Aflion Iceberg vs. Huano Strawberry Latte

Overview

When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the Aflion Iceberg and the Huano Strawberry Latte are two compelling linear options, each offering its own unique characteristics. The Iceberg, from the relatively new switch manufacturer Aflion, is celebrated for its stellar smoothness and a fulfilling feel thanks to its innovative two-stage spring. It features a distinctive sound profile that is described as clacky, high-pitched, snappy, feathery, and subtle, making it a delight for those who appreciate auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Strawberry Latte from Huano boasts an ultra-smooth experience, tapping into the latest mold technology to provide a balanced sound profile that strikes a perfect harmony—neither too quiet nor overly resonant. Both switches cater to different user preferences; the Iceberg might appeal to those seeking a more dynamic auditory experience, while the Strawberry Latte is ideal for users who prefer a smoother, less intrusive typing sound. 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

Huano Strawberry Latte Linear

$3.50

$3.07 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Aflion Iceberg and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches present a fascinating study in the use of materials for sound engineering in keyboards. The Iceberg utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile with enhanced resonance. This stiff material allows the sound waves to travel more effectively, resulting in a crisper auditory experience. Additionally, its translucence makes polycarbonate an ideal choice for RGB lighting setups, allowing for vibrant illumination that enhances the overall aesthetic of the switches. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte opts for a POK top housing, which, while also contributing to a smooth and gratifying tactile experience, does so through a different mechanism. The POK material, characterized by its strength and lower coefficient of friction, brings a slightly softer touch to the keys, focusing on creating a clacky sound influenced by its material properties rather than sheer clarity.

When analyzing the bottom housings, both switches utilize nylon, a classic choice that delivers a richer, fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. This shared material offers a consistent quality across both switches: the absorbent nature of nylon helps tame the harsher frequencies, thereby producing a rounder sound that enhances the user’s experience during typing. Although the top housings diverge significantly in their reactions—producing varying tonal qualities—the uniformity of nylon at the bottom ensures that both switches will provide a satisfying typing experience. When the key is bottomed out, the deeper tones from the nylon will resonate similarly across both models, acting as a common ground in an otherwise contrasting sound design.

Ultimately, while the Iceberg and Strawberry Latte switches showcase different materials for their top housings, the use of nylon in both switches serves to unify their auditory output when typing. The Iceberg’s polycarbonate upper brings forth a high-pitched clarity, while the Strawberry Latte's POK top creates an engaging clack, yet both will exhibit that deep, full sound signature characteristic of nylon in their bottom housings. This juxtaposition allows both switches to cater to diverse user preferences, with the Iceberg leaning towards clarity and resonance, and the Strawberry Latte emphasizing smoothness and durability—all within a platform that supports all-around quality sound due to their shared bottom housing material.

Weight

When comparing the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, both switches exhibit a light actuation and bottom out force, though they differ slightly in actuation force. The Iceberg requires an actuation force of 37 grams, while the Strawberry Latte is slightly lighter at 35 grams. Both switches share the same bottom out force of 45 grams. Consequently, users who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Strawberry Latte more comfortable for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, both switches provide a similar bottoming out experience, which means the tactile feedback will feel consistent once the key is fully depressed. Overall, the Iceberg is the heavier of the two when it comes to actuation, while both switches are still categorized as light overall, appealing to those who seek a gentler keystroke with a satisfying end-stop.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, there is a notable difference in their specifications. The Aflion Iceberg boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Huano Strawberry Latte measures a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This distinction indicates that the Iceberg provides a more substantial depth when pressed, which can be preferable for users who enjoy a hearty feel to their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Strawberry Latte's shorter travel distance might appeal to gamers or those seeking quicker response times, as it allows for faster actuation. Thus, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Strawberry Latte may be the better option, whereas the Iceberg caters to those who appreciate a deeper travel experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Aflion Iceberg linear switch has a sound profile that can be characterized as clacky and high-pitched, offering a sharp and snappy auditory response when keys are pressed. This quality results in a typing experience that is quite vibrant, as each keystroke produces a crisp and bright sound, making it suitable for users who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback from their keyboards. In contrast, the sound profile of the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch remains unspecified, which leaves an avenue for exploration regarding its acoustic characteristics. Since the perception of sound can also be significantly influenced by the keyboard construction and keycap material, it's essential to consider these factors when evaluating any switch.

When discussing the feel of each switch, the Iceberg stands out with descriptors like snappy, feathery, and subtle. The snappy nature allows for quick responsiveness, largely thanks to its two-stage spring design that enhances the overall typing experience. Additionally, the feathery feel contributes to a lighter pressing action, resulting in reduced finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The subtle resistance adds a gentle feedback loop without overwhelming the user, making it a great choice for those who prefer a comfortable and effortless typing experience. The Huano Strawberry Latte switches, however, do not have specified qualities regarding their feel, which leaves potential users guessing about how they might compare to the Iceberg.

In conclusion, while the Aflion Iceberg linear switch delivers a distinctive sound profile characterized by its clacky and high-pitched nature, coupled with a responsive and comfortable feel, the Huano Strawberry Latte's sound and feel remain incomplete in details. This gap gives the Iceberg an edge in terms of known performance metrics, providing a clear picture for newcomers. However, discovering the qualities of the Strawberry Latte could lead to similar satisfying outcomes, making it worth considering both options based on personal preferences and typing styles.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Aflion Iceberg and Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences for feel and sound profile. If you enjoy a typing experience that feels super responsive and snappy, the Iceberg switch is likely to be your go-to choice. Its feathery and subtle characteristics make it an excellent option for extended sessions, whether you’re gaming, working, or studying. Additionally, the clacky, high-pitched sound of the Iceberg can add an engaging auditory element to your typing, making it a fitting choice if you appreciate a more vibrant sound. Conversely, if you prefer a balanced sound profile that is not overly resonant, the Strawberry Latte switches might be more appealing. Although they share the same light bottom-out force, the Strawberry Latte provides a smooth typing experience, perfect for those who prioritize quiet and unobtrusive performance in shared or quiet environments. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you prioritize the engaging auditory feedback and tactile responsiveness of the Iceberg or the smooth, balanced typing experience of the Strawberry Latte.

Mentioned in this article

Aflion Iceberg Linear

$3.50

$3.07 per 10

Learn more

Huano Strawberry Latte Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more