KTT Ash Gray vs. Aflion Carrot
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the Aflion Carrot switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Ash Gray and the Aflion Carrot are two options worth considering. The Ash Gray switch is designed to provide a tactile response that strikes the perfect balance between being noticeable but not overwhelming. With its easy-to-press nature and mild tactile feedback, this switch offers a delightful sensation for your fingertips. On the other hand, the Carrot switch is known for being a fun and unique tactile option. Its two-stage spring delivers a bouncy tactile experience that is sure to add a touch of excitement to your typing. Additionally, the Carrot switch produces a firm and mid-pitched sound profile. However, let's delve deeper into the specifics of each switch so you can make an informed decision based on your individual preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
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
18mm spring
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Ash Gray and the Aflion Carrot share similar housing materials, with both featuring polycarbonate top housings. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffness and clear translucency. It is especially advantageous for users who plan to utilize RGB lighting, as the polycarbonate allows the illumination to shine through effectively. Therefore, both switches would provide a similar sound and aesthetic experience when it comes to their top housings.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the KTT Ash Gray utilizes a nylon material while the Aflion Carrot also employs nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon has been a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, both switches would offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel due to their shared nylon bottom housings.
It's worth noting that the allocation of qualities differs between the top and bottom housings. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, although the Ash Gray and the Carrot may experience slight differences due to their varying housings, users can expect comparable results when it comes to the overall typing experience provided by these switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Aflion Carrot tactile switch, we can observe some similarities and differences. In terms of weight, the Ash Gray switch is slightly heavier, with an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Carrot switch has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. Both switches fall into the lighter range, making them suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the Ash Gray switch offers a slightly stronger push feel due to its higher bottom out force, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer it. On the other hand, the Carrot switch has a lighter bottom out force, offering a gentler keystroke. Despite these differences, users can expect similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces as both are within a close range. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for typing experience and overall weight preferences.
Travel distance
The KTT Ash Gray tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the Aflion Carrot tactile switch's travel distance of 4 mm. The Ash Gray falls on the shorter end of the spectrum, making it a favorable choice for gamers seeking faster response times. However, some individuals may find the shorter travel distance to feel too abrupt. On the other hand, the Carrot offers a longer travel distance, providing a more hearty depth to the switch's movement. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the level of responsiveness desired.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Ash Gray has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ash Gray for $2.55.
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 KTT Ash Gray switch is best described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that it produces a moderate and balanced sound when pressed. It is suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or an advanced user, and whether you plan to use it at home or work. On the other hand, the Aflion Carrot switch offers a few different sound profiles. It can be described as clacky, which means it produces a sharp and snappy sound. Additionally, it has a marbly sound profile, which is resonant, high-pitched, and clean. Lastly, it is characterized as high-pitched, providing a sharp and crisp sound. The specific sound produced by a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the KTT Ash Gray switch is known for being easy-to-press. This means that it offers gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The switch also provides a mild typing experience, with qualities that stand in a safe middle-ground zone, making it approachable for most users. On the other hand, the Aflion Carrot switch offers a bouncy feel. It provides a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation when pressed, giving the keys a lively feel and providing rebound. The switch is also described as snappy, which means it is super responsive, enhancing the typing experience and making it feel more alive. Additionally, it has a stepped feel, meaning it has two stages and allows for some pre-travel and/or post-travel. The Carrot switch also offers a feathery typing experience, as it is exceptionally light to press and requires little exertion from the fingers. This reduces finger fatigue and makes it comfortable for extended typing sessions. Lastly, the switch is also described as subtle, providing gentle resistance and a light typing feel, with a sound signature that is not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces.
Considering the available information, the KTT Ash Gray switch delivers a tactile response that is substantial yet unobtrusive, with a light touch and crisp actuation. It provides a tactile feedback that is not too overwhelming, yet far from being unnoticed. In terms of sound, it has a neutral profile, suitable for most intents and purposes. The switch offers an easy-to-press feel, with gentle resistance and a mild typing experience.
On the other hand, the Aflion Carrot switch offers a uniquely bouncy tactile experience, thanks to its long, two-stage spring. The switch has a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, which can be described as clacky, marbly, and high-pitched. It provides a bouncy, snappy, and stepped feel, with a feathery and subtle typing experience.
While the two switches have different subjective qualities, they both excel in their respective areas. If you are looking for a switch with a light touch, crisp actuation, and neutral sound profile, the KTT Ash Gray switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a bouncy tactile experience, a firm and mid-pitched sound profile, and a range of feel options such as bouncy, snappy, stepped, feathery, and subtle, the Aflion Carrot switch would be a suitable option.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a tactile switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a delightful blend of tactile feedback, the KTT Ash Gray switch is the way to go. With its easy-to-press feel and neutral sound profile, it offers a comfortable and responsive typing experience suitable for both beginners and advanced users. On the other hand, if you prefer a light bottom out force and a unique bouncy tactile experience, the Aflion Carrot switch is the one for you. Its bouncy and snappy feel, along with its clacky and marbly sound profile, adds a playful element to your typing. The Carrot switch is especially great for those who enjoy a lively and responsive typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your preference for bottom out force, tactile feedback, and sound profile.
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