Aflion Iceberg vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the Aflion Iceberg and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Aflion Iceberg and the Jwick Taro are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer different experiences for users. The Iceberg, manufactured by the relatively new switch maker Aflion, is known for its smoothness and satisfying feel, thanks to its two-stage spring. It falls into categories such as clacky, high-pitched, snappy, feathery, and subtle. On the other hand, the Taro, with its comfortable and subdued color scheme, provides a cozy typing experience. It offers a snappy, medium level of tactility and produces acute and crisp clacks. The Taro is categorized as neutral, buttery, and stepped. Both switches have their own unique characteristics and benefits. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision about the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Aflion Iceberg and the Jwick Taro share similar housing materials, namely polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housing to create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially suitable for switches with RGB lighting. Similarly, both switches feature nylon in their bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on these switches.
Although both the Iceberg and the Taro utilize the same housing materials, the qualities brought by each of these materials are distributed differently. The bottom housing, made of nylon, has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. This means that the typing experience, including the depth and resonance of the sound, will be influenced by the nylon bottom housing. On the other hand, the top housing plays a larger role in the sound when releasing a key. The polycarbonate top housing affects the sharpness, pitch, and clarity of the sound when a key is released.
In summary, the Aflion Iceberg and the Jwick Taro have a similar composition in terms of housing materials. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing, resulting in distinct sound profiles. While the polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound, the nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound. However, the distribution of these qualities varies, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and the top housing affecting the sound upon key release.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The Iceberg has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a lighter option. In contrast, the Taro's actuation force is unknown, but its bottom out force is 67 grams, indicating a medium-heavy feel.
For those who prefer a lighter switch, the Iceberg would be a suitable choice. Its lower actuation and bottom out forces make it easier to type on for extended periods of time, which is desirable for work or longer gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Taro. The Taro's higher bottom out force provides a stronger push feel, offering a satisfying tactile feedback while typing.
Although the actuation force for the Taro is unknown, it is worth noting that both switches have a similar bottom out force when compared to each other. If achieving a similar typing experience is the goal, one can reasonably expect comparable results between the two switches. Ultimately, the decision between the Iceberg and the Taro depends on personal preference for lighter or heavier actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, it is evident that the Iceberg has a longer travel distance of 4.0mm, while the Taro has a slightly shorter distance of 3.7mm. The 4.0mm travel distance of the Iceberg is considered more traditional, providing a deeper key press experience. On the other hand, the Taro's 3.7mm travel distance is slightly shallower, appealing to those who prefer faster response times, such as gamers. It is worth noting that shorter travel distances have become increasingly popular recently, particularly among gamers seeking improved efficiency. However, some individuals may find short travel distances to be too abrupt. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference.
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 Jwick Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
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 known for its clacky and high-pitched sound. These switches produce a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, creating a crisp and bright auditory experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile. It has a moderate sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes and environments. Please note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. With the Iceberg switch, you can expect a sharp and percussive sound, while the Taro switch provides a more moderate and versatile sound profile.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch offers a snappy and feathery typing experience. These switches are super responsive, thanks to their longer or dual-staged springs, providing a lively and reactive typing feel. Additionally, they have a gentle resistance, creating a subtle and light typing feel. The Taro tactile switch, on the other hand, offers a buttery and stepped typing experience. Butteriness implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The stepped nature of the Taro switch means that it has two stages to its tactile feedback, offering a milder sensation compared to hypertactile switches. Both switches provide comfortable typing experiences, with the Iceberg switch offering a slightly snappier and lighter feel, while the Taro switch provides a smoother and more uniform feel.
In conclusion, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch have distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Iceberg switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, providing a crisp and bright auditory experience. It also provides a snappy and feathery typing feel, offering a lively and light typing experience. On the other hand, the Taro switch has a neutral sound profile, suitable for various purposes and environments. It offers a buttery and stepped typing experience, providing a smooth and uniform keystroke feel. Both switches offer satisfying qualities, with the Iceberg switch being slightly sharper and lighter, and the Taro switch providing a smoother and more moderate experience. Depending on personal preferences and intended use, either switch can provide a great typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a light and smooth typing experience, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch would be a great choice for you. With a bottom out force of 45 grams, these switches provide a satisfying smoothness and a fulfilling feel, thanks to their two-stage spring. The Iceberg switches are known for their clacky and high-pitched sound, which can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. Additionally, the Iceberg switches are snappy and feathery, offering a super responsive and lightweight typing experience that reduces finger fatigue. Overall, these switches are ideal for extended typing sessions and are suitable for shared spaces due to their subtle sound signature.
On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier tactile switch with a snappy and medium-level of tactility, the Jwick Taro tactile switch would be a better choice for you. With a bottom out force of 67 grams, these Taro switches provide a cozy typing experience with acute and crisp clacks. The Taro switches have a neutral sound profile that is suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you're a beginner or advanced user, or if you plan to use them at home or work. In terms of feel, the Taro switches offer a buttery and stepped typing sensation, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with subtle pre-travel and/or post-travel.
Ultimately, the decision between the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch depends on your personal preferences. If you value lightness, smoothness, and reduced finger fatigue, the Iceberg switches would be a great fit. However, if you prefer a slightly heavier tactile switch with a snappy and medium-level of tactility, the Taro switches would be more suitable. Consider your typing style, sound preference, and the level of tactility you desire to make an informed decision. Whatever switch you choose, both the Iceberg and Taro switches showcase the quality and innovation of Aflion as a switch manufacturer.
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