Aflion Iceberg vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the Aflion Iceberg and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, both of which are linear switches. The Iceberg, produced by Aflion, is a testament to their commitment to quality. Renowned for their smoothness and enhanced feel due to a two-stage spring, these switches provide a satisfying typing experience. Categorized as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Snappy', 'Feathery', and 'Subtle', the Iceberg switches offer a range of tactile sensations. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switches by Everglide boast a different sound profile, described as deep and thocky. The lengthened single-stage spring in these switches provides a bouncy feel with each keystroke. Categorized as 'Buttery', 'Easy-to-press', 'Mild', and 'Neutral', the Tourmaline Blues offer a balanced and enjoyable typing experience accessible to a wide range of users. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Aflion Iceberg Linear

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

$3.50

$3.07 per 10

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Aflion Iceberg and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This choice of material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound quality and aesthetic appeal when using either the Iceberg or the Tourmaline Blue.

However, when it comes to the bottom housings, the Iceberg features nylon while the Tourmaline Blue has a polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the stiffness of polycarbonate in the Tourmaline Blue's bottom housing contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound profile. These differences in material lead to variations in the bottom-out sound and feel when typing on the respective switches.

In summary, both the Aflion Iceberg and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue benefit from the use of polycarbonate in their top housings, resulting in a similar sound profile and compatibility with RGB lighting. However, there is a distinction in the bottom housings, with the Iceberg employing nylon for a deeper sound profile and the Tourmaline Blue utilizing polycarbonate for a clearer sound. As a result, users can expect a difference in the bottom-out sound and feel between the two switches.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, there are notable differences between the two. The Iceberg switch boasts a relatively lighter actuation force of 37 grams, which means that it requires a gentle touch to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue switch has a noticeably heavier actuation force of 59 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel.

Moving on to the bottom out force, the Iceberg switch requires 45 grams of force to fully press the key, while the Tourmaline Blue switch demands 67 grams. This indicates that the Tourmaline Blue switch is somewhat heavier in comparison, delivering a more substantial and satisfying keystroke experience for those who desire it.

Considering weight as an important factor, the Iceberg switch's lighter actuation and bottom out forces make it an attractive option for individuals who prioritize longer typing sessions, such as those who use their keyboards extensively for work or engage in prolonged gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switch's medium-heavy forces are more suitable for users who prefer a stronger push feel, providing a satisfying tactile response during typing.

In conclusion, while the Iceberg switch offers a lighter actuation and bottom out force, the Tourmaline Blue switch presents a medium-heavy force, delivering a more substantial typing experience. Depending on individual preferences, one can choose between the lighter and gentler feel of the Iceberg switch or opt for the heavier and more substantial keystrokes of the Tourmaline Blue switch.

Travel distance

The Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either switch, you will feel the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. This similarity ensures consistent tactile feedback and typing experience for users of both switches. Whether it's typing documents or gaming, the equal travel distance of these switches guarantees similar results in terms of keypress responsiveness and satisfaction.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile. This means that when you press the keys, you can expect a sharp and snappy sound with a crisp and bright tone. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch provides a neutral sound profile. This means that the sound produced by these switches is moderate, making them suitable for various purposes and preferences. It's worth noting that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Aflion Iceberg switch offers a snappy, feathery, and subtle typing experience. The longer or dual-staged springs in these switches make them super responsive and provide a lively feel. Additionally, the feathery feel reduces finger fatigue and makes it comfortable for extended typing sessions. The subtle resistance and non-resonant sound signature of the Iceberg switches also make them suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch provides a buttery, easy-to-press, and mild typing experience. These switches offer a smooth and fluid keystroke, making typing seamless and effortless. The low actuation force required and gentle resistance enhance the typing experience and reduce finger fatigue. The mild characteristics of these switches make them approachable for most users.

In conclusion, the Aflion Iceberg and Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches offer different sound and feel qualities, providing unique typing experiences. The Iceberg switches provide a clacky sound with a satisfying smoothness and a fulfilling feel, while the Tourmaline Blue switches offer a deep and thocky sound with a bouncy feel. Both switches have their own strengths and can cater to different preferences and requirements. It's important to consider factors such as personal preferences, intended use, and the overall build of your keyboard when deciding between these two switches.

Conclusion

In closing, when it comes to choosing between the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, there are certain factors to consider. If you prefer a lighter switch with a smooth and fulfilling feel, the Iceberg may be the right choice for you. It offers a snappy and feathery typing experience, reducing finger fatigue and making it suitable for extended typing sessions. Additionally, if you enjoy a sharp and clacky sound profile, the Iceberg is a great option. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a deep and thocky sound profile, the Tourmaline Blue might be more up your alley. It provides a bouncy and easy-to-press feel, enhancing the typing experience and reducing finger fatigue. Moreover, the Tourmaline Blue has a more neutral and moderate sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes and environments. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preferences in terms of typing feel and sound.

Mentioned in this article

Aflion Iceberg Linear

$3.50

$3.07 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn more