Aflion Iceberg vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the Aflion Iceberg and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, Aflion offers two impressive options: the Aflion Iceberg and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring. Both switches showcase the exceptional quality that Aflion is known for, but they each offer distinct features to cater to different preferences. The Iceberg is a linear switch, known for its smoothness and satisfying feel. It provides a clacky and high-pitched typing experience, with a snappy and subtle tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is a tactile switch, offering a medium-high level of tactility. Thanks to its unique two-stage spring, it delivers deep and resonating thocks when typing. It provides a clacky, high-pitched, sharp, and accented typing experience, with a snappy, bouncy, and stepped tactile feedback. Both switches have their own merits, but let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
63g
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Spring
20mm dual-stage spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Iceberg and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring have similar housing materials for their top cases, both made of polycarbonate. This material creates a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile for both switches. Additionally, because polycarbonate is a relatively stiff plastic, it enhances clarity and resonance in the sound produced when typing on these switches. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate in the top housing is beneficial for those who plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows for better light diffusion and illumination.
However, where these two switches differ is in their bottom housing materials. The Iceberg utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which yields a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring features a polycarbonate bottom housing, complementing its polycarbonate top housing. This combination contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile for the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.
In terms of typing experience, the bottom housing material plays a significant role in the overall sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing material primarily affects the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, with the Iceberg, users will experience a deeper and fuller sound upon pressing the keys due to the nylon bottom housing. In contrast, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring will provide a sharper and higher-pitched sound on bottom-out due to the polycarbonate bottom housing. Both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials, providing options for users to choose based on their preference for sound and feel during typing.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play significant roles. The Iceberg has a relatively light actuation force of 37 grams, which means it requires a gentle touch to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. Similarly, the Iceberg has a light bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch has a medium bottom out force of 63 grams.
Considering weight as a factor, individuals who prefer lighter switches may opt for the Iceberg, as it allows for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. This lighter actuation and bottom out force is suitable for keyboards used in professional settings or during extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who desire a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience may choose the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch. With its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, this switch provides a more tactile feedback and a satisfying keystroke sensation. Despite their differences, both switches offer unique advantages to cater to different preferences.
Travel distance
The Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same 4 mm of travel distance. In terms of travel distance, these two switches offer similar results. Neither one is shorter or longer than the other, as they both provide the same distance for key presses. Therefore, whether you choose the Iceberg linear switch or the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, you can expect to feel the same travel distance when typing or gaming.
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 Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring for $3.57.
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 known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile. When pressed, it produces a crisp, bright, and percussive sound. Similarly, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch also has a clacky and high-pitched sound profile. Both switches provide a satisfying and sharp sound when typing, which can be described as crisp and percussive.
In terms of feel, the Iceberg switch offers a snappy and feathery experience. It has a two-stage spring that provides a fulfilling and responsive feel, making the typing experience feel more alive. Additionally, the Iceberg switch is described as having a subtle resistance, maintaining a light typing feel and a sound signature that is not resonant. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch offers a sharp and accented tactile feedback. Its strong and crisp tactile bump can be distinctly felt with each keypress. This switch also features a snappy and bouncy feel, providing a spring-like feedback sensation and a lively typing experience.
Based on the available information, both switches have their own unique qualities. The Iceberg switch offers a smooth and fulfilling feel, with a snappy and light typing experience. It provides a clacky and high-pitched sound that adds to the overall satisfaction of typing. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch offers a stronger tactile feedback with its sharp and accented bump. It provides a snappy and bouncy feel, creating a lively and responsive typing experience. Both switches are high-quality and deliver satisfying results.
It is worth noting that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. However, based on the available information, both the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch offer similar characteristics in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth linear switch with a light bottom out force and a satisfying feel, the Aflion Iceberg switch is the way to go. It offers a snappy and feathery feel, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. The Iceberg switch also produces a clacky and high-pitched sound, which can be appealing if you prefer crisp and bright sound profiles.
On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-high level of tactility, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is the perfect choice. With its long, two-staged spring, it provides a sharp and accented tactility that can be felt distinctly with each keypress. The Shadow switch also offers a snappy and bouncy feel, giving you a lively rebound when typing. Furthermore, it produces a clacky and high-pitched sound, similar to the Iceberg switch.
Overall, the decision between the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize a smooth and light linear switch, go for the Iceberg. If you prefer a tactile switch with a prominent level of tactility, opt for the Shadow switch. Both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their own unique characteristics.
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