Aflion Iceberg vs. KTT Purple Star
An in-depth look at the Aflion Iceberg and the KTT Purple Star switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Iceberg and KTT Purple Star both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Iceberg, a linear switch from the relatively new switch manufacturer Aflion, is praised for its smoothness and satisfying feel due to its two-stage spring design. It is characterized as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Snappy', 'Feathery', and 'Subtle'. On the other hand, the Purple Star, another linear switch, boasts an all-POM construction that provides a buttery smooth typing experience with a neutral sound signature. With a very light 45g bottom-out, it is ideal for light typists seeking ease and comfort, categorized as 'Mild', 'Low-pitched', and 'Easy-to-press'. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Iceberg and the KTT Purple Star, one can see that they both offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The Iceberg's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound, while the Purple Star's POM top housing offers a deeper and more muted sound. This contrast in sound profiles allows users to choose between a high-pitched, resonant sound in the Iceberg or a deeper, more muffled sound in the Purple Star. Despite these differences, both switches utilize materials that enhance the overall typing experience, providing users with a satisfying feel and sound while typing.
When it comes to the bottom housing materials, the Iceberg's nylon bottom housing and the Purple Star's POM bottom housing both contribute to creating a fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound in the Iceberg. On the other hand, POM's characteristics lead to a deeper and muted sound in the Purple Star. While the sound profiles may differ slightly between the two switches, they both offer a unique typing experience that caters to users looking for a particular sound and feel while typing.
Overall, the combination of top and bottom housing materials in a switch plays a significant role in determining the overall sound and feel of the typing experience. Whether it's the stiffer polycarbonate top housing of the Iceberg or the softer nylon bottom housing of the same switch, each material brings its unique characteristics to the table. Similarly, the POM top and bottom housing of the Purple Star work together to provide a cohesive sound profile that caters to users seeking a deeper and more muted typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct qualities that appeal to different preferences, making them both viable options for keyboard enthusiasts looking for a unique typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, we find that both switches are relatively light. The Iceberg has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Purple Star has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. Both switches are lightweight, making them suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. However, the Purple Star requires slightly more force to actuate and bottom out compared to the Iceberg. For users who enjoy a more substantial typing feel, the Purple Star may be the preferred choice. Overall, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces between the two switches are minimal, so users can expect similar results in terms of typing experience.
Travel distance
The Aflion Iceberg linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the KTT Purple Star linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the KTT Purple Star has a shorter travel distance compared to the Aflion Iceberg. The 0.5 mm may not seem like much, but it can make a difference in the typing experience. The Aflion Iceberg with its longer travel distance may provide a more traditional typing feel, which some users may prefer for a more substantial keypress. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star with its shorter travel distance may offer a quicker response time, which can be advantageous for gamers or those who prefer a more nimble typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
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 Star comes in at $4.88 per 10 switches.
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
In terms of sound, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound when pressed, giving a sharp and crisp auditory feedback. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star linear switch provides a low-pitched sound profile which is more bass-heavy and mellow in comparison. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Iceberg delivering a sharper sound and the Purple Star having a more mellow tone. The choice between the two would depend on personal preference and the overall sound profile desired in a typing experience.
Moving on to the feel, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch provides a snappy and feathery typing experience due to its dual-stage spring construction. This results in a responsive and light typing feel, reducing finger fatigue and making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. Additionally, the Iceberg switch offers a subtle resistance with a gentle typing feel, making it suitable for shared spaces where noise may be a concern. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star linear switch offers a mild and easy-to-press typing experience, with gentle resistance and minimal force required to activate the keys. This enhances the typing experience by providing a responsive and low-impact feel that is approachable to most users.
In conclusion, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. While the Iceberg switch provides a sharper and more responsive typing experience with a clacky sound profile, the Purple Star switch offers a mellow and easy-to-press feel with a low-pitched sound signature. Both switches aim to enhance the typing experience by providing distinct qualities that meet the needs of different users. Ultimately, the choice between the Iceberg and Purple Star switches would depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, consider the following guidelines based on your preferences. If you prefer a slightly lighter bottom-out force and a smooth typing experience with a satisfying feel, then the Iceberg may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a buttery smooth typing experience with an extremely light bottom-out force and a neutral sound signature, then the Purple Star could be the perfect match for your typing needs. Additionally, if you prefer a keyboard switch with a snappier and higher-pitched sound profile, the Iceberg may be more suitable for you, whereas if you prefer a low-pitched sound and a mild, easy-to-press feel, the Purple Star might be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall experience you seek in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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