Aflion Iceberg vs. KTT Purple Click
An in-depth look at the Aflion Iceberg and the KTT Purple Click switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the Aflion Iceberg and the KTT Purple Click. The Iceberg, produced by the relatively new switch manufacturer Aflion, exemplifies the quality that the company is known for. With its smoothness and satisfying feel, thanks to its two-stage spring, the Iceberg provides a remarkable typing experience. Categorized as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Snappy', 'Feathery', and 'Subtle', this linear switch offers a range of qualities that many users seek in a mechanical keyboard. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click, also known as Purple Sauce, is renowned for its high-pitched and satisfying click. The keystrokes of the Purple Click are light, yet they provide a pronounced tactility without being overwhelming. Classified as 'Crunchy', 'Invigorating', 'Resonant', and 'Stepped', this clicky switch offers a unique typing sensation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
40g
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
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Iceberg and the KTT Purple Click, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This choice of material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the effective use of RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar sound and lighting experiences from both the Iceberg and the Purple Click.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both switches employ nylon as their material of choice. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings creates a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to switches with harder plastics. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, producing a duller and rounder sound. Thus, whether you opt for the Iceberg or the Purple Click, you can anticipate a similar typing experience in terms of the sound output.
It is worth noting that even though the top and bottom housings differ in material for each switch, they still contribute distinctive qualities to the overall typing experience. The qualities of the bottom housing, such as impact and bottom-out sound and feel, come into play when pressing down on the switch. Conversely, the sound produced when releasing a key is influenced more by the top housing. Therefore, although the Aflion Iceberg and KTT Purple Click have some variations in their housing materials, these differences primarily affect specific aspects of the typing process.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, there are noticeable differences. The Iceberg switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Purple Click's 40 grams. This means that the Iceberg switch requires slightly less force to trigger a keystroke. Additionally, the Iceberg switch has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Purple Click has a heavier bottom out force of 55 grams. This indicates that the Iceberg switch will provide a lighter and less substantial typing experience when fully pressed compared to the Purple Click.
Considering the importance of weight in switches, some individuals may prefer the lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Iceberg switch. This lighter weight allows for comfortable typing over extended periods, making it suitable for work or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, those seeking a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience may favor the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Purple Click switch. These heavier forces can provide a satisfying tactile feedback while typing.
It is essential to note that while the forces differ between the two switches, both can still offer similar results for individuals seeking a specific weight preference. Those desiring a lighter typing experience can achieve similar results with either switch, although the Iceberg switch may be the lighter option overall. Similarly, individuals desiring a heavier feel can achieve their desired typing experience with the Purple Click switch due to its higher actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either switch, you will experience a similar travel distance of 4 mm. Therefore, in terms of their travel distance, both switches will provide a similar tactile feedback and overall 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 KTT Purple Click has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Click for $2.55.
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 switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile. It produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, giving a crisp and bright auditory experience. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click switch offers a crunchy and resonant sound profile. It sounds like stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves and provides an immersive auditory experience with a clean and sharp sound profile. Both switches offer unique sound qualities, but if you prefer a sharper and crisper sound, the Iceberg is the way to go. If you enjoy a more crunchy and immersive sound, the Purple Click is the better choice.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Iceberg switch offers a snappy and feathery typing experience. The switch is super responsive due to its longer or dual-staged springs, making the typing experience feel more alive. It is also exceptionally light to press, reducing finger fatigue and strain. The Iceberg switch is described as having a gentle resistance, making it suitable for shared spaces where a quieter typing experience is desired. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click switch provides an invigorating and stepped feel. It offers pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive typing sensation. The stepped feel of the Purple Click switch gives a more mild tactile experience with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. If you prefer a lighter and subtler typing feel, the Iceberg switch is the better option. If you enjoy a more invigorating and tactile typing experience, the Purple Click is the way to go.
Overall, the Aflion Iceberg and KTT Purple Click switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Iceberg switch provides a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, along with a snappy and feathery typing experience. The Purple Click switch offers a crunchy and resonant sound profile, along with an invigorating and stepped feel. Both switches have their own unique characteristics, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences. If you prefer a sharper and crisper sound with a lighter typing feel, the Iceberg switch would be a great choice. If you enjoy a more immersive and tactile typing experience, the Purple Click switch would be the better option. With either switch, you can expect satisfying and enjoyable results based on the available information.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a light and smooth switch with a satisfying feel, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch is the way to go. With its bottom out force of 45 grams, it offers a snappy and feathery typing experience, reducing finger fatigue and making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. The Iceberg switch also produces a clacky and high-pitched sound, adding a crisp and bright auditory element to your typing.
On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that provides a pronounced click and moderate actuation force, the KTT Purple Click clicky switch is the better choice. With its bottom out force of 55 grams, it offers an invigorating and reactive feel, creating an immersive typing sensation. The Purple Click switch gives a crunchy and resonant sound profile, reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves, adding a unique auditory experience to your typing.
Ultimately, the decision between the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch comes down to personal preference. Consider whether you prioritize a light and smooth typing experience or a satisfying click with moderate actuation force. Both switches offer their own advantages, and it is up to you to decide which qualities are most important to you. In the end, the choice between these two switches will depend on your individual typing preferences and requirements.