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Aflion Iceberg vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream

An in-depth look at the Aflion Iceberg and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Iceberg and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Iceberg from Aflion showcases a smooth profile and a two-stage spring that provides a satisfying feel. Known for being clacky, high-pitched, snappy, feathery, and subtle, the Iceberg is a solid choice for those who enjoy a tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch from KTT stands out for its POK material in both the stem and bottom housing, offering typists a buttery and creamy feel that resembles its namesake dessert. This switch produces a high-pitched and clacky sound, providing a different auditory experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Technical specifications

Actuation force

37g

Actuation force

43g

Bottom-out force

45g

Bottom-out force

48g

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Pre-travel

1.90 mm

Total travel

4.00 mm

Total travel

3.50 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

Proprietary KTT blend

Bottom housing material

Nylon

Bottom housing material

POK

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Spring

20mm two-stage spring

Spring

Stainless steel 18mm spring

Housing materials

The Aflion Iceberg and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Iceberg's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper, higher-pitched sound, while the Vanilla Ice Cream's proprietary KTT blend top housing provides a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. However, both materials are clear and translucent, making them ideal for switches with RGB lighting. In terms of the bottom housing, the Iceberg's nylon material creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Vanilla Ice Cream's POK material offers smooth, clacky, and durable switches.

While the top housings of the Aflion Iceberg and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream have distinct characteristics, their bottom housings also play a crucial role in shaping the overall sound profile of the switches. The Iceberg's nylon bottom housing is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream's POK bottom housing is incredibly smooth, durable, and resistant to wear and shock. This difference in bottom housing materials contributes to the unique typing experience offered by each switch.

Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Iceberg and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream will depend on the sound profile and typing feel that the user is seeking. While both switches feature clear top housings suitable for RGB lighting, the Iceberg's polycarbonate top housing offers a crisper sound profile compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream's proprietary KTT blend. Similarly, the Iceberg's softer nylon bottom housing provides a deeper sound, while the Vanilla Ice Cream's POK bottom housing delivers a smooth and durable typing experience. Overall, understanding the qualities of each housing material is crucial in selecting the switch that best suits individual preferences.

Weight

In comparing the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it is clear that both switches have relatively light actuation forces and bottom out forces. The Iceberg has a slightly lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream's 43 grams. Similarly, the Iceberg has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream's 48 grams. Both switches fall on the lighter side of the spectrum, making them suitable for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience. While the differences in force between the two switches are minimal, those who prefer an even lighter touch may lean towards the Iceberg, while those who prefer a slightly stronger push may prefer the Vanilla Ice Cream. Ultimately, both switches offer a comfortable typing experience with relatively light actuation and bottom out forces.

Travel distance

The Aflion Iceberg linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch has a shorter travel distance compared to the Iceberg switch. The 0.5 mm may not seem like a significant difference, but it can impact the overall feel and response of the keyboard. Those who prefer a shorter, quicker keypress may lean towards the Vanilla Ice Cream switch, while those who prefer a slightly deeper keypress may opt for the Aflion Iceberg switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style.

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 KTT Vanilla Ice Cream has an MSRP of $5.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vanilla Ice Cream for $4.60.

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 offers a high-pitched and clacky sound profile, providing a sharp and percussive typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch boasts a combination of high-pitched, marbly, and resonant sound qualities, giving typists a clean and sharp auditory feedback. While both switches have a high-pitched sound signature, the Ice Cream switch may provide a slightly more resonant and immersive sound due to its marbly attribute. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference and the overall sound profile you prefer for your typing experience.

When it comes to feel, the Aflion Iceberg linear switch is described as snappy, providing a super responsive typing experience with a satisfying two-stage spring mechanism. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch is described as buttery and creamy, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation reminiscent of its dessert namesake. With a focus on smoothness and effortless typing, the Ice Cream switch may appeal to those looking for a seamless and uniform keypress experience. However, individuals who prefer a more responsive and tactile typing feel may find the Iceberg switch with its snappy characteristic more to their liking.

In conclusion, both the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Iceberg switch provides a high-pitched and clacky sound with a snappy typing feel, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch delivers a buttery and creamy sound profile paired with a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and the type of typing experience you are seeking. Regardless of choice, both switches are sure to offer a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience for newcomers to the world of mechanical keyboards.

Conclusion

In closing, when deciding between the Aflion Iceberg linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a higher bottom out force and a switch with a snappy and high-pitched sound profile, the Iceberg could be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a smoother and creamier typing experience with a slightly lower bottom out force, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch might be more appealing. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and bottom out force. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing styles and tastes, so choose the one that aligns best with your preferences to enhance your overall typing experience.

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