Aflion Iceberg vs. Aflion Thunder Shadow
An in-depth look at the Aflion Iceberg and the Aflion Thunder Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the Aflion Iceberg and Thunder Shadow offer unique options to cater to different preferences. The Iceberg, a linear switch from Aflion, is praised for its smoothness and two-stage spring design, providing a satisfying feel during typing. Known for being 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Snappy', 'Feathery', and 'Subtle', the Iceberg switch is a solid choice for those who enjoy a smooth and consistent typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Thunder Shadow, a tactile switch, boasts a pronounced tactile bump and a medium weight feel with a 63.5g bottom-out. With a sound signature categorized as 'Invigorating' and 'Neutral', the Thunder Shadow offers a balanced tactile typing experience. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
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
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Iceberg and Aflion Thunder Shadow both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiff plastic that resonates clearly, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Iceberg and Thunder Shadow differ in their bottom housings, with the Iceberg having a nylon bottom housing while the Thunder Shadow features a polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon creates a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
Despite the differences in their bottom housings, the Iceberg and Thunder Shadow both offer similar qualities with their polycarbonate top housings. The translucency of polycarbonate allows for a clear housing that enhances RGB lighting effects and produces a more resonant sound profile. However, when it comes to typing on these switches, the bottom housing material plays a significant role. The Iceberg with its nylon bottom housing will provide a different typing experience compared to the Thunder Shadow with its polycarbonate bottom housing. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches like the Aflion Iceberg and Thunder Shadow impacts the overall sound profile and typing experience. While both switches share a polycarbonate top housing for a sharp and crisp sound, the differences in their bottom housings result in variations in the typing experience. The Iceberg's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, while the Thunder Shadow's polycarbonate bottom housing creates a different sound profile. Ultimately, the combination of top and bottom housing materials determines the overall feel and sound of a mechanical switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, it is clear that the Iceberg is lighter in both aspects. The Iceberg has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a lighter option overall. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is medium-heavy. While the actuation force of the Thunder Shadow is unknown, it is safe to assume that it is also heavier than the Iceberg due to the higher bottom out force. Those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions may lean towards the Iceberg, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Thunder Shadow. In either case, selecting the appropriate actuation and bottom out force is essential to ensure a comfortable typing experience based on individual preferences.
Travel distance
The Aflion Iceberg linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Iceberg has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Thunder Shadow. The 4.0mm travel distance of the Iceberg is more traditional and may provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper actuation. On the other hand, the 3.5mm travel distance of the Thunder Shadow offers a slightly quicker response time, which may be preferred by gamers or individuals looking for a more responsive typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and tactile feedback.
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 Aflion Thunder Shadow has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Thunder Shadow for $3.91.
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
The Iceberg linear switch from Aflion is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, providing a sharp and percussive typing experience. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow tactile switch offers a neutral sound signature, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. In terms of feel, the Iceberg switch is described as snappy, feathery, and subtle, catering to those who enjoy a lively yet gentle typing experience. In contrast, the Thunder Shadow switch is characterized as invigorating, offering pronounced feedback and a firm actuation force for an immersive typing sensation. Overall, both switches showcase Aflion's commitment to delivering quality switches with unique characteristics, allowing users to find their perfect match based on sound and feel preferences. Whether you choose the Iceberg or Thunder Shadow switch, you can expect a satisfying and responsive typing experience that meets your needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, you should consider your preference for key feel and sound. If you enjoy a light, snappy feel with a slightly higher-pitched, clacky sound, then the Iceberg switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-weight, invigorating tactile feel with a neutral sound profile, then the Thunder Shadow switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the type of environment in which you will be using the keyboard. Both switches offer a unique typing experience and showcase Aflion's commitment to producing high-quality switches for keyboard enthusiasts.
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