Aflion Iceberg vs. TTC Silent Red

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, it's important to consider both the feel and sound profile. Two popular options to consider are the Aflion Iceberg and the TTC Silent Red switches. The Iceberg switches, manufactured by Aflion, are relatively new but have quickly gained a reputation for their high quality. These linear switches offer a satisfying smoothness and a fulfilling feel, thanks to their two-stage spring design. They are categorized as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Snappy', 'Feathery', and 'Subtle'. On the other hand, the Silent Red switches, known for their seamless typing experience and noise reduction, are perfect for office or shared living spaces. These linear switches have a muted sound profile and a smooth, consistent feel from top to bottom. They are categorized as 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Muted', and 'Polished'. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Aflion Iceberg Linear

TTC Silent Red Linear

$3.50

$3.07 per 10

$5.28

$4.38 per 10

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Housing materials

The Aflion Iceberg and the TTC Silent Red both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing material. This choice results in similar benefits for both switches. Polycarbonate's stiffness as a plastic creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for those seeking a more clear and resonant typing experience. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate allows for excellent compatibility with RGB lighting, making it a popular option for users looking to illuminate their keyboards.

In terms of bottom housing material, the Iceberg and Silent Red differ, with the Iceberg incorporating nylon while the Silent Red also utilizes nylon. Nylon, being a softer plastic, contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches. This is because the material absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, users can expect a similar acoustic experience when using both the Iceberg and Silent Red, as the properties of nylon in the bottom housing promote a consistent typing sound.

Despite using different materials for top and bottom housings, the impact of these components on the overall user experience is different. When pressing down on either the Iceberg or Silent Red switch, the qualities of the bottom housing are more noticeable, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing has a greater influence on the sound produced when releasing a key. Hence, while the housing materials offer similar sound characteristics, the tactile feedback experienced by users may vary slightly between the two switches.

In summary, the Aflion Iceberg and TTC Silent Red share the benefits of polycarbonate top housing, delivering a sharper and crisper sound profile, particularly when combined with RGB lighting. Their nylon bottom housing materials also contribute to a deeper and fuller sound during typing, absorbing more sound and creating a rounder tone. Although the bottom housing has a more distinct impact on the overall typing experience, the top housing's qualities influence the sound when releasing keys. Ultimately, these switches offer comparable results in terms of sound profile and tactile feedback, with slight variations based on the specific housing materials used.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, it is clear that they have distinct differences. The Iceberg has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, which means less pressure is needed to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the Silent Red requires 45 grams of force to actuate, making it slightly heavier.

Moving on to the bottom out force, the Iceberg requires 45 grams of force to fully press the key, providing a light and comfortable typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Red has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it medium-heavy and offering a more substantial typing feel.

Considering the weight aspect, individuals who prefer a lighter switch may find the Iceberg more suitable for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions. Its lower actuation and bottom out forces allow for a smoother and less strenuous typing experience. Conversely, for those who enjoy a stronger and more pronounced keystroke, the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Silent Red provide a more substantial typing experience.

In summary, the Aflion Iceberg and TTC Silent Red switches differ in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Iceberg is lighter in both aspects, offering a comfortable and smooth typing experience, while the Silent Red is medium-heavy, providing a more robust and satisfying keystroke.

Travel distance

The Aflion Iceberg linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Silent Red linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with 4.0 mm being the more common depth and 3.0 mm being the shallowest. The shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm in the Silent Red switch makes it a preferred choice for gamers who prioritize faster response times. On the other hand, some individuals may find the shorter travel distance too abrupt and prefer the more substantial depth provided by the 4 mm travel distance in the Iceberg switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Aflion Iceberg switches have a clacky and high-pitched profile. This means that they produce a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, similar to that of a crisp and bright percussion. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red switches have a muted sound profile. They produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. If you prefer a more rich and bassy sound, the Iceberg switches would be a better choice. However, if you want a more quiet and subtle typing experience, the Silent Red switches are perfect for that.

In terms of feel, the Iceberg switches offer a snappy, feathery, and subtle experience. They are super responsive with a longer or dual-staged spring, making the typing experience feel more alive. They are also exceptionally light to press, reducing finger fatigue and making them comfortable for extended typing sessions. The typing feel is gentle and the sound signature is not resonant, making them suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red switches provide a buttery, mild, and polished typing experience. They offer a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. They have a gentle typing feel, suitable for most users, and the smooth key travel ensures reduced friction.

Overall, the Iceberg and TTC Silent Red switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Iceberg switches have a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, while the Silent Red switches have a muted sound profile. In terms of feel, the Iceberg switches are snappy, feathery, and subtle, while the Silent Red switches are buttery, mild, and polished. Depending on your personal preferences, you can choose between a more crisp and bright sound with a fulfilling feel or a quieter sound with a smooth and fluid typing experience. Both switches offer satisfying qualities, so if you prefer one over the other, you can expect similar results in terms of the chosen characteristic.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you prioritize a light typing experience with a satisfying smoothness and a fulfilling feel, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch is the way to go. These switches have a bottom out force of 45 grams, making them exceptionally light and comfortable for extended typing sessions. They also have a snappy and subtle feel, with a gentle resistance that is suitable for shared spaces. In terms of sound, the Iceberg switches produce a clacky and high-pitched sound, giving you a crisp and bright typing experience.

On the other hand, if you value a smooth and seamless typing experience without the noise, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is your best bet. With a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, these switches provide a mild and buttery feel, giving you a uniform and effortless typing sensation. They also have a muted sound profile, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. The Silent Reds are perfect for office or shared living space use, where a quiet environment is essential.

Ultimately, your choice between the Aflion Iceberg and TTC Silent Red switches depends on your preferences for typing feel and sound. If you prefer a lighter and crisper typing experience, go for the Iceberg. If you prioritize smoothness and a quieter sound, go for the Silent Reds. Consider your environment and typing preferences to make the best decision for your needs.

Mentioned in this article

Aflion Iceberg Linear

$3.50

$3.07 per 10

Learn more

TTC Silent Red Linear

$5.28

$4.38 per 10

Learn more