Aflion Iceberg vs. Huano Sakura
An in-depth look at the Aflion Iceberg and the Huano Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Aflion Iceberg and Huano Sakura present compelling options for linear switch enthusiasts. The Iceberg, crafted by the relatively new Aflion brand, is widely praised for its smooth operation and satisfying feel, thanks in part to its innovative two-stage spring design. It provides a unique typing experience characterized by a combination of clackiness and a subtle high-pitched sound, making it an engaging choice for those who enjoy a more tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura offers a feather-light touch that is perfect for extended typing sessions, boasting medium acoustics that keep noise levels in check while providing a comfortable experience. Each switch appeals to different preferences—whether you prioritize smoothness and responsiveness like the Iceberg or the effortless touch of the Sakura. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Iceberg and Huano Sakura switches exhibit distinct characteristics in their top housings, primarily derived from the materials used. The Iceberg features a polycarbonate top housing which is known for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is largely due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic that facilitates a clearer and more resonant acoustical response. In contrast, the Sakura utilizes a POK top housing, made from polyketone, which emphasizes smoothness and durability. While POK provides a different auditory experience — one that tends toward a clackier sound due to its low coefficient of friction — it does not enhance light diffusion as effectively as polycarbonate does when paired with RGB lighting. Both materials contribute to a favorable auditory experience, but they accomplish this through different means, with polycarbonate shining in brightness and resonance, whereas POK focuses on smooth performance and durability.
When examining the bottom housings of both switches, it's clear that both the Iceberg and Sakura employ nylon, a classic material known for its deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's relatively softer nature allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, creating a rounder auditory experience. Hence, when comparing the bottom housing of the Iceberg and Sakura, their sound profiles are expected to be quite similar, as they share the same material. This commonality suggests that while the top housing materials diverge in their contributions to the overall sound signature, the fundamental impact of the nylon bottom housing will provide a consistent auditory feel across both switches, especially notable in the bottom-out sound when keys are pressed.
Ultimately, the differences in top housing materials between the Iceberg and Sakura balance out with their shared nylon bottom housings, creating a unique blend of auditory characteristics. While the Iceberg’s polycarbonate top lends itself to a sharper, more vibrant sound, the Sakura's POK top material offers additional smoothness and durability, albeit with a somewhat different tonal quality. The nylon bottom in both cases ensures that the deeper sound profiles remain consistent, allowing for a comparison that highlights the roles of the top housing and the impact of the chosen materials in producing a comprehensive sound experience. Therefore, when evaluating the Iceberg and Sakura side by side, one can expect notable differences attributed to the top housings, but also a harmonious acoustic foundation due to the use of nylon in the bottoms.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, one can note some similarities and differences in their force characteristics. The Iceberg has an actuation force of 37 grams, while the Sakura is slightly lighter at 35 grams. Both switches feature the same bottom out force of 45 grams, indicating that users will experience a comparable resistance when fully pressing down on either switch. This means that for those who value lighter typing experiences, the Sakura may be the more appealing choice, as its actuation force is lower. Conversely, users who prefer a heavier feel may find the Iceberg's slightly higher actuation force to provide that additional heft. Ultimately, if you choose either switch, you can expect similar bottoming out resistance while enjoying distinct actuation force preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, there is a clear distinction between the two. The Iceberg boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sakura measures slightly shorter at 3.6 mm. This difference means that the Iceberg offers a more pronounced tactile experience, appealing to those who prefer a deeper keypress, while the Sakura, with its shorter travel distance, may provide quicker response times favored by gamers seeking rapid feedback. Therefore, if one prefers a more responsive keypress, the Huano Sakura would be the ideal choice, while the Aflion Iceberg would suit those who appreciate a more substantial depth in their key presses.
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 Huano Sakura has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura for $3.29.
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 switches produce a sound profile that can be characterized as clacky and high-pitched. This means users can expect a sharp and snappy sound when they type, creating an engaging auditory experience that can enhance the overall typing dynamics. The crisp, bright tones generated by the Iceberg switches may appeal to users who enjoy a more vibrant auditory feedback. Conversely, while the Sakura switches do not have a described sound profile, they are noted for their medium acoustics. This suggests that those using Sakura switches will likely experience a more muted sound, providing a contrast to the more aggressive sound of the Iceberg.
In terms of tactile feel, the Iceberg switches stand out due to their snappy responsiveness and a light pressing experience. With their dual-stage spring design, these switches deliver a lively sensation, making each keypress feel instantaneous and enjoyable. Their feathery quality further reduces fatigue during prolonged typing sessions, making them suitable for gamers and professionals alike. The subtle resistance is also a feature that makes the Iceberg versatile for varied typing tasks. On the other hand, while the Sakura switches lack a specific tactile description, their feather-light touch indicates a potential similarity to the lighter aspects of the Iceberg, albeit with a different build.
In summary, if you prioritize sound, the Iceberg linear switches will provide a lively and crisp acoustic experience, while the Sakura switches may lean towards a more muted presentation. Feel-wise, the Iceberg offers a compelling combination of snappy responsiveness and low resistance, making it suitable for long typing sessions, while the Sakura's feather-light touch hints at a comfortable experience as well. Ultimately, while both switches have their unique characteristics, opting for either should yield an enjoyable typing experience with slight variations in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To wrap up, your choice between the Aflion Iceberg and the Huano Sakura switches will largely depend on your personal preferences and intended use case. If you appreciate a pronounced auditory experience and enjoy a snappy and responsive typing feel, the Iceberg switch would be a suitable option for you. Its clacky sound and two-stage spring mechanism contribute to a lively response that can enhance your typing efficiency, especially in fast-paced gaming or competitive environments. On the other hand, if you seek a quieter, softer touch for extended typing sessions without excessive finger strain, the Sakura switch stands out as an excellent choice. Its feather-light actuation and smooth performance provide comfort during long periods of use, making it ideal for office work, writing, or simply casual typing. Ultimately, both switches have light bottom-out forces of 45 grams, so your decision should lean towards the factors of sound profile and tactile feedback that best align with your typing or gaming needs.
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