Bsun Akashi vs. Aflion Carrot
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the Aflion Carrot switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the BSUN Akashi linear switch and the Aflion Carrot tactile switch, both options offer distinct advantages that cater to different preferences. The Akashi stands out for its smooth UPE stem and unique POM top/nylon bottom housing combination, providing a crisp bottom-out sound and a resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the Carrot switch features a bouncy tactile experience with a mid-pitched, firm sound profile, making it a fun and satisfying option for those who enjoy tactile feedback. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
UPE
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
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-stage extended spring
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Akashi and the Aflion Carrot both have unique characteristics in their housing materials. The Akashi features a POM top housing, which creates a deep and relatively muted sound profile. In contrast, the Carrot utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. While the Akashi's nylon bottom housing results in a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic, the Carrot also uses nylon for its bottom housing, providing a similar sound profile. However, the distinction in top housing materials leads to differing sound profiles between the two switches.
Despite both switches utilizing nylon for their bottom housing, the Bsun Akashi and the Aflion Carrot have distinct sound qualities due to their differing top housing materials. The Akashi's POM top housing creates a more muted sound compared to the Carrot's polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper and clearer sound. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, providing an added aesthetic benefit. Additionally, the impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel is more prominent in the Akashi, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key.
In summary, the Bsun Akashi and the Aflion Carrot showcase how different housing materials can affect the sound profile of mechanical switches. While both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, the Akashi's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound compared to the Carrot's polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper and crisper sound. The distinction in top housing materials highlights the importance of considering housing materials when selecting mechanical switches, as they can greatly impact the overall typing experience and sound profile of the switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Aflion Carrot tactile switch, we find that the Akashi has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Carrot's 37 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Akashi requires 43 grams while the Carrot requires 45 grams, making the Carrot slightly heavier in this aspect. Both switches have a relatively light actuation force, making them suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience. The slight difference in bottom out force may result in a slightly more substantial typing experience with the Carrot. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for a lighter or slightly heavier key press.
Travel distance
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Aflion Carrot tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Carrot tactile switch has a longer travel distance compared to the Akashi linear switch. The Akashi's shorter travel distance may appeal to individuals looking for faster response times, such as gamers, while the Carrot's longer travel distance may provide a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Akashi has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Akashi for $3.70.
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, both the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Aflion Carrot tactile switch are described as producing a clacky sound profile. However, the Akashi is noted for having a bright, crisp bottom-out due to its unique stem and housing combination, resulting in a more resonant experience with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Carrot switch offers a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, along with additional descriptors like marbly and high-pitched, contributing to a more lively and bouncy tactile experience.
In terms of feel, the Akashi switch is characterized by descriptors such as creamy, frictionless, polished, and silky, offering a smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance. It is also noted for being snappy and easy-to-press, enhancing the overall typing feel. In contrast, the Carrot switch is described as bouncy, snappy, stepped, feathery, and subtle, providing users with a spring-like, two-stage tactile feedback that is lightweight and comfortable for extended typing sessions.
Overall, the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Aflion Carrot tactile switch offer unique sound and feel experiences for users. While both switches have a clacky sound profile, the Akashi provides a more resonant and crisp bottom-out sound, whereas the Carrot offers a mid-pitched and firm sound. In terms of feel, the Akashi delivers a creamy and easy-to-press typing experience, while the Carrot offers a bouncy and feathery tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound and typing feel, with both switches providing distinctive qualities that cater to different user needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Bsun Akashi linear switch or the Aflion Carrot tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference for typing experience. If you prioritize a smooth and resonant typing experience with a light actuation force, the Akashi linear switch with its creamy, frictionless, and polished feel might be the right choice for you. Conversely, if you prefer a bouncy and lively tactile feedback with a mid-pitched sound profile, the Carrot tactile switch with its bouncy, snappy, and feathery feel could be more suited to your typing style. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's essential to consider what aspects are most important to you when making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between the Akashi and Carrot switches will depend on what typing experience you value most.
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