Aflion Iceberg vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Iceberg and the Haimu Viola Tricolor stand out as popular options with unique characteristics. The Iceberg, manufactured by Aflion, may be a relatively new player in the switch market, but its quality is undeniable. The Iceberg switches are praised for their smoothness and satisfying feel, thanks to their two-stage spring. They fall into categories such as clacky, high-pitched, snappy, feathery, and subtle, providing a diverse range of options for different preferences. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switches, designed by Haimu, offer a distinctive thuddy and punchy sound profile, giving your typing experience a touch of character. These switches strike a perfect balance between satisfying tactility and avoiding overwhelming feedback. Categorized as accented, bassy, invigorating, and low-pitched, the Viola Tricolor switches offer a sharp sensation without becoming too tactile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your specific needs.

By the numbers

Aflion Iceberg Linear

Haimu Viola Tricolor Tactile

$3.50

$3.07 per 10

$6.60

$3.09 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Aflion Iceberg and the Haimu Viola Tricolor both utilize polycarbonate as their top housing material. This choice allows for a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in both switches. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it particularly suitable for switches with RGB lighting. Therefore, whether it's the Iceberg or the Viola Tricolor, users can expect similar results in terms of sound quality and visual appeal when it comes to the top housing material.

On the other hand, the bottom housing material is where we see a difference between the Aflion Iceberg and the Haimu Viola Tricolor. The Iceberg utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing on the Iceberg. Similarly, the Viola Tricolor also features a nylon bottom housing, offering the same benefits of producing a deeper and fuller sound profile through the absorption of sound. Therefore, whether you choose the Iceberg or the Viola Tricolor, you can expect a similar experience when it comes to their nylon bottom housing.

When it comes to the impact on the overall sound and feel of the switch, the top and bottom housings play different roles. The bottom housing has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when you press down on the switch. This means that the choice of nylon bottom housing in both the Iceberg and Viola Tricolor contributes to the deeper and fuller sound experienced when typing on these switches. On the other hand, the top housing material, which is polycarbonate in both cases, has a greater impact on the sound when you release a key. Therefore, whether it's the Iceberg or the Viola Tricolor, the combination of different housing materials ensures a balanced and dynamic typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, there are notable differences. The Iceberg switch has an actuation force of 37 grams, which is relatively light. This means it requires a relatively gentle push to trigger a keystroke. In comparison, the actuation force of the Viola Tricolor switch is not available, so it is difficult to directly compare. However, the bottom out force of the Iceberg switch is 45 grams, indicating that it requires slightly more force to fully press down the key.

On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switch has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which falls into the medium-heavy category. This suggests that it provides a more substantial typing experience, with a stronger push required for each keystroke. As for the actuation force of the Viola Tricolor switch, the information provided is not available, so it is unclear whether it is lighter or heavier than the Iceberg switch.

Considering the weight aspect, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Iceberg switch, as its lower actuation and bottom out forces make it suitable for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who desire a more substantial and forceful typing experience may opt for the Viola Tricolor switch, with its higher bottom out force. In instances where the actuation forces of both switches are similar, users can expect similar results in terms of typing feel and force requirements.

Travel distance

The Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch have slightly different travel distances. The Iceberg has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Viola Tricolor has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the Iceberg being slightly longer and the Viola Tricolor being slightly shorter.

Gamers, who often prioritize faster response times, tend to prefer switches with shorter travel distances. The Viola Tricolor may be a more suitable option for gamers in this case. However, for those who prefer a more substantial feel and depth to their keystrokes, the longer travel distance of the Iceberg may be more appealing. It is important to consider personal preferences and typing style when selecting a switch based on travel distance. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on whether a shorter or longer travel distance is preferable for the individual's typing or gaming experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Aflion Iceberg switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched qualities. This means that when pressed, the Iceberg switch produces a sharp and crisp sound that some may describe as bright and percussive. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound profile. This results in a deeper and richer tone during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Both switches provide distinctive sound profiles that can add character to your typing experience. However, it's important to note that the sound produced by a switch also depends on factors like the keyboard board and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Iceberg switch is described as snappy, feathery, and subtle. With a two-stage spring and satisfying smoothness, the Iceberg switch offers a fulfilling feel that is both responsive and light to press. It provides a snappy and reactive typing experience that can make your typing sessions feel more alive. Additionally, the feathery nature of the switch reduces finger fatigue and strain, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. The Viola Tricolor switch, on the other hand, is characterized as accented and invigorating. It offers a medium level of tactility, providing prominent feedback without overwhelming the user. With a moderate to firm actuation force, the Viola Tricolor switch creates an immersive typing sensation that is snappy and reactive.

In conclusion, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Iceberg switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound, while the Viola Tricolor switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound profile. When it comes to feel, the Iceberg switch is snappy, feathery, and subtle, providing a responsive and comfortable typing experience. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switch is accented and invigorating, offering a medium level of tactility and an immersive typing sensation. Both switches have their unique benefits and it ultimately comes down to personal preference. However, if you prefer a similar sound or feel, based on the provided information, you may expect to get similar results with the Iceberg switch being clacky and the Viola Tricolor switch being more invigorating.

Conclusion

In closing, when it comes to choosing between the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, it ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a smooth typing experience, the Iceberg switch would be a great choice for you. With its satisfying smoothness and two-stage spring, it offers a fulfilling feel and a feathery typing experience that reduces finger fatigue. The Iceberg switch is best known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed.

On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force and a tactile typing experience, the Viola Tricolor switch would be the way to go. These switches strike a perfect balance, offering a sharp sensation without overwhelming the user. The Viola Tricolor switch is designed to deliver a thuddy and punchy sound profile, adding a touch of character to your typing experience. It offers pronounced tactility and invigorating feedback without being overly tactile.

Ultimately, the decision between the Iceberg and Viola Tricolor switches depends on your personal preferences for bottom out force, typing experience, and sound profile. Consider the characteristics and descriptions provided to choose the switch that aligns best with your typing needs. And remember, both switches are representative of the high-quality switches that Aflion and Haimu produce, so you can't go wrong with either choice.

Mentioned in this article

Aflion Iceberg Linear

$3.50

$3.07 per 10

Learn more

Haimu Viola Tricolor Tactile

$6.60

$3.09 per 10

Learn more