Aflion Iceberg vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Aflion Iceberg and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Aflion Iceberg and HMX Vintage Citrus offer distinct experiences, appealing to different user preferences. The Iceberg, hailing from the relatively new switch manufacturer Aflion, is renowned for its satisfying smoothness and a two-stage spring that provides a fulfilling typing experience. Its clacky, high-pitched, snappy, feathery, and subtle sound profile caters to those who appreciate an audible feedback while typing and gaming. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus is tailor-made for gamers, featuring an extremely low actuation force of just 1mm which is perfect for rapid-fire inputs. With its bright, clacky sound and remarkably smooth feel, this switch prioritizes speed and responsiveness, making it a top choice for competitive gameplay. While both switches excel in delivering a linear typing experience, their specific traits serve different purposes in the realm of gaming and typing. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
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 single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Iceberg and the HMX Vintage Citrus, distinct differences emerge in their top housing materials. The Iceberg features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This stiffer plastic ensures clarity and resonance, making it especially effective for keyboards with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus utilizes a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, highlighting its ability to absorb sound vibrations due to its softer composition. This quality results in a more muted auditory experience compared to the Iceberg, showcasing the contrasting acoustic properties that each material imparts to the typing experience.
However, when we examine the bottom housing of both switches, we find that both models utilize nylon. This shared material contributes to a deeper and rounder sound, emphasizing the absorbed sound effects that type of housing is known to create. As both the Iceberg and the Vintage Citrus have nylon in their bottom housings, users can expect similar results in terms of overall sound dampening and a smoother tactile experience when bottoming out on the switches. The influence of the bottom housing is crucial, as it shapes how the switches feel and sound when pressed down, thus maintaining a level of consistency across both models.
In summary, while the Aflion Iceberg and HMX Vintage Citrus differ significantly in their top housing materials—polycarbonate versus nylon—their shared nylon bottom housings lead to similar acoustic properties at the point of bottoming out. The unique qualities of each switch can be appreciated through their distinctive top housing sounds, where the Iceberg's sharper notes contrast with the Vintage Citrus's fuller tones. Yet, both switches benefit from the characteristics of nylon below, which serves as a unifying element that delivers a softer auditory experience when a key is pressed, regardless of the top housing's influence. Ultimately, users will experience distinct sensations based on the combination of materials used in each switch while enjoying the commonalities brought by the nylon bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, we see notable differences in their specifications. The Iceberg features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, which contributes to a comfortable typing experience, particularly suitable for extended use during work or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus switch has a heavier actuation force of 48 grams, offering a more substantial push feel for those who prefer a richer tactile experience. This difference in actuation force is mirrored in their bottom out forces as well, with the Iceberg at 45 grams and the Vintage Citrus at 53 grams. Thus, the Iceberg is the lighter option overall, making it ideal for prolonged typing without fatigue, whereas the Vintage Citrus, being the heavier switch, may appeal more to users who enjoy a firmer keypress. Both switches provide distinct experiences, catering to different preferences in typing feel and resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, a notable difference emerges: the Iceberg features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Vintage Citrus has a shorter travel distance of 3 mm. The Iceberg's 4 mm travel distance aligns with traditional switch specifications, offering a more pronounced tactile feedback that some users may prefer for a deeper typing experience. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus, with its 3 mm travel distance, caters to those seeking faster response times and a more immediate actuation, which is especially favored in gaming scenarios. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches hinges on personal preference—whether one values the depth and heft of a longer stroke or the swift responsiveness of a shorter one.
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 Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, the Iceberg offers a distinctly clacky and high-pitched sound. This sharp and crisp auditory feedback is not only bright but also contributes to a percussive typing experience. The Iceberg’s sound is well-suited for those who prefer a more vibrant auditory cue without the richness of bassy tones. In contrast, specific sound characteristics of the Vintage Citrus are unknown; however, as it is tailored toward gamers with rapid-fire capabilities, one could anticipate that it possesses a sound profile that enhances the responsiveness and immediacy of its actuation, potentially aligning with or contrasting the Iceberg’s clackiness.
In terms of feel, the Iceberg switch shines with its snappy response, which is attributed to its two-stage spring that creates a lively typing experience. It provides a feathery lightness requiring minimal finger effort, ideal for long sessions in gaming or typing, while still maintaining a subtle resistance that enhances comfort and reduces fatigue. The nuances of the Vintage Citrus's feel are not outlined, yet it likely favors swift actuation, given its design for gaming, suggesting an emphasis on rapid response and minimizing resistance. Both switches offer fulfilling tactile experiences but with distinct characteristics; the Iceberg caters to those who relish a satisfying overall experience, while the Vintage Citrus is tailored for speed.
In summary, both the Aflion Iceberg and HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches cater to certain needs but diverge in their characteristics. The Iceberg provides a clacky sound and a smooth, responsive feel that is comfortable for prolonged use. While specific details about the Vintage Citrus in terms of sound and feel remain unknown, it is designed for rapid actuation, appealing particularly to gamers. Ultimately, users interested in either switch should expect satisfying performance, although their preferences for auditory and tactile feedback will likely guide their choice.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch ultimately hinges on your specific needs and preferences. If you value a lighter actuation for effortless typing and gaming, the Iceberg switch, with its 45g bottom-out force and a softly snappy feel, will be ideal for you. It's particularly suitable for lengthy typing sessions due to its feathery lightness, making it a great option if you prioritize comfort and speed. Additionally, the Iceberg's clacky and bright sound profile can enhance your typing experience if you enjoy auditory feedback during your keystrokes. On the other hand, if you're a gamer who prioritizes rapid-fire inputs, the Vintage Citrus switch is designed with you in mind; its low 1mm actuation force facilitates quick responses that can be crucial in competitive gaming situations. With a slightly heavier 53g bottom-out force, it offers a firmer feel while still being suitable for extended use and its bright, clacky sound provides an enjoyable auditory experience. Ultimately, both switches excel in their own right, and your decision should align with whether you prioritize a satisfying feel in longer sessions or the speed and responsiveness required for high-stakes gaming.
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