Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Aflion Carrot
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Aflion Carrot switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the Everglide Aqua King and the Aflion Carrot. The Aqua King is a linear switch that is best known for its frictionless feel, creating a typing experience reminiscent of gliding on freshly resurfaced ice. Its subdued, creamy, and silky characteristics make it a favorite among those seeking a smooth and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Carrot is a tactile switch that offers a uniquely bouncy tactile experience. Its long, two-stage spring provides a fun and responsive feel, and its clacky, high-pitched sound profile adds an extra layer of satisfaction. However, 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
46g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
Nylon
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Aqua King and the Aflion Carrot share a similar housing material in their polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Due to its relatively stiffer nature, this material offers a clear and resonant sound profile. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. Both the Aqua King and the Carrot benefit from the characteristics of polycarbonate in their top housing, resulting in a comparable sound experience when using these switches.
While the top housing of both switches is made of polycarbonate, their bottom housings differ in material. The Aqua King features a polycarbonate bottom housing, while the Carrot utilizes a nylon bottom housing. The nylon material used in the Carrot's bottom housing provides a distinctive typing experience, producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer plastic composition absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Aqua King offers a firmer and more impactful bottom-out sound and feel. These differences in bottom housing materials contribute to different typing experiences between the Aqua King and the Carrot.
It's important to note that the top and bottom housings of a switch play different roles in determining the overall typing experience. When pressing down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become more apparent, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the sound when releasing a key is more influenced by the characteristics of the top housing. Therefore, while the Aqua King and the Carrot may share similar polycarbonate top housings, the differences in their bottom housings will result in distinct typing experiences, with the Aqua King offering a crisper and sharper bottom-out sound and the Carrot providing a deeper and fuller sound when typing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Aflion Carrot tactile switch, some notable differences can be observed. The Aqua King has an actuation force of 46 grams, slightly heavier than the Carrot's 37 grams. This means that a slightly stronger push is needed to trigger a keystroke on the Aqua King compared to the Carrot. In terms of bottom out force, the Aqua King requires 62 grams, while the Carrot only requires 45 grams. This indicates a lighter and less forceful typing experience with the Carrot, as it requires less pressure to fully press the keys.
Considering the weight aspect, the Aqua King can be considered medium-weight, while the Carrot is lighter. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing them to type for longer periods or engage in extended gaming sessions, may find the Carrot more suitable. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial and firm typing feel might be inclined towards the Aqua King, as it requires a stronger push for a typing action. Both switches provide different levels of resistance, catering to the preferences of users with varying typing preferences. By considering their actuation and bottom out forces, users can select a switch that aligns with their desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Everglide Aqua King linear switch and the Aflion Carrot tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches provide a consistent and satisfying typing experience, as they offer a similar distance for each keystroke. Users can expect a smooth and precise typing experience with both switches, making them suitable choices for those who prioritize comfort and accuracy in their typing. Additionally, the identical travel distance ensures that users will achieve comparable results, regardless of whether they opt for the Aqua King or the Carrot switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) has an MSRP of $7.18 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aqua King (V3) for $5.44.
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 Everglide Aqua King and the Aflion Carrot switches offer different qualities. The Aqua King is described as having a subdued sound profile, which means it produces a dampened sound when pressed. It is not completely silent, but it offers a more subtle sound compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Carrot switch has a few descriptors for its sound. It is described as clacky, which means it produces a sharp and snappy sound. Additionally, it is characterized as marbly, meaning it has a resonant, high-pitched, and clean sound reminiscent of tapping on a marble surface or billiard balls colliding. Lastly, the Carrot switch is also described as having a high-pitched sound, which produces sharp and crisp tones. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors, such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Everglide Aqua King and the Aflion Carrot switches also offer different experiences. The Aqua King switch is often described as creamy, frictionless, silky, and polished. These descriptors indicate that it provides a smooth and buttery typing experience, with lubrication applied at the factory or materials that enhance smoothness. It offers minimal resistance or friction, resulting in a fluid and effortless typing sensation. On the other hand, the Carrot switch is characterized as bouncy, snappy, stepped, feathery, and subtle. These descriptors suggest that it provides a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, with a lively and responsive feel. It may have a two-stage tactile sensation, with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. The Carrot switch also offers a light actuation force, reducing finger fatigue and making it comfortable for extended typing sessions.
In conclusion, the Everglide Aqua King and the Aflion Carrot switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Aqua King switch provides a more subdued sound and a frictionless, silky, and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Carrot switch offers a clacky, marbly, and high-pitched sound, along with a bouncy, snappy, stepped, feathery, and subtle feel. If you prefer a more subtle and smooth typing experience with a subdued sound, the Aqua King switch would be a suitable choice. However, if you enjoy a sharper and more tactile typing experience with a lively sound, the Carrot switch would be a better option. It's important to consider your personal preferences and use case when selecting between these two switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and effortless typing experience, with medium bottom out force, the Everglide Aqua King linear switch is an excellent choice. These switches offer a frictionless and creamy feel, reminiscent of gliding on ice while typing. The Aqua King also provides a subdued sound profile, making it a suitable option for shared spaces where you prefer a more subtle sound when pressing the keys.
On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a lighter bottom out force, the Aflion Carrot switch would be a great fit. These switches offer a bouncy and snappy typing experience, thanks to their unique long, two-stage spring. Additionally, the Carrot switch provides a clacky sound profile, which can be described as sharp, bright, and percussive. If you enjoy a lively and responsive typing feel, the Carrot switch would be a suitable choice.
Ultimately, the decision between the Everglide Aqua King and Aflion Carrot switches depends on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound. Consider whether you prioritize a smooth and frictionless typing experience with subdued sound (Aqua King) or a bouncy and snappy typing experience with a clacky sound (Carrot). By understanding the characteristics and descriptions of each switch, you can make an informed choice that aligns with your preferences and typing style.
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