Aflion Iceberg vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the Aflion Iceberg and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Aflion Iceberg and the KTT Strawberry are both mechanical keyboard switches known for their unique characteristics and exceptional performance. The Iceberg, produced by relatively new switch manufacturer Aflion, showcases the company's commitment to producing high-quality switches. With a smooth surface and a two-stage spring mechanism, this linear switch offers a satisfying and fulfilling feel during typing sessions. Categorized as "clacky," "high-pitched," "snappy," "feathery," and "subtle," the Iceberg is loved for its distinct tactile experience. On the other hand, the Strawberry, beloved for its attractive pink and clear housings, boasts smooth actuation, a comfortable feel, and reliable functioning. With its "low-pitched," "frictionless," "silky," "buttery," and "polished" characteristics, the Strawberry delivers a delightful typing experience. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities to help you choose the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Aflion Iceberg and the KTT Strawberry both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting, adding a visually appealing aspect to the switches. Thus, both the Iceberg and the Strawberry will provide similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics when it comes to their polycarbonate top housing.
However, the materials of their bottom housings differ. The Iceberg utilizes nylon, a classic switch housing material, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon's softer nature allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Strawberry uses a polycarbonate bottom housing. This contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, similar to its top housing. The stiffness of polycarbonate aids in creating a clear and resonant sound. While the Iceberg focuses on a more subdued sound with its nylon bottom housing, the Strawberry prioritizes a consistent and vibrant sound with its polycarbonate bottom housing.
In terms of the overall typing experience, the qualities of the switch housing materials are distributed between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing's characteristics come into play, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, when releasing a key, the top housing affects the sound produced. Both the Iceberg and the Strawberry will provide a distinct typing experience based on the combination of their top and bottom housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, it becomes apparent that there are notable differences between the two. Starting with the actuation force, the Iceberg requires a lighter touch, with a force of 37 grams, while the Strawberry necessitates a slightly stronger push, with an actuation force of 43 grams. However, both switches offer relatively light actuation forces compared to other options available on the market.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Iceberg requires 45 grams of force to fully press down, while the Strawberry demands a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams. This means that individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience may find the Strawberry switch more suitable due to the greater force required to fully engage the keystroke.
Considering the weight aspect, it is worth noting that the Iceberg is lighter overall in terms of both actuation and bottom out forces. This lighter weight can be beneficial for individuals who prefer extended typing sessions or engage in prolonged gaming sessions, as it reduces strain on the fingers and allows for increased endurance. On the other hand, the Strawberry switch offers a slightly heavier feel, which may be desirable for those seeking a more pronounced tactile feedback and a sense of stability while typing.
In summary, while the Iceberg and Strawberry linear switches differ in their actuation and bottom out forces, both options provide satisfying typing experiences. The Iceberg offers a lighter touch and a relatively light overall feel, making it ideal for longer sessions of use. Conversely, the Strawberry switch provides a slightly stronger push and a heavier overall weight, appealing to individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preferences and the desired typing feel.
Travel distance
The Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches travel 4 mm from the top to the bottom, providing users with a consistent and familiar typing experience. Whether you choose the Iceberg or the Strawberry, you can expect similar results in terms of the distance you feel when pressing down on a key. The equal travel distance of these switches ensures that users can enjoy the same comfortable and satisfying typing experience regardless of their choice.
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 KTT Strawberry comes in at $4.91 per 10 switches.
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 has a clacky sound profile, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. It can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry linear switch has a low-pitched sound profile, featuring a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Depending on factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps, both switches can provide satisfying sound experiences, albeit with different characteristics.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch offers a snappy and fulfilling typing experience. This is due to its two-stage spring, which adds responsiveness and makes the typing experience feel more alive. It also has a subtle resistance and a sound signature that is not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry linear switch provides a frictionless and silky typing experience. It offers an exceptionally smooth and effortless feel, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. It can also be described as buttery and polished, providing a seamless and refined typing sensation.
Based on the available information, both the Aflion Iceberg and KTT Strawberry switches offer subjective qualities that keyboard enthusiasts appreciate. The Iceberg switch is known for its smoothness and fulfilling feel, coupled with a clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Strawberry switch is loved for its smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance, accompanied by a low-pitched sound profile. While there may be differences in sound and feel, both switches offer positive experiences for users. If you are looking for a switch with similar qualities to either the Iceberg or Strawberry, you can expect to achieve comparable results in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a light and smooth linear switch, the Aflion Iceberg would be a great choice for you. With a bottom out force of 45 grams, it provides a satisfying smoothness and a fulfilling feel due to its two-stage spring. The Iceberg switch is best known for its smooth actuation and comfortable typing experience. Additionally, it is described as clacky and high-pitched, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. If you prefer a switch that is super responsive and requires little exertion from your fingers, the Iceberg is a good option. On the other hand, if you are looking for a medium-weight linear switch with an exceptionally smooth typing experience, the KTT Strawberry would be a suitable choice. With a bottom out force of 62 grams, it offers a frictionless and silky typing feel, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. The Strawberry switch is known for its smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance. It is described as low-pitched, producing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Ultimately, your choice between the Iceberg and Strawberry switches will depend on whether you prioritize a lighter feel with a satisfying smoothness (Iceberg) or a medium-weight feel with an exceptionally smooth typing experience (Strawberry).
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