Aflion Iceberg vs. Dareu Sky POM
An in-depth look at the Aflion Iceberg and the Dareu Sky POM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Aflion Iceberg and Dareu Sky POM mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Iceberg from Aflion, known for its smoothness and two-stage spring, provides a satisfying feel with qualities such as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Snappy', 'Feathery', and 'Subtle'. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM stands out for its POM material construction, delivering a clacky sound, exceptional smoothness, and gentle actuation force, categorized as 'Buttery', 'Low-pitched', 'Creamy', and 'Silky'. Depending on whether you prefer a smoother, more nuanced typing experience with the Iceberg or a clackier, buttery feel with the Sky POM, both switches offer their own set of advantages. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Iceberg and the Dareu Sky POM offer unique qualities that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Iceberg's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Sky POM's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, offering a different auditory experience. Despite their differences, both materials play a significant role in shaping the sound produced by the switches.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Iceberg and the Sky POM feature nylon bottom housings that contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches using this material. This similarity in bottom housing material showcases how the Aflion Iceberg and the Dareu Sky POM aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with the qualities of nylon shining through in the sound produced by the switches.
It is worth noting that the qualities of the top and bottom housing materials of a switch can impact different aspects of the typing experience. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing is more prominent in the sound when releasing a key. By incorporating different housing materials for the top and bottom, manufacturers can achieve a balance of sound characteristics that cater to a variety of preferences and typing styles. Whether it be the stiffer polycarbonate of the Iceberg or the softer nylon of the Sky POM, the housing materials play a crucial role in shaping the overall performance of the switches.
Weight
The Aflion Iceberg linear switch is lighter in both actuation and bottom out force compared to the Dareu Sky POM linear switch. The Iceberg requires 37 grams of actuation force and 45 grams of bottom out force, while the Sky POM demands 40 grams of actuation force with the bottom out force being unknown. For those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing or gaming sessions, the Iceberg may be the preferable choice. On the other hand, those seeking a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Sky POM, assuming its bottom out force is on the heavier side. Both switches provide different typing experiences due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces, but the choice ultimately depends on the user's personal preference for key feel and weight.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, it is clear that the Iceberg has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Sky POM's 3.8 mm. Both fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Iceberg being closer to the standard 4.0 mm mark. Gamers may favor the slightly shorter travel distance of the Sky POM for a faster response time, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Iceberg. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and key feel.
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 Dareu Sky POM has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sky POM for $4.98.
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 linear switch is best described as clacky and high-pitched, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM linear switch is characterized by a low-pitched sound, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. The choice between the two switches will depend on the sound profile you prefer, as well as other factors such as your choice of keyboard and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Iceberg switch is known for its snappy and feathery typing experience, combining super responsiveness with a light actuation force that reduces finger fatigue. In contrast, the Dareu Sky POM switch is described as buttery, creamy, and silky, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is exceptionally smooth and minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Again, the choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for typing feel and whether you prioritize responsiveness or smoothness.
Overall, both the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a clacky, high-pitched sound with a snappy and feathery typing experience, the Iceberg switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a low-pitched sound with a buttery, creamy, and silky typing experience, the Sky POM switch could be the better option. Ultimately, both switches provide premium quality and satisfying typing experiences, so you can expect similar results in terms of overall performance and satisfaction.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams and a smooth, satisfying typing experience with a two-stage spring, then the Iceberg switch may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch crafted entirely from POM material that offers a clacky sound, exceptional smoothness, and a gentle actuation force, the Sky POM switch could be the ideal option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and what qualities are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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