Aflion Iceberg vs. Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear
An in-depth look at the Aflion Iceberg and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the Aflion Iceberg and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear. The Iceberg, produced by Aflion, showcases the excellent quality that this relatively new switch manufacturer is known for. With its smoothness and two-stage spring, typing on the Iceberg switches provides a satisfying and fulfilling experience. Categorized as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Snappy', 'Feathery', and 'Subtle', the Iceberg offers a range of tactile and auditory feedback options. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear from Wuque Studio is perfect for those seeking a smooth and high-pitched typing experience. These switches feature a transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing, allowing for maximum customization of RGB lighting. With a lightly lubed POM stem, the WS Aurora Clear offers minimal friction and a satisfyingly smooth keystroke. Categorized as 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'High-pitched', and 'Polished', this switch provides a different set of sensory experiences compared to the Iceberg. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities, so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Spring
Double-staged stainless steel
Housing materials
The Aflion Iceberg and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear have similar polycarbonate top housings. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which enhances the sound profile by creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiff plastic that allows for a clear and resonant sound projection. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is particularly advantageous for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. Therefore, both the Iceberg and the WS Aurora Clear will provide similar results in terms of sound profile and aesthetic appeal when it comes to their polycarbonate top housings.
However, the two switches differ when it comes to their bottom housings. The Iceberg features a nylon bottom housing, which produces 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 when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear utilizes a UHWMPE bottom housing, which is a newer material for switch housings. This material offers a very bright sound signature and provides resonant clacks when typing on switches with such housings. As a result, the Iceberg and the WS Aurora Clear will have contrasting sound profiles due to their differing bottom housing materials.
In terms of the impact on sound and feel, the qualities of each housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. When you press down on the switch, you will primarily feel the impact and experience the sound of the bottom housing. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Conversely, the top housing has more influence on the sound when you release a key. Therefore, the characteristics of the nylon bottom housing on the Iceberg and the UHWMPE bottom housing on the WS Aurora Clear will contribute to variations in how these switches feel and sound during typing or gaming activities.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, it is clear that they differ in terms of weight. The Iceberg boasts a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, appealing to individuals who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the WS Aurora Clear offers a medium-heavy feel, with an actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This heavier force may be favored by those seeking a more substantial and tactile typing experience. It is important to note that these differences in weight allow individuals to choose options that align with their personal preferences. Therefore, while the forces of the two switches differ, you can achieve similar results by selecting the appropriate switch based on your desired typing feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, it becomes evident that there is a slight difference between the two. The Aflion Iceberg has a travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the WS Aurora Clear has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Although both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with 4.0 mm being the more common option, the WS Aurora Clear offers a slightly shorter travel distance. Gamers, who often prioritize speed and responsiveness, may find the WS Aurora Clear more appealing due to this shorter distance, as it allows for faster response times. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial depth and feel when pressing down on a key may gravitate towards the Aflion Iceberg, with its 4.0 mm travel distance. Overall, both switches offer distinct advantages based on personal preference, providing similar or slightly varied results depending on the desired 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 Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear comes in at $8.00 per 10 switches.
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
In terms of sound, both the Aflion Iceberg and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches are described as high-pitched. This means that they produce a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, making them a good choice for those who prefer a more bright and percussive sound profile. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used, so the overall sound experience may vary.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Iceberg switches are described as snappy and feathery. This means that they have a super responsive typing experience, thanks to the longer or dual-staged springs they feature. This gives a lively and agile feel when typing. Additionally, the light actuation force of these switches reduces finger fatigue, making them comfortable for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches are described as buttery, mild, and polished. This implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, with a more gentle typing feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The WS Aurora Clear switches provide a seamless and effortless typing sensation, thanks to their smooth and refined finish and minimal friction.
In conclusion, both the Aflion Iceberg and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches offer unique subjective qualities. The Iceberg switches have a clacky sound and a snappy, feathery feel, while the WS Aurora Clear switches have a high-pitched sound and a buttery, mild, and polished feel. These switches provide different experiences to the user, allowing them to choose based on their personal preferences. However, if you prefer a high-pitched sound profile and a smooth keystroke experience, both switches can deliver similar results.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a light and satisfying typing experience with a smooth and fulfilling feel, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch is an excellent choice for you. With its bottom out force of 45 grams, it provides a comfortable and feathery typing experience, perfect for extended typing sessions or gaming. The Iceberg switch also offers a snappy response, thanks to its two-stage spring, making your typing experience feel more alive. In terms of sound, the Iceberg switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound, adding a crisp and bright element to your keystrokes.
On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and buttery typing experience with maximum RGB lighting customization, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch is a great option. With a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, it offers a slightly heavier typing feel, providing a more gentle and polished experience. The WS Aurora Clear switch is known for its seamless and effortless keystroke, thanks to its UHMWPE bottom housing and lightly lubed POM stem, reducing friction and ensuring smooth key travel. In terms of sound, the WS Aurora Clear switch produces a high-pitched and crisp sound, perfect for those who prefer a sharper sound profile.
Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Iceberg and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches depends on your personal preference and typing style. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different needs and preferences. Whether you prioritize a light and snappy typing experience or a smooth and buttery keystroke, both switches are sure to enhance your typing pleasure.
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