Aflion Iceberg vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the Aflion Iceberg and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the Aflion Iceberg and the HMX Swift, both linear switches. The Iceberg from Aflion, a newer player in the switch market, is praised for its smoothness and satisfying feel attributed to its two-stage spring mechanism. On the other hand, the HMX Swift stands out for its deeper sound profile and silky smoothness, thanks to its full nylon housings and delicate 42g actuation force. While the Iceberg is described as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', and 'Snappy', the Swift is noted as 'Clacky', 'Easy-to-press', and 'Bouncy'. Each switch offers unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Spring
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Iceberg and the HMX Swift show a significant difference in their top housing materials. The Iceberg utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. In contrast, the Swift features a nylon top housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound with its softer plastic composition. While the Iceberg's polycarbonate top housing is ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency, the Swift's nylon top housing provides a classic typing experience with its duller and rounder sound.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing materials, both the Iceberg and the Swift utilize nylon, which is known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition. This shared housing material in the bottom of the switches ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel. However, while the bottom housing may have a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, the differences in top housing materials may still affect the overall sound profile when typing on these switches.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for a switch can significantly impact the typing experience. The stiffer polycarbonate top housing of the Iceberg creates a sharper sound, while the softer nylon top housing of the Swift produces a deeper sound. Similarly, the shared nylon bottom housing in both switches ensures a consistent typing experience with a fuller sound profile. Understanding the qualities of different housing materials can help users choose the switch that best suits their preferences in terms of sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, it is evident that both switches have relatively light actuation forces and bottom out forces. The Iceberg has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Swift has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. Both switches provide a smooth and responsive typing experience, with the Iceberg being slightly lighter in terms of actuation force. The Swift, on the other hand, offers a slightly heavier typing feel with its higher actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with those who prefer lighter switches leaning towards the Iceberg and those who prefer a more substantial typing experience opting for the Swift.
Travel distance
The Aflion Iceberg linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Swift linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm. In this case, the Iceberg has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Swift. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances for mechanical switches, with the Iceberg being more towards the longer end of the spectrum. The difference of 0.1 mm between the two may not be significant for most users, but those who prefer a slightly deeper keystroke may lean towards the Iceberg. On the other hand, users looking for a slightly quicker key response may find the Swift to be more to their liking due to its slightly shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 HMX Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift for $2.99.
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
In terms of sound, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, producing sharp and crisp sounds when pressed. On the other hand, the HMX Swift linear switch is also described as clacky, offering a sharp and snappy sound. While the Iceberg tends to have a higher pitch, the Swift stands out with a deeper sound profile due to its full nylon housings. Ultimately, both switches provide a satisfying auditory experience, with the Iceberg leaning towards a brighter sound and the Swift offering a deeper tone.
Moving on to the feel, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch is praised for its snappy and feathery feel, providing a responsive typing experience with a gentle resistance. It offers a fulfilling feel thanks to its two-stage spring design. On the other hand, the HMX Swift linear switch is known for being easy-to-press and feathery, requiring minimal force to activate and reducing finger fatigue during prolonged typing sessions. Additionally, the Swift offers a bouncy and creamy sensation, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience. Both switches offer a comfortable and effortless typing feel, making them suitable for various typing preferences.
In conclusion, both the Aflion Iceberg and HMX Swift linear switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Iceberg leans towards a brighter sound profile and a snappy typing experience, the Swift provides a deeper sound profile and a smoother typing sensation. Depending on personal preferences, users can choose between the clacky and high-pitched sound of the Iceberg or the clacky and creamy feel of the Swift. Overall, both switches deliver a satisfying experience, ensuring a pleasurable typing experience for newcomers to the mechanical keyboard world.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force and enjoy a smoother typing experience with a two-stage spring mechanism, the Iceberg switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you appreciate a deeper sound profile and a softer actuation force along with a silky smooth typing feel, the Swift switch could be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style, desired sound profile, and overall tactile preferences. Remember that both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing experience.
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