Aflion Iceberg vs. Wuque Studio WS Onion
An in-depth look at the Aflion Iceberg and the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two options that stand out are the Aflion Iceberg and the Wuque Studio WS Onion, both of which are linear switches. The Aflion Iceberg, although produced by a relatively new switch manufacturer, is known for its exceptional quality. With a satisfying smoothness and a fulfilling feel, thanks to its two-stage spring, the Iceberg switch offers a range of characteristics such as clacky, high-pitched, snappy, feathery, and subtle, allowing for a personalized typing experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Onion features a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a buttery smooth keystroke feel that is deeply satisfying. These exquisite switches also provide a crisp and responsive feel, coupled with a neutral sound profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Spring
WS CL635 Gold Plated Stainless Spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Iceberg and the Wuque Studio WS Onion both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing material. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in switches. This is due to its relatively stiff nature, which promotes clear and resonant sound production. Additionally, the translucent quality of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. Thus, both the Iceberg and WS Onion are likely to deliver similar results in terms of sound quality and aesthetics when it comes to their top housings.
On the other hand, the bottom housing of the Iceberg is made of nylon, while the WS Onion also features a nylon bottom housing. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, the Iceberg and WS Onion are likely to have a similar impact on the bottom-out sound and feel due to their shared bottom housing material.
It is worth noting that when a switch has different top and bottom housings, the qualities of each will be split between the top and bottom of the switch. This means that the bottom housing, in this case, the nylon material, will have a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when you press down on a key. Conversely, the top housing, made of polycarbonate in both switches, will play a significant role in the sound produced when you release a key. Understanding these distinctions can help users make informed decisions based on their desired typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Iceberg has a light actuation force of 37 grams, meaning a relatively light touch is required to trigger a keystroke. Its bottom out force of 45 grams indicates a slightly heavier force is needed to fully press down on the keys. On the other hand, the WS Onion's actuation force is unknown, making it difficult to compare directly. However, its bottom out force of 63.5 grams suggests a medium-heavy feel during typing.
Considering the weight of the switches, some users may prefer the lighter Iceberg switch as it allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue, making it ideal for work or extensive gaming sessions. In contrast, those seeking a more robust and substantial typing experience may prefer a switch with a heavier actuation force. The WS Onion provides this heavier push feel with its medium-heavy bottom out force.
In conclusion, while the Aflion Iceberg switch is lighter in terms of both actuation force and bottom out force, the Wuque Studio WS Onion switch offers a medium-heavy typing experience. The specific actuation force of the WS Onion is unavailable, but it is clear that its bottom out force is heavier than that of the Iceberg. Users looking for a light and effortless typing experience may lean towards the Iceberg, while those desiring a more substantial and tactile feel might gravitate towards the heavier WS Onion.
Travel distance
The Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, you can expect similar results from both switches. Neither one is shorter or longer than the other as they both have the same travel distance.
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 Onion has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Onion for $5.53.
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
The Iceberg linear switch from Aflion is known for its satisfying smoothness and fulfilling feel. It provides a snappy and high-pitched sound profile, which is crisp, bright, and percussive. The feel of the switch is described as snappy, making it super responsive. It also has a feathery lightness to it, reducing finger fatigue and making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. Additionally, the switch offers a subtle resistance and a gentle typing feel, making it suitable for shared spaces. Overall, the Iceberg switch delivers a pleasant typing experience with its smoothness, snappy feel, and high-pitched sound profile.
On the other hand, the WS Onion linear switch from Wuque Studio offers a buttery smooth keystroke feel that is deeply satisfying. It has a neutral sound profile, which means it produces a moderate sound that suits most intents and purposes. The switch provides a crisp and responsive feel, adding to the overall satisfaction of typing on it. It is likened to a polished switch, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. The WS Onion switch offers reduced friction and smooth key travel, enhancing the fluidity of keystrokes.
When comparing the sound qualities of the Iceberg and WS Onion switches, the Iceberg is clacky and high-pitched, producing a sharp and crisp sound. In contrast, the WS Onion has a neutral sound profile, neither too rich nor too bassy. The choice of board and keycaps can also influence the sound of the switches.
In terms of feel, the Iceberg switch is snappy and feathery, providing a light typing experience with reduced finger fatigue. It also has a subtle resistance and a gentle typing feel. On the other hand, the WS Onion switch is buttery and polished, offering a seamless and effortless typing sensation with smooth and uniform keystrokes.
In conclusion, the Aflion Iceberg and Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switches each have their own unique qualities. The Iceberg switch is characterized by its smoothness, snappy feel, and high-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the WS Onion switch stands out for its buttery smooth keystroke feel, crisp and responsive feel, and neutral sound profile. Both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, albeit with different subjective qualities. Depending on personal preference and the desired typing experience, either switch can provide similar results in terms of overall satisfaction.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a light switch with a satisfying smoothness and a fulfilling feel, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch is the way to go. With its 45-gram bottom out force, it provides a snappy and feathery typing experience that reduces finger fatigue. The Iceberg switch is also known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, which adds a crisp and bright element to your typing sounds.
On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a moderate actuation force and a neutral sound profile, the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch is the perfect choice. With a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, it offers a crisp and responsive feel while still maintaining a satisfyingly buttery and polished keystroke. The WS Onion switch's neutral sound profile makes it versatile and suitable for various settings, whether you are a beginner or an advanced user, or if you plan to use it at home or work.
Ultimately, the decision between the Aflion Iceberg and Wuque Studio WS Onion switches depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize a lighter feel and a clacky sound, go for the Iceberg. But if you prefer a slightly heavier feel with a buttery and polished typing experience, the WS Onion switch is the one for you. Both switches excel in their own unique ways, offering a high-quality and satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.
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