Aflion Iceberg vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Aflion Iceberg and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between Aflion's Iceberg linear switch and Gateron's Weightlessness tactile switch offers enthusiasts distinct advantages depending on their typing preferences. The Iceberg, a creation from the relatively new Aflion brand, is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness and satisfying feel, thanks to its innovative two-stage spring design. Its sound profile ranges from clacky and high-pitched to snappy and feathery, making it an attractive choice for those who enjoy an uninterrupted, fluid typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness switch delivers a more tactile experience, offering subtle to moderate feedback that satisfies typists who prefer a clear response with each keystroke. Its balanced sound profile complements the tactile sensation, making it a popular option for those who appreciate a bit of auditory and physical feedback as they type. Both switches cater to different typing styles and preferences, but they also reflect the diverse world of mechanical keyboards. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Iceberg and the Gateron Weightlessness both feature distinct housing materials that contribute to their unique auditory and tactile experiences. The Iceberg utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for its stiffness, which yields a sharper and crisper sound profile during use. This material's properties not only enhance the clarity of sound but also make it particularly suited for RGB lighting setups due to its translucency. In contrast, the Weightlessness employs a nylon top housing, which is a softer plastic that engenders a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softness allows the nylon to absorb more sound, resulting in a rounder and more muted auditory effect, which contrasts with the sharper tones generated by the polycarbonate top of the Iceberg.
When examining the bottom housings, both switches utilize nylon, creating a sense of uniformity in this aspect despite the differences in their top housing. The use of nylon in the bottom housing for both models ensures that users will experience a deeper sound profile when the key is bottomed out, as both switches benefit from the sound-absorbing qualities of nylon. The bottom housing plays a crucial role in determining the feel and response when typing, and since both housing materials share this quality, users can expect a consistent tactile feedback from the bottom-out sound when engaged with either switch.
In summary, while the Aflion Iceberg and the Gateron Weightlessness differ primarily in their top housing materials—polycarbonate versus nylon—their bottom housings are identical, both utilizing nylon for a similar sound profile. Those who appreciate the auditory nuances of keyboard switches can anticipate a unique experience with the Iceberg's sharp and bright tones stemming from the polycarbonate top while enjoying the full-bodied sound generated by their shared nylon bottom. Ultimately, users will find that the combination of materials provides them with varied typing experiences that cater to individual sound preferences, demonstrating how the interplay between different materials in keyboard switches can influence performance and enjoyment.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, distinct differences emerge. The Iceberg has a light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for long typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Weightlessness switch requires a heavier actuation force of 50 grams, indicating a stiffer typing experience; however, its bottom out force remains unknown. Because the bottom out force of the Weightlessness is not available, a direct comparison in this aspect isn't possible. Overall, the Iceberg is the lighter option, providing a more gentle keystroke, while the Gateron Weightlessness offers a stronger actuation, enticing users who favor a more substantial feel under their fingers.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, the Iceberg measures 4 mm while the Weightlessness is slightly shorter at 3.4 mm. This means that the Iceberg provides a more pronounced depth when pressed, making it suitable for users who enjoy a hearty keystroke. On the other hand, the Weightlessness switch, with its shorter 3.4 mm travel distance, caters to those who prefer quicker response times, such as gamers who benefit from the rapid actuation. Overall, the Aflion Iceberg is the longer switch, offering a more traditional feel, whereas the Gateron Weightlessness caters to those seeking a more responsive and streamlined experience.
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 Gateron Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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 nature, producing a sharp and snappy sound that many typists find satisfying. This crisp, bright auditory feedback can enhance the experience of typing, particularly for those who enjoy the percussive quality of their key presses. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch lacks specific details regarding its sound profile, making it difficult to draw a direct comparison. However, the sound produced by any switch can be influenced by factors like the choice of board and keycaps, so it’s possible to achieve a balanced auditory experience with the Weightlessness depending on the setup.
In terms of feel, the Iceberg stands out with descriptors like snappy and feathery, suggesting that it provides a highly responsive typing experience. The use of dual-staged springs contributes to a lively sensation when typing, along with a light actuation force that helps reduce finger fatigue during prolonged use. The Iceberg's subtle resistance also makes for a comfortable experience, striking a balance between responsiveness and ease of typing. As with sound, the specifics of the Weightlessness switch's feel have not been elaborated, leaving its tactile characteristics uncertain. Nonetheless, both switches are designed to cater to different typing preferences, with the Iceberg leaning towards a lively and light experience.
Overall, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch impresses with its crisp sound and responsive, lightweight feel, making it a strong choice for those seeking a dynamic typing experience. While the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch may offer a balanced auditory experience and subtle tactile feedback, its specific qualities remain undefined, making it an unknown for direct comparison in sound and feel. In essence, if you prefer a bright, snappy auditory feedback with a lively typing experience, the Iceberg is likely to satisfy, while the Weightlessness may be suited for those desiring an understated and possibly more subdued profile, contingent on its eventual sound and feel characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your typing preferences and intended use. If you gravitate towards a light, responsive performance with a smooth keystroke, the Iceberg switch is an excellent choice. Its 45-gram actuation force makes it easy on the fingers, ideal for extended typing sessions in gaming or work, and its clacky, high-pitched sound adds an engaging auditory element that some users find enjoyable. However, if you prefer a more tactile feedback during key presses, the Weightlessness switch would serve you better, thanks to its subtle to moderate tactile feel. The Weightlessness may not provide specific tactile feedback descriptors, but its sound profile complements its tactile characteristics, making it an excellent choice for users who favor a quieter typing experience, especially in shared spaces. In essence, if you prioritize a lightweight and snappy switch with a pronounced sound, go for the Iceberg; but if you seek a more balanced tactile feedback without the noise, the Weightlessness will better suit your needs.
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