Aflion Iceberg vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the Aflion Iceberg and the HMX Twilight switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Iceberg and HMX Twilight linear switches stand out for their unique performances and characteristics, despite both being categorized as linear switches. The Iceberg, produced by the relatively new manufacturer Aflion, offers a satisfying smoothness and a fulfilling feel thanks to its two-stage spring design, giving it a reputation for being clacky, high-pitched, snappy, feathery, and subtle. This makes it an appealing choice for users who appreciate responsive keystrokes with distinct feedback. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight is engineered with an extended 3.85mm travel distance, resulting in a quieter typing experience while still delivering the signature clacky sound associated with HMX switches. This makes the Twilight a great option for those who seek a balance between audible feedback and a less disruptive typing sound. Both switches have their distinct advantages, catering to different preferences, but let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right 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
3.85 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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Iceberg and the HMX Twilight differ primarily in the materials used for their top housings, which significantly influences their respective sound profiles. The Iceberg employs a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and translucency. This design choice contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when typing, making the Iceberg particularly appealing for users who appreciate enhanced sound clarity, especially in setups utilizing RGB lighting. The polycarbonate's properties allow for a more resonant acoustic experience that highlights the nuances of keystrokes, resulting in an engaging typing experience that can be enticing for those who relish auditory feedback.
In contrast, the HMX Twilight features a nylon top housing that produces a distinctly different auditory experience. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound more effectively, leading to a deeper, fuller sound profile. This choice creates a more rounded and somewhat muted typing experience compared to the Iceberg. Users who prefer a more subdued acoustics while typing may find the Twilight's nylon top housing more appealing, as it prioritizes warmth over sharpness in the sound profile. The difference in housing materials means that each switch offers its unique character, appealing to different user preferences based on the desired acoustic feedback during use.
Interestingly, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, contributing to similar sound profiles for the bottoming-out sound and feel. This distinction highlights the role of the top housing in affecting the overall acoustic experience of each switch. While the Iceberg's polycarbonate top results in a crisp auditory response when releasing the key, the Twilight's nylon top adds depth and fullness to the sound. Therefore, although they share the same bottom housing material, the varying top materials lead to contrasting typing sensations and sounds, offering users diverse options to match their personal tastes and preferences.
Weight
The Aflion Iceberg and HMX Twilight linear switches both exhibit light characteristics, but they differ in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Iceberg has a notably lower actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Twilight's 42 grams, making it the lighter option for users who prefer a softer push feel, which can enhance typing comfort during long sessions. In terms of bottom out force, the Iceberg again comes in lighter at 45 grams versus the Twilight's 50 grams. This means that the Iceberg offers a gentler overall typing experience, while the Twilight, though still considered light, provides a slightly more substantial feel due to its heavier forces. Users looking for a switch that requires less effort overall might lean towards the Iceberg, whereas those who enjoy a bit more resistance when typing could find the Twilight more appealing.
Travel distance
The Aflion Iceberg linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Twilight linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.85 mm. This means that the Iceberg switch offers a more traditional feel, allowing for a greater depth when pressed down, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying tactile experience. In contrast, the Twilight switch's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, as it allows for faster actuation. Those who favor a more responsive feel might gravitate towards the Twilight, while users who enjoy a more pronounced feedback may favor the Iceberg for its longer travel distance. Overall, while both switches provide a satisfactory typing experience, the Twilight is the shorter option at 3.85 mm, compared to the longer Iceberg at 4 mm.
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 Twilight has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Twilight for $3.29.
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 characterized by its clacky and high-pitched profile, yielding a sharp, crisp, and percussive sound upon keystrokes. This bright sound signature can create an engaging auditory experience, ideal for users who appreciate the exhilarating feedback of their typing. In contrast, specifics regarding the sound of the HMX Twilight linear switch are unknown, but its extended 3.85mm travel distance suggests it may provide a somewhat quieter typing experience, potentially contributing to a less intrusive acoustic profile. Users seeking a more subdued sound might find the Twilight appealing, especially if paired with appropriate keycaps and a suitable board.
In terms of feel, the Iceberg excels with its snappy, feathery, and subtle characteristics. The dual-stage spring offers a responsiveness that enhances the overall typing experience, making it feel alive and engaging. Additionally, its feathery touch requires minimal exertion, promoting comfort during prolonged use and minimizing finger fatigue, which is particularly beneficial for longer typing sessions. While the feel of the HMX Twilight is not specified, the notable travel distance may influence its tactile experience, likely lending a level of smoothness or unique feedback that could differentiate it from the Iceberg. However, without specific descriptors, its tactile response remains a mystery.
Considering both switches, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch stands out with its defined auditory and tactile qualities, making it particularly appealing for those who enjoy a snappy and lively typing experience. The HMX Twilight, while less detailed in its characteristics, could still provide a unique feel and quieter sound profile thanks to its extended travel distance. Ultimately, while both switches have their own distinct personality, potential users can anticipate a fulfilling experience across the board, especially given the importance of the keyboard and keycap choices in shaping the overall performance of each switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Aflion Iceberg linear switch or the HMX Twilight linear switch, think about your preferences regarding force, sound, and typing experience. If you enjoy a lighter actuation force that promotes quick and responsive typing, the Iceberg, with its 45-gram bottom-out force, is an excellent choice. Its clacky sound profile and smooth feel make it particularly suitable for those who appreciate an engaging and lively typing experience, especially in gaming or tasks that require rapid keystrokes. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier feel with an extended travel distance for a quieter typing experience, the HMX Twilight switch, which features a 50-gram bottom-out force, would be more appropriate. Its longer travel distance provides a unique satisfaction that some users may find beneficial for typing or work environments where a more muted sound is desired. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on how you balance the factors of sound, force, and overall user experience to find a switch that best aligns with your typing style and environment.
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