Aflion Panda vs. Aflion Carrot
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the Aflion Carrot switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Aflion Panda and the Aflion Carrot. The Panda is celebrated for its unparalleled, hyper-tactile sensation, giving users a truly satisfying typing experience. Additionally, it offers a profound "thocky" sound profile, adding an extra level of auditory satisfaction. On the other hand, the Carrot switch stands out for its unique bouncy tactile experience, courtesy of its long, two-stage spring. It offers a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, creating a distinct audio feedback. Both switches have their own merits and enthusiasts, but let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single-stage 15mm long spring
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Panda and the Aflion Carrot both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal option for those seeking a more distinct auditory experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the incorporation of RGB lighting, adding a visually appealing aspect to the switches. Therefore, whether you choose the Aflion Panda or the Aflion Carrot, you can expect similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both the Panda and the Carrot employ nylon as their material of choice. Nylon offers a unique characteristic to the switches, eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is due to nylon's softness, which allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, the switches produce a duller and rounder sound, enhancing the overall typing experience. Whether you prefer the Panda or the Carrot, you can enjoy the advantages of nylon's acoustic properties in both switches.
While the top and bottom housings differ between the Panda and the Carrot, it's important to consider their individual impacts on the overall sound and feel of the switches. The bottom housing primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel, providing a significant impact when pressing down on the switch. On the other hand, the top housing plays a more prominent role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Thus, the qualities brought by the top and bottom housing materials are distributed between these two actions. Whether you opt for the Aflion Panda or the Aflion Carrot, you can expect a well-balanced combination of both top and bottom housing characteristics during your typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Aflion Carrot tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Panda has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Carrot's lighter 37 grams. This means that the Panda requires a bit more pressure to trigger a keystroke. Similarly, when it comes to bottoming out, the Panda has a higher force of 60 grams compared to the Carrot's 45 grams. This means that for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, the Panda would provide a stronger push feel. However, if one prefers a lighter switch, the Carrot would be the better option as it requires less force for both actuation and bottoming out. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences and typing habits. It's also worth noting that if someone prefers a lighter switch, they can achieve similar results with both the Panda and Carrot by simply using a lighter touch to avoid bottoming out with too much force.
Travel distance
The Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Aflion Carrot tactile switch both have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on either switch, you will feel the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent and satisfying tactile feedback for users. Therefore, whether you choose the Panda or the Carrot, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance and key press experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Aflion Panda has an MSRP of $5.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Panda for $3.56.
The Aflion Carrot has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Carrot for $3.57.
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
When it comes to sound, the Aflion Panda tactile switch is best known for its "thocky" sound profile, which is characterized by a deep and resonant echo. This creates a full-bodied and sonorous audio feedback that is highly satisfying to those who value a pronounced sound experience while typing. On the other hand, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch offers a mid-pitched and firm sound profile. While not specifically described as "thocky" or resonant, it is clacky, bright, and percussive, providing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. Both switches offer distinctive sound profiles, but the Panda focuses on a deep thocky echo, while the Carrot provides a mid-pitched and firm sound.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Panda tactile switch is described as accented, which means it provides a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. It offers an invigorating experience with pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. This creates an immersive typing sensation that many enthusiasts appreciate. On the other hand, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. It has a lively feel with rebound when pressed, giving it a unique tactile experience. Additionally, the Carrot switch is also mentioned as snappy, meaning it is super responsive, thanks to its longer or dual-staged springs that make the typing experience feel more alive. The Carrot switch also offers a stepped feel, meaning it has a more mild tactility with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. Lastly, the Carrot switch is described as feathery, exceptionally light to press, and reducing finger fatigue.
In summary, the Aflion Panda tactile switch is highly regarded for its hyper-tactile sensation and thocky sound profile. It provides a responsive tactile force and a deep resonant audio feedback, setting a new standard for those who value hypertactility and a full-bodied sound. On the other hand, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch offers a unique bouncy tactile experience with a firm and mid-pitched sound profile. While they have different subjective qualities, both switches offer an engaging typing experience with their own distinct characteristics. If you prefer a highly tactile and resonant switch, the Panda is the way to go. However, if you're looking for a switch with a bouncier tactile feedback and a lively sound, the Carrot would be a great choice. Overall, both switches provide satisfying experiences but cater to different preferences, ensuring that you can achieve similar results depending on your personal preference.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a medium bottom out force (60 grams) and value a hyper-tactile sensation with a deep thocky sound profile, the Aflion Panda tactile switch is the way to go. It sets a new gold standard for those who crave hypertactility and a full-bodied, sonorous audio feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force (45 grams) and a uniquely bouncy tactile experience, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch is the better choice. It offers a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, providing a fun and lively typing sensation. Ultimately, the decision depends on your preferences for bottom out force, tactility, and sound profile. Both switches have their distinct features, allowing you to find the perfect fit for your typing style and preferences.
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