Aflion Iceberg vs. Durock Sea Glass

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two standout options are the Aflion Iceberg and the Durock Sea Glass. The Iceberg switch, manufactured by Aflion, showcases the company's commitment to quality. With its satisfying smoothness and two-stage spring, typing on the Iceberg switch provides a fulfilling feel. Categorized as "clacky," "high-pitched," "snappy," "feathery," and "subtle," the Iceberg switch offers a range of sensations for a personalized typing experience. On the other hand, Durock presents the Sea Glass switch series, featuring five mesmerizing pastel colors. These switches exude a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness, thanks to their proprietary material blend. Despite the 62g bottom-out force, typing on Sea Glass switches feels weightless and frictionless. Their hollow sound signature adds a unique touch to the overall experience. Both switches have their own merits, but let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Aflion Iceberg Linear

Durock Sea Glass Linear

$3.50

$3.07 per 10

$5.80

$4.87 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Aflion Iceberg and the Durock Sea Glass differ in several aspects. The Iceberg utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which allows for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for use with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Sea Glass features a blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE for its top housing. This unique blend offers a pleasant sound profile that is not particularly sharp but leans towards the brighter side.

Moving on to the bottom housing, the Iceberg incorporates nylon as its material of choice. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Conversely, the Sea Glass utilizes a blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE for its bottom housing as well. This blend, like the top housing, offers a unique sound profile that is enjoyable. It is not particularly sharp but leans towards being brighter, providing a different experience compared to the Iceberg's nylon bottom housing.

When it comes to the impact on sound and feel, the differentiation between the top and bottom housings becomes evident. With a switch featuring different housing materials for its top and bottom, the qualities of each material will be split between the top and the bottom. When pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing's characteristics will be more noticeable, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Thus, the combination of housing materials in each switch contributes to a distinct typing experience and sound profile.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, some noticeable differences arise. The Iceberg exhibits a relatively lighter feel, with an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This lightness can be beneficial for extended typing sessions or marathon gaming sessions, as it allows for less strain on the fingers and wrists. In contrast, the Sea Glass presents a slightly heavier touch, with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams. This medium level of force provides a more substantial typing experience, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push feel while typing. Although the Iceberg leans towards the lighter side and the Sea Glass towards the heavier side, it is crucial to note that both switches offer distinct advantages. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired level of typing feedback one seeks.

Travel distance

The Aflion Iceberg linear switch has a travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the Durock Sea Glass linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. In terms of traditional travel distances, the Iceberg falls on the longer end at 4.0 mm, while the Sea Glass is slightly shallower at 3.8 mm. However, it is important to note that shorter travel distances have become more prevalent, particularly among gamers who value faster response times. If responsiveness is a priority for you, opting for the Sea Glass with its shorter travel distance may be the better choice. On the other hand, for those who prefer a deeper and more substantial keypress, the Iceberg with its longer travel distance might be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch is known for a clacky and high-pitched sound. When pressed, these switches produce a sharp and snappy sound that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch has a uniquely hollow sound signature. The sound emanates a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness, providing a different auditory experience compared to the Iceberg switch. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard layout and the type of keycaps being used. Therefore, it is possible to achieve similar sound results by carefully selecting the right combination of components.

When it comes to feel, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch offers a satisfying smoothness and a fulfilling feel due to its two-stage spring. The snappy characteristic of these switches makes the typing experience feel more alive, while their light actuation force reduces finger fatigue, making them suitable for extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch provides a frictionless typing experience, thanks to its proprietary material blend. These switches offer an extremely smooth and effortless travel, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. Additionally, the Sea Glass switches have a mild and approachable feel, standing in a safe middle-ground zone that suits a wide range of users. Like the Iceberg switch, the Sea Glass switch also features a feathery actuation force that reduces strain on the fingers during extended typing sessions.

Taking all the available information into account, it is clear that both the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch have their own unique qualities. The Iceberg switch is praised for its clacky sound and snappy feel, while the Sea Glass switch stands out with its distinct dry and hollow sound, as well as its frictionless and mild feel. Depending on personal preference, one might prefer the sharp and crisp sound of the Iceberg switch, while another might appreciate the hollow and unique sound signature of the Sea Glass switch. Both switches offer a light actuation force, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Therefore, regardless of the preferred sound and feel, users can achieve similar performance and satisfaction from both switches.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a light and smooth linear switch, the Aflion Iceberg is an excellent choice. With a bottom out force of 45 grams, it provides a satisfying and snappy feel, perfect for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. The Iceberg's clacky and high-pitched sound signature adds to its overall crispness and brightness, making it a great option for those who enjoy a sharper sound when typing.

On the other hand, if you are seeking a medium-weight switch with a distinct dry and wispier typing experience, the Durock Sea Glass is a fantastic option. With a bottom out force of 62 grams, these switches offer a weightlessness that defies expectations, providing a frictionless and effortless typing experience. The Sea Glass series is known for its captivating selection of pastel colors and a uniquely hollow sound signature, adding a touch of elegance and style to your keyboard.

Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Iceberg and Durock Sea Glass comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a lighter and snappier feel with a clacky sound, the Iceberg is the way to go. However, if you prefer a medium-weight switch with a dry and wispier typing experience, along with a weightless feel and distinct sound, the Sea Glass is the better option. Regardless of your choice, both switches offer exceptional smoothness and are excellent additions to any mechanical keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

Aflion Iceberg Linear

$3.50

$3.07 per 10

Learn more

Durock Sea Glass Linear

$5.80

$4.87 per 10

Learn more