Aflion Iceberg vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the Aflion Iceberg and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice can significantly affect your typing experience. The Aflion Iceberg and TTC Yunhai are two intriguing linear switches that offer distinct characteristics to cater to different preferences. The Iceberg, crafted by the relatively new manufacturer Aflion, boasts a satisfying smoothness complemented by a two-stage spring design that provides a fulfilling feel with a 'clacky' and 'snappy' sound profile. This makes it ideal for those who appreciate tactile feedback and a lively typing experience. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai presents a uniquely gentle typing experience, featuring an incredibly light actuation force and a deep, rounded sound profile that appeals to typists who seek a more effortless and subdued touch. While both switches excel in their own right, catering to diverse typing styles, they ultimately provide different sensations and auditory experiences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Iceberg and the TTC Yunhai demonstrate notable differences in their top housing materials, which significantly influence their overall auditory characteristics and aesthetic appeal. The Iceberg features a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for its superior stiffness and translucency, allowing for a sharper, more resonant sound profile. This material's rigidity enhances clarity, making it especially suitable for RGB lighting applications as it allows light to pass through effectively, producing vibrant illumination effects. In contrast, the Yunhai's nylon top housing is a softer plastic that tends to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softness contributes to a more muted auditory experience, creating a more rounded sound that's often preferred for a quieter typing experience. Therefore, while the Iceberg excels in clarity and visual appeal, the Yunhai emphasizes a warmer, more subdued auditory environment.
On the other hand, both the Iceberg and Yunhai share nylon for their bottom housing materials, which means the typing experience on both switches will have similarities. Nylon's inherent properties provide a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its ability to absorb sound effectively. This commonality allows both switches to share a certain level of auditory warmth even if they diverge in other characteristics. Because the bottom housing primarily impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed, both switches provide a consistent experience of softening sound impact despite the differences in their top housings.
In essence, while the two switches offer contrasting sound profiles due to their top housing materials—with the Iceberg favouring clarity and the Yunhai favouring warmth—there is a unifying aspect in their bottom housing that contributes to a shared auditory experience. The nylon bottom housing serves to bridge the gap between the two designs, resulting in a deeper sound impression regardless of the differences observed at the top. Consequently, users can expect a blend of clarity from the Iceberg's polycarbonate top combined with the nylon's richness, or a more harmonious roundness from the Yunhai without entirely sacrificing a vibrant experience. The interplay of these housing materials creates distinctive yet complementary typing experiences in both switches.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, we observe that both switches have relatively light forces, yet they differ in their specific metrics. The Iceberg features an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it the lighter option. In contrast, the Yunhai has a slightly heavier actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that while both switches offer a light typing experience, the Aflion Iceberg will require less force to trigger a keystroke, which might be preferred for users who prioritize prolonged typing comfort. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai, with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, offers a more substantial typing feel, catering to those who seek a bit more resistance in their keystrokes. Thus, if you are looking for a lighter switch, the Iceberg is the better choice, whereas the Yunhai appeals to those who favor a firmer push feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, there is a notable difference. The Iceberg boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the traditional measurement for key switches and caters to those who appreciate a deeper, more substantial feel when typing. In contrast, the Yunhai features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it more appealing to gamers who prefer quicker response times and a more immediate feedback from their keys. As a result, while the Iceberg satisfies those who favor a hearty depth in their keystrokes, the Yunhai offers a more rapid actuation that might feel too abrupt for some. Thus, the Iceberg is the longer switch at 4 mm, while the Yunhai is the shorter one at 3.6 mm.
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 TTC Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch produces a clacky, high-pitched tone that creates a sharp and crisp auditory experience when typed upon. This quality gives it a bright and percussive character, which can be particularly appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback from their keyboard. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai linear switch lacks an explicit sound profile mentioned, leaving its auditory characteristics as an unknown element. Therefore, if you prefer a quieter typing experience or a different sound signature, you'll find the Yunhai's performance in this aspect less defined.
When it comes to feel, the Iceberg switch is notable for its snappy, feathery, and subtle characteristics. The two-stage spring design contributes to a super responsive and alive typing experience, while its light actuation force helps minimize finger fatigue, making it comfortable for extended use. This gentle resistance adds a pleasant dynamic to each keystroke without overwhelming the typist. In contrast, the feel of the Yunhai switch is also unspecified, creating ambiguity regarding its tactile feedback and overall typing experience.
Considering the available information, while the Iceberg switch clearly defines itself with its distinctive sound and highly regarded feel, the Yunhai switch presents an unknown variable that may appeal to those looking for a different or more subtle experience. However, if sound is a crucial factor for you, the choice becomes straightforward with the Iceberg, whereas the Yunhai may still be an intriguing option when exploring the nuances between various linear switches. Each switch brings its unique flair, but for precise auditory and tactile experiences, the Iceberg stands out confidently in comparison.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, consider your typing preferences and the acoustic environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you value a crisp, clacky sound with a responsive, feathery feel, the Iceberg is the better choice. It excels in delivering a lively typing experience, making it an excellent option for those who enjoy a bit of auditory feedback and a smooth switch action. The lighter actuation force helps reduce finger fatigue, making it suitable for long hours of typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a typing experience that emphasizes a unique, subdued sound profile while still offering light feedback, the Yunhai switch would serve you well. Its slightly heavier bottom-out force provides a sturdier feel without sacrificing the effortless actuation that typists may seek. Choose the Iceberg for a sharper and more dynamic response; opt for the Yunhai when you favor a more rounded, understated acoustic experience. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences, so your choice should reflect your individual typing style and the atmosphere you want to create.
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