Aflion Iceberg vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the Aflion Iceberg and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Aflion Iceberg and KTT Sea Salt Lemon are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer different features and characteristics for users to consider. Aflion, although a relatively new switch manufacturer, has showcased their high-quality switches through the Iceberg. This linear switch boasts a satisfying smoothness and a fulfilling feel, thanks to its two-stage spring. The Iceberg is known to be clacky, high-pitched, snappy, feathery, and subtle, providing a diverse typing experience. On the other hand, KTT's Sea Salt Lemon represents a different take on linear switches. These switches offer a buttery smooth typing experience, courtesy of their progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design. Categorized as low-pitched, neutral, and mild, the Sea Salt Lemon provides a more subdued and balanced feel. Both switches have their own unique attributes, presenting potential users with a choice to make. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
No
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
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Iceberg and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon both have polycarbonate top housings, which brings similar qualities to the switches. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffness. Additionally, its translucency makes it ideal for RGB lighting. Therefore, both keyboards will produce a clear and resonant sound, while also offering the option for customizable lighting effects.
However, when it comes to the bottom housings, the Iceberg and the Sea Salt Lemon differ in their choice of materials. The Iceberg utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing on the switches. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon also features a nylon bottom housing, meaning it will provide the same deeper and fuller sound profile.
Considering the impact of each housing material on the overall sound and feel of the switches, the Iceberg and the Sea Salt Lemon will have slightly different characteristics. Pressing down on these switches will primarily reveal the qualities of the bottom housing, with the Iceberg offering a deeper and fuller sound due to its nylon bottom housing, while the Sea Salt Lemon will have a similar effect. Conversely, the top housing will have a stronger influence on the sound when releasing a key, providing a sharp and crisp sound for both keyboards due to the polycarbonate material used.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Iceberg has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Sea Salt Lemon's 45 grams, making it easier to trigger a keystroke on the Iceberg switch. Similarly, the Iceberg has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams compared to the Sea Salt Lemon's 53 grams, indicating that it requires less force to press the keys all the way down on the Iceberg switch. Overall, both switches have similar characteristics as they both offer a light actuation force and bottom out force, providing a comfortable typing experience for those who prefer lighter switches. However, the Sea Salt Lemon switch requires slightly more force for both actuation and bottoming out, giving it a slightly more substantial typing experience compared to the Iceberg switch. Therefore, if you prefer a lighter and easier typing experience, the Iceberg switch would be a suitable choice, whereas if you prefer a slightly heavier and more substantial typing feel, the Sea Salt Lemon switch is the way to go.
Travel distance
Both the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel a consistent 4 mm of travel distance. Consequently, both switches provide a similar tactile experience and response to the user. In terms of travel distance, there is no difference between the two switches as they offer identical results.
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 Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80 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
The Aflion Iceberg linear switch is best known for its satisfying smoothness and fulfilling feel. With its two-stage spring, the Iceberg provides a smooth typing experience that users will find enjoyable. In terms of sound, the Iceberg is described as clacky and high-pitched, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. This sound profile can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive.
On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch is also a lovely representation of a linear switch. It is known for its buttery smooth typing experience, thanks to its progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design. In terms of sound, the Sea Salt Lemon has a low-pitched sound profile, which is more bass-heavy and mellow compared to higher-pitched switches. It is also described as having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes and preferences.
In terms of feel, the Iceberg switch offers a snappy and feathery typing experience. The snappy characteristic of the switch makes it super responsive, while the feathery feel means it is exceptionally light to press, reducing finger fatigue. The Iceberg switch also has a subtle resistance, maintaining a light typing feel and a non-resonant sound signature, making it suitable for shared spaces.
The Sea Salt Lemon switch, on the other hand, provides a milder typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. It offers a gentle feel that stands in a safe, middle-ground zone. Unfortunately, specific details about the Sea Salt Lemon's feel are not provided in the given information.
In conclusion, both the Aflion Iceberg and KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Iceberg switch provides a smooth and fulfilling typing experience with a snappy and feathery feel. It has a clacky and high-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon switch offers a buttery smooth typing experience with a milder feel. It has a low-pitched sound profile and is described as having a neutral sound profile. While both switches have their own distinct qualities, they can provide similar results in terms of smoothness and overall satisfaction.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a light switch with a smooth profile and a satisfying feel, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch would be a great choice. With its light bottom out force of 45 grams and two-stage spring, you can expect a fulfilling and responsive typing experience. The Iceberg is also known for its clacky and high-pitched sound, which can add a crisp and bright element to your typing.
On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier switch with a buttery smooth typing experience, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch is worth considering. With a bottom out force of 53 grams and a progressive spring, these switches offer a satisfying tactile feel. The Sea Salt Lemon is also known for its low-pitched and neutral sound, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches.
In terms of feel, the Iceberg offers a snappy and feathery experience, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. It also has a subtle resistance and a non-resonant sound signature, making it suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon provides a mild and gentle typing experience, standing in a safe middle-ground zone.
Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Iceberg and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon depends on your personal preferences. Consider factors such as bottom out force, smoothness, sound profile, and typing feel to find the switch that suits your needs best.
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