Aflion Iceberg vs. Outemu Yellow Silver

Overview

The Aflion Iceberg and the Outemu Yellow Silver are two highly regarded mechanical keyboard switches, each offering their own unique advantages. The Iceberg, manufactured by Aflion, showcases the exceptional quality that the brand is becoming known for. With its satisfying smoothness and two-stage spring, it provides a fulfilling feel that many avid typists and gamers appreciate. The Iceberg switch is also categorized as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Snappy', 'Feathery', and 'Subtle', giving users a wide range of options to suit their preferences. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver, produced by Outemu, is highly regarded for its light actuation force and neutral sound profile. This makes it especially popular among gamers and typists who prioritize speediness and responsiveness. Categorized as 'Neutral', the Yellow Silver offers a straightforward and reliable typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision about which switch is most suitable for your needs.

By the numbers

Aflion Iceberg Linear

Outemu Yellow Silver Linear

$3.50

$3.07 per 10

$3.40 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Aflion Iceberg and the Outemu Yellow Silver both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. Therefore, both switches offer the benefits of polycarbonate, providing a similar sound experience and visual appeal when used with RGB lighting.

In terms of the bottom housings, the Iceberg utilizes a nylon material, while the Yellow Silver also features a nylon bottom housing. Typing on switches with nylon housings elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of the nylon plastic. Nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, both switches offer a similar sound experience when it comes to bottom-out sound and feel, thanks to the nylon bottom housing.

Overall, while the Aflion Iceberg and the Outemu Yellow Silver feature different housing materials for their top and bottom components, they still offer similar results. Both switches provide a sharp and crisp sound profile due to their polycarbonate top housings. Additionally, the nylon bottom housings in both switches contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Therefore, whether it's pressing down on the keys or releasing them, users can expect a satisfying auditory experience from both switches.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, there are noticeable differences between the two. Starting with the actuation force, the Iceberg requires a lighter touch with only 37 grams of force needed to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams.

Moving on to the bottom out force, we see a similar pattern. The Iceberg switch has a bottom out force of 45 grams, indicating that it maintains a consistent light touch throughout the keystroke process. In contrast, the Yellow Silver switch has a bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a slightly heavier and more substantial typing experience.

Considering weight and personal preference, individuals who prefer a lighter touch and intend to type for extended periods may lean towards the Iceberg switch due to its lower actuation and bottom out forces. Meanwhile, those who prefer a stronger push feel and desire a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Yellow Silver switch, with its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces. It's worth noting that both switches fall within the medium-light category, ensuring that regardless of the choice, users will obtain similar results in terms of force required for keystrokes.

Travel distance

Both the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch have a travel distance of 4mm. This means that when you press down on a key, you will feel the same distance of travel for both switches. Therefore, whether you choose the Iceberg or the Yellow Silver, you can expect similar results in terms of the travel distance experienced when typing.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Iceberg linear switch from Aflion is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile. When pressed, these switches produce a sharp and snappy sound that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. This sound profile is ideal for those who prefer a more distinct and vibrant typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch has a neutral sound profile. It produces a moderate sound that is suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner, advanced user, or using the keyboard at home or work. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Iceberg linear switch offers a snappy and feathery typing experience. The longer or dual-staged springs in these switches make them highly responsive, providing a lively feel while typing. Additionally, these switches have a light actuation force, reducing finger fatigue and making them comfortable for extended typing sessions such as gaming, school, or work. The Iceberg linear switch also has a subtle resistance, meaning it maintains a light typing feel without being too feather-light. Moreover, the sound signature of the Iceberg switch is not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, the feel of the Outemu Yellow Silver switch is unknown as no descriptors are provided.

In conclusion, the Aflion Iceberg and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Iceberg switch has a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, providing a sharp and snappy typing experience. It also offers a snappy and feathery feel, with a light actuation force that reduces finger fatigue. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver switch has a neutral sound profile, suitable for various purposes, although its feel is unknown. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, you can choose between the Iceberg switch for a more distinct and vibrant typing experience or the Yellow Silver switch for a neutral sound profile. However, as with any switch, it is important to consider other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used, as they can also impact the overall sound and feel.

Conclusion

To wrap up, if you are looking for a light and smooth linear switch, the Aflion Iceberg would be a great choice. With a bottom out force of 45 grams, it provides a satisfying feel and is comfortable for extended typing sessions. The Iceberg is also known for its snappy and feathery feel, making it responsive and reducing finger fatigue. In terms of sound, it produces a clacky and high-pitched sound, which can be crisp and bright. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams and a neutral sound profile, the Outemu Yellow Silver is the way to go. It is favored by gamers and typists who value speed and responsiveness. Overall, both switches have their own unique qualities and it ultimately comes down to your personal preference and typing style.

Mentioned in this article

Aflion Iceberg Linear

$3.50

$3.07 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Yellow Silver Linear

$3.40 per 10

Learn more