switch also offers a snappy feel due to its two-stage spring, making it super responsive and giving a more alive typing experience. Additionally, it has a feathery and subtle feel, with a light actuation force that reduces finger fatigue and is suitable for extended typing sessions. Overall, the Iceberg linear switch provides a satisfying sound and a smooth, comfortable feel.
In contrast, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch is best known for its exhilarating tactile typing experience provided by the big tactile bump. The sound profile of this switch is described as neutral, which means it has a moderate sound that is suitable for most purposes. However, further details about the sound characteristics are not provided. In terms of feel, the Polaris Purple offers a mild typing experience, which is more gentle compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The switch is also described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Considering the available information, the Iceberg linear switch and the Polaris Purple tactile switch offer different subjective qualities. The Iceberg switch provides a clacky and high-pitched sound, while the sound profile of the Polaris Purple switch is described as neutral. Both switches have a smooth feel, but the Iceberg switch offers a snappy and feathery feel, while the Polaris Purple switch provides a mild and polished feel. While they have their own unique qualities, they both offer satisfying sound profiles and comfortable typing experiences. If you are looking for a sharp and snappy sound with a smooth and fulfilling feel, the Iceberg switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a more gentle sound and polished typing experience, the Polaris Purple switch would be a suitable option.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, consider your preference for bottom out force, sound, and feel. The Iceberg switch has a light bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience with reduced finger fatigue. It offers a snappy and feathery feel, perfect for extended typing sessions. The Iceberg also produces a clacky and high-pitched sound, giving a crisp and bright auditory experience. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple switch has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a more pronounced tactile typing experience. It offers a mild and polished feel, giving a gentle and smooth typing experience. The Polaris Purple produces a neutral sound, suitable for various environments. Ultimately, your choice should depend on your preference for typing force, tactile feedback, and sound profile.
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