HMX Cheese vs. Aflion Iceberg
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the Aflion Iceberg switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the HMX Cheese, a linear switch, and the Aflion Iceberg, also a linear switch. The HMX Cheese switch is renowned for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, offering a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. In comparison, the Aflion Iceberg switch, from a relatively new switch manufacturer, boasts a satisfying smoothness and a unique two-stage spring design for a fulfilling feel. The Iceberg switch is categorized as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Snappy', 'Feathery', and 'Subtle'. While these general pointers can help guide your decision, it's essential to delve deeper into the specifics of each switch to determine the best fit for your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Cheese and the Aflion Iceberg differ significantly in terms of sound profile. The Cheese's nylon housing creates a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. In contrast, the Iceberg's polycarbonate housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, thanks to its stiffer plastic composition that leads to a clear and resonant sound profile. While both materials are classic choices for switch housing, they offer distinct auditory experiences for users.
However, both the Cheese and the Iceberg share the characteristic of utilizing nylon for their bottom housing. This results in a similar deep and full sound profile for typing on switches, as nylon's softer plastic composition absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. Despite the differences in their top housing materials, the use of nylon in the bottom housing allows both switches to provide a consistent typing experience in terms of sound profile. This similarity in housing material ensures that users can enjoy a familiar typing sound across both switches.
It is important to note that the qualities brought by each housing material are split between the top and bottom of a switch if they are different. The bottom housing has more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing will influence the sound when a key is released. This means that the choice of housing materials for both the top and bottom parts of a switch plays a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience for users. In the case of the Cheese and Iceberg, the contrast between the nylon and polycarbonate top housings highlights how different materials can affect the sound profile of a switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Aflion Iceberg linear switch, both switches have relatively light actuation and bottom out forces. The HMX Cheese has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, while the Aflion Iceberg has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. Both switches provide a light typing experience, making them suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch when typing. The slight difference in force between the two switches may not be noticeable to the average user, so in terms of practical use, they will provide similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference and whether a user prefers a slightly lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The HMX Cheese linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Aflion Iceberg linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Iceberg has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Cheese. The 4.0mm travel distance is more traditional, providing a deeper press feel, while the 3.5mm distance is considered shorter and favored by gamers for its faster response time. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference - if you prefer a shorter, snappier feel, opt for the Cheese, but if you prefer a deeper, more substantial press, the Iceberg may be the better choice. Both switches offer different travel distances, catering to individual preferences and typing styles.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cheese has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cheese for $4.29.
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.
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 HMX Cheese linear switch is best known for its satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, which provides a unique and enjoyable typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch offers a high-pitched and sharp sound profile, delivering a crisp and bright typing sound. Both switches offer distinct auditory experiences that can elevate the overall typing feel and enjoyment for users. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cheese linear switch is praised for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, offering a light actuation force that enhances the overall typing feel. On the other hand, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch is noted for its snappy and feathery feel, thanks to its two-stage spring design that provides a responsive and comfortable typing experience. Additionally, the Iceberg switch is described as having a subtle resistance, making it suitable for shared spaces where a quieter typing experience is desired. Both switches offer unique tactile sensations that cater to different preferences and typing styles.
Overall, the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Aflion Iceberg linear switch each bring their own strengths to the table in terms of sound and feel. The Cheese switch excels in delivering a satisfyingly clacky sound and smooth typing experience, while the Iceberg switch stands out for its high-pitched sound profile and snappy, feathery feel. Depending on your personal preferences, you can achieve a similar level of enjoyment and performance with either of these switches, as they both offer exceptional qualities that can enhance your typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when it comes to choosing between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Aflion Iceberg linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference for typing experience. If you prioritize an ultra-light typing feel with a satisfying clacky sound, then the HMX Cheese switch with its 46g bottom out force would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth typing experience with a two-stage spring for added tactile feedback, along with a slightly lower 45g bottom out force, then the Aflion Iceberg switch would be more suitable for your needs. Consider your preferred sound and feel characteristics when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience based on your preferences.
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