Aflion Iceberg vs. TTC Silent Frozen (V2)
An in-depth look at the Aflion Iceberg and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Aflion Iceberg and the TTC Silent Frozen are two mechanical keyboard switches that both offer unique characteristics and features. The Iceberg, produced by the relatively new switch manufacturer Aflion, is best known for its exceptional smoothness and satisfying feel. With its two-stage spring, typing on the Iceberg switch provides a snappy and fulfilling experience. Categorized as clacky, high-pitched, snappy, feathery, and subtle, the Iceberg switch is ideal for those who enjoy a tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen switch, known for its extremely quiet sound profile, offers a smooth and pillowy feel. Categorized as thocky, low-pitched, creamy, buttery, muted, feathery, subtle, and polished, the Silent Frozen switch provides a more subtle and refined typing experience. Both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles, providing users with the option to choose based on their personal preference. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best choice for your keyboard setup.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
39g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Spring
Silver white spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Iceberg and the TTC Silent Frozen both utilize polycarbonate as their top housing material. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a clear and resonant sound experience, making it an ideal material for those seeking precise and defined typing feedback. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, adding an aesthetic appeal to the switches.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Iceberg utilizes nylon while the Silent Frozen features a polycarbonate bottom housing. This is where their differences come into play. The Iceberg's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its relatively softer plastic. Nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a muffled and rounded sound experience. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen's polycarbonate bottom housing aligns with the top housing's properties, contributing to a sharper and crisper sound profile overall.
While the top and bottom housing materials differ between the Aflion Iceberg and the TTC Silent Frozen, their impact on the overall typing experience remains similar. The bottom housing of both switches influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has a greater effect on the sound produced when a key is released. This balance between the two housing materials allows users to have control over the sound profile they desire and brings versatility to their typing experience. Whether it is the deeper and fuller sound of nylon or the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate, both switches offer distinct options for those seeking different auditory feedback.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch, there are a few key differences. The Iceberg has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, while the Silent Frozen has a slightly heavier actuation force of 39 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Iceberg requires a force of 45 grams, whereas the Silent Frozen requires 43 grams. Therefore, both switches have similar actuation forces, but the Iceberg is slightly lighter in terms of bottom out force. This lighter weight can be advantageous for those who prefer a keyboard that allows them to type for longer periods of time, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. However, for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Silent Frozen offers a slightly heavier option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Aflion Iceberg linear switch boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, making it a more traditional option in terms of travel distance. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes it a more shallow option compared to the Iceberg. In recent times, shorter travel distances have become popular, especially among gamers who value faster response times. For those who prioritize a more responsive typing experience, the Silent Frozen switch with its shorter travel distance would be the preferred choice. However, some individuals find short travel distances to be too abrupt and prefer a deeper typing experience. In such cases, the Iceberg switch with its longer travel distance would be the more suitable option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences and typing requirements.
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 TTC Silent Frozen (V2) has an MSRP of $8.61 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Frozen (V2) for $5.33.
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
When it comes to sound, the Aflion Iceberg switch is best described as clacky and high-pitched. It produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, creating a crisp and bright sound profile. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen switch is characterized as thocky, low-pitched, and muted. It produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed, with a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Additionally, the Silent Frozen switches minimize noise, resulting in a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps. Overall, while the Iceberg has a clacky and high-pitched sound, the Silent Frozen offers a thocky, low-pitched, and muted sound profile.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Iceberg switch provides a satisfying smoothness and a fulfilling feel. It is described as snappy, feathery, and subtle. The Iceberg switch's snappy and responsive nature comes from its two-stage spring, making the typing experience feel more alive. It also has a light actuation force, reducing finger fatigue and strain, making it comfortable for long typing sessions. Moreover, the Iceberg switch has a gentle resistance and a sound signature that is not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen switch offers a creamy and buttery typing experience. It provides a smooth and buttery sensation, allowing your fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys. It also provides a seamless and uniform typing sensation. Additionally, like the Iceberg switch, the Silent Frozen switch is also described as feathery, subtle, and polished, further enhancing the smoothness of the typing experience. Therefore, both switches offer a smooth and satisfying feel, with the Silent Frozen switch providing a creamy and buttery sensation.
In conclusion, the Aflion Iceberg and TTC Silent Frozen switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Iceberg switch has a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, providing a crisp and bright sound, while the Silent Frozen switch offers a thocky, low-pitched, and muted sound, creating a deep and mellow tone. In terms of feel, the Iceberg switch is snappy, feathery, and subtle, providing a smooth and fulfilling typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen switch is creamy, buttery, feathery, subtle, and polished, enhancing the smoothness and fluidity of keystrokes. It's important to consider personal preferences and the specific requirements of your typing environment when choosing between these switches. However, both switches share the common qualities of being smooth and satisfying, ensuring an enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch, there are a few key factors to consider.
First, in terms of force required to bottom out, both switches are quite light, with the Iceberg at 45 grams and the Silent Frozen at 43 grams. This makes both switches comfortable for extended typing sessions, reducing finger fatigue.
Sound-wise, the Iceberg switch is described as clacky and high-pitched, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen switch is known for its thocky, low-pitched, and muted sound profile. If you prefer a sharper and brighter sound, the Iceberg is a good choice. However, if you prefer a deeper, bass-heavy, and quieter sound, the Silent Frozen is the way to go.
In terms of feel, the Iceberg switch offers a satisfying smoothness and a fulfilling feel due to its two-stage spring. It is described as snappy, feathery, and subtle. On the other hand, the Silent Frozen switch provides a creamy, buttery, feathery, subtle, and polished typing experience. It is exceptionally smooth and offers effortless key travel.
Ultimately, if you prioritize a light and smooth typing experience with a sharp and bright sound, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch would be a great choice for you. However, if you prefer a deeper, bass-heavy, and quieter sound with an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience, the TTC Silent Frozen linear switch would be the better option.
In the end, the choice between the Iceberg and the Silent Frozen switches comes down to personal preference regarding sound, feel, and typing experience. Consider your own preferences and priorities to make the right decision for you.