Aflion Iceberg vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g

Overview

When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Iceberg and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g present two intriguing options for enthusiasts and casual users alike, both offering a linear feel but catering to different preferences. The Aflion Iceberg is a relatively new player in the switch market, yet it has quickly gained recognition for its impressive smoothness and satisfying responsive feedback, thanks to its unique two-stage spring design. Classified with descriptions such as 'clacky' and 'snappy', this switch is ideal for those who enjoy a pronounced tactile experience while typing. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g focuses on delivering a serene and quiet auditory experience, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize a peaceful environment without sacrificing typing comfort. With its ultra-light 43g bottom-out force, the Silent Sakura is perfect for lighter typists seeking a more subdued and gentle feel. 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

HMX Silent Sakura - 43g Linear

$3.50

$3.07 per 10

$3.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Aflion Iceberg and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches illustrate a fascinating contrast in sound profiles due to the different compositions used in their top housings. The Iceberg features a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is characterized by clarity and resonance. This is primarily because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, allowing for a more vibrant sound when the switch is activated. Conversely, the Silent Sakura - 43g employs a nylon top housing, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is softer than polycarbonate, absorbing sound and creating a duller, rounder acoustics when typing. Thus, while the Iceberg may offer a bright and clear auditory experience, the Silent Sakura provides a warmth that many typists might find more pleasing.

In contrast, the bottom housings of these two switches showcase the reverse of their top housing materials. The Iceberg utilizes nylon for its lower housing, bringing a similar depth and fullness to the typing experience as noted with its top housing counterpart. Conversely, the Silent Sakura's bottom housing is made from polycarbonate, reinforcing its crisper sound profile. This switch composition provides a defined click and clarity on the bottom-out sound, resonating through the polycarbonate structure. The differing materials create a unique blend of sound characteristics—while the Iceberg retains consistency across its housings with a deep, satisfying feel, the Silent Sakura’s varied material usage leads to a more complex interplay of auditory sensations.

Overall, the combined effects of the top and bottom housing materials of both switches yield distinct yet potentially complementary auditory and tactile experiences. If one were to use the Iceberg, the interaction between the sharpness of polycarbonate in the top and the depth of nylon in the bottom would yield a clear sound that is impactful at both the bottom and release levels. In the case of the Silent Sakura - 43g, the mixture of nylon and polycarbonate creates a versatile soundscape, enhancing the duller top sound with a strategically crisp bottom-out experience. Therefore, while the two switches differ in material composition, they can both deliver satisfying typing experiences—one through precise clarity and the other through rich fullness.

Weight

When comparing the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, we find both have an actuation force of 37 grams, resulting in a similar tactile response when typing or gaming. This means that users of either switch will experience the same level of effort needed to trigger a keystroke, making both switches suitable for long typing sessions or extended gameplay. However, the bottom out forces differ: the Iceberg has a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Silent Sakura tops out at a lighter 43 grams. Consequently, the Iceberg is perceived as the heavier of the two due to its higher bottom out force, providing a more substantial feel when fully pressed down. This difference may appeal to users who prefer the sensation of a firmer push at the end of a keystroke, whereas the Silent Sakura will feel slightly lighter during that bottoming out phase. Overall, the choice between these two switches may depend on whether one prioritizes a softer landing or prefers a heavier tactile experience.

Travel distance

Both the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch share the same travel distance of 4 mm. This similarity means that users can expect a consistent key press experience when using either switch, resulting in comparable actuation and tactile feedback. Since both switches have an equal travel distance, those seeking a specific feel in their typing or gaming experience will likely find similar results regardless of their choice between the two options. Consequently, neither switch is shorter or longer than the other, allowing users to confidently select either switch without concern for travel distance discrepancies.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound quality, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch is characterized by a distinctively clacky and high-pitched auditory profile. This means that each keypress produces a sharp, crisp, and percussive sound, making it particularly engaging for users who enjoy a responsive auditory feedback during typing. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g is engineered for a completely different experience, focusing on a whisper-quiet operation ideal for those seeking a serene typing atmosphere. Unfortunately, the specifics of the sound profile for the Silent Sakura switches are not detailed, but it is clear that they are designed to minimize noise compared to traditional linear switches.

In terms of feel, the Iceberg offers a dynamic typing experience with descriptors such as snappy, feathery, and subtle. The dual-stage spring contributes to a responsive and lively interaction, making it feel enlivening as users type. The light actuation force of the Iceberg reduces finger fatigue, making it suitable for long typing sessions. Conversely, the Silent Sakura - 43g is tailored to lightweight typists, boasting an ultra-light actuation force. Although the tactile characteristics of the Silent Sakura weren't specifically described, the focus on a quiet and serene typing experience suggests it aims for softness and ease of keystroke without the attentiveness demanded by heavier switches.

In conclusion, while both the Aflion Iceberg and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches aim to deliver optimal typing experiences, they cater to distinct user preferences. The Iceberg switch is suitable for those who appreciate vibrant acoustic feedback and a dynamic tactile sensation, while the Silent Sakura positions itself for users seeking a quiet, unintrusive typing environment. Choosing between these two would ultimately boil down to your individual prioritization of sound versus silence, along with your desired typing feel in relation to grip and actuation force.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch should ultimately reflect your typing preferences and the environments in which you will be using your keyboard. If you desire a lively, responsive typing experience with a distinct clacky sound, the Iceberg switch is well-suited for you. Its 45g bottom out force, slightly heavier than the Silent Sakura’s, offers a satisfying tactile feedback that can enhance your overall experience, particularly during fast-paced gaming or when you want to feel more engaged with each keystroke. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quieter and more serene typing experience for work or shared spaces, the Silent Sakura - 43g is the better option. With an ultra-light 43g actuation force, it allows for gentle keystrokes that are ideal for extended typing sessions without causing finger fatigue, all while producing a whisper-quiet sound. In summary, consider the Iceberg if you value a more dynamic and tactile feel, and choose the Silent Sakura when a quieter and softer touch is your priority.

Mentioned in this article

Aflion Iceberg Linear

$3.50

$3.07 per 10

Learn more

HMX Silent Sakura - 43g Linear

$3.50 per 10

Learn more