Aflion Iceberg vs. HMX SU

Overview

When exploring mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Iceberg and HMX SU each offer a distinctive typing experience tailored to different preferences, despite both being linear switches. The Iceberg, crafted by the relatively new Aflion brand, stands out for its satisfying smoothness and fulfilling feel, thanks in part to its innovative two-stage spring design. It's often described as clacky and high-pitched, making it appealing for users who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback during typing. In contrast, the HMX SU showcases a deeper and subtler sound profile, courtesy of its robust PA12 housing and T5 stem, ideal for those who favor a quieter yet rich typing experience. While the Iceberg may attract users seeking a lively feedback with each keystroke, the HMX SU caters to those who prioritize a more understated and refined ambiance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Aflion Iceberg Linear

HMX SU Linear

$3.50

$3.07 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Aflion Iceberg and the HMX SU switches exhibit contrasting characteristics in their top housing materials, which significantly impacts their individual sound profiles. The Iceberg utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity, which contributes to a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This translucency of polycarbonate also enhances aesthetics, especially in RGB lighting scenarios, allowing for more vibrant illumination effects. In contrast, the HMX SU features a nylon top housing, recognized for its softer nature. The nylon absorbs sound more effectively, leading to a deeper and fuller auditory experience, characterized by a duller and rounder sound. Thus, while both switches provide a unique auditory experience, the Iceberg's higher-pitched sound versus the SU's fuller sound marks a clear distinction in their performance.

When it comes to the bottom housings, both switches align in using nylon, which brings a sense of consistency. The nylon material is revered for its sound-absorbing qualities, ensuring a rich acoustic experience in both models. As a result, typing on either switch results in a deeper, fuller sound profile when the key bottoms out. This shared characteristic of the bottom housing highlights a commonality between the two switches and showcases the importance of nylon in providing a muted and rounded sound experience. Therefore, despite the differences in their top housings, both the Iceberg and the HMX SU benefit from a complementary sound quality in the lower sections due to the identical bottom housing material.

In summary, the divergent top housing materials of the Iceberg and HMX SU create distinctive sound profiles with the polycarbonate providing a sharper sound and the nylon offering a more subdued tone. However, the use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches ensures that they both share foundational qualities, resulting in a rounded and rich auditory experience upon key activation. This highlights how the combination of different materials in the top and bottom housings influences the overall typing experience, contributing to a broad spectrum of sound characteristics and aesthetics in mechanical keyboard switches.

Weight

When comparing the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces highlight distinct preferences for keyboard users. The Iceberg features an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it the lighter option, which may appeal to those who prefer a more comfortable typing experience for prolonged use, like office work or extended gaming sessions. In contrast, the HMX SU requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, catering to users who enjoy a more substantial typing feel. Both switches exhibit light forces relative to the broader market, but the SU's heavier characteristics could be better suited for individuals seeking a firmer response. Ultimately, those looking for a lighter feel should opt for the Iceberg, while users preferring a stronger push should consider the HMX SU.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch, it’s clear that these two options cater to different preferences. The Iceberg features a travel distance of 4 mm, which is in line with the traditional depth that many users find comfortable, offering a more substantial feel when pressing the key. In contrast, the HMX SU has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, catering to those who prefer quicker response times, especially beneficial for gamers who favor more tactile feedback. While both switches have their advantages depending on user preference, the Iceberg offers a longer and more pronounced travel distance, whereas the HMX SU, with its shallower travel, provides a snappier sensation. If you're inclined towards a more robust typing experience, the Iceberg is the better choice, while the SU is ideal for those who value speed and efficiency.

Price comparison

Typing experience

For sound, the Aflion Iceberg switches stand out with a clacky and high-pitched profile, creating a sharp and snappy auditory experience when keys are pressed. This crisp, bright sound can be quite engaging, especially for those who appreciate a more percussive typing experience. In contrast, the HMX SU switches don’t have their sound quality detailed, leaving a gap in comparison. However, it's important to remember that the overall sound of any switch can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard chassis and keycap material, which means both switches could be tailored to produce distinct sounds depending on the configuration used.

Examining the feel of the switches, the Iceberg switches exhibit a remarkable combination of snappiness, feather-light actuation, and subtle resistance, thanks to their innovative two-stage spring. This design makes the typing experience both responsive and comfortable, ideal for long hours of typing or gaming. The lightweight nature of the Iceberg switches reduces finger fatigue and strain, which is a significant advantage for users who type extensively. On the other hand, the HMX SU switches do not come with a defined feel descriptor, making it difficult to establish a direct comparison. Users may find that one switch feels better than the other, but without specific details on the SU’s tactile response, it remains an unknown.

In summary, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch offers a tactile and auditory experience characterized by its clacky sound and smooth, responsive feel ideal for prolonged sessions. In contrast, the qualities of the HMX SU linear switch, particularly in terms of sound and feel, are not fully detailed, which means potential users might need to experiment to determine how it measures up to the Iceberg. For anyone choosing between these options, the Iceberg's well-defined characteristics provide a reliable reference point, while the SU offers an air of mystery that could appeal to those seeking unique typing experiences.

Conclusion

To summarize, the choice between the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the environment in which you commonly use your keyboard. If you lean towards a lighter touch and enjoy a snappy, responsive feel, the Iceberg is a fantastic option. Its 45-gram bottom-out force and clacky, high-pitched sound make it particularly well-suited for typing with speed and agility, which is great for gamers or those who appreciate a more tactile auditory feedback. Additionally, the Iceberg's feathery feel makes it a suitable choice for prolonged typing sessions, ensuring that your fingers won't fatigue easily. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly higher actuation force and a more subtle and deeper sound profile, the HMX SU could be your go-to. With its fuller PA12 housing, it offers a sturdier build quality and a consistent typing experience that can be ideal for regular office use where quieter operation may be needed. In essence, choosing between these two switches boils down to whether you prioritize auditory feedback and lightness with the Iceberg, or a more grounded feel and deeper sound with the SU.

Mentioned in this article

Aflion Iceberg Linear

$3.50

$3.07 per 10

Learn more

HMX SU Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more