Kailh Berry vs. Aflion Carrot
An in-depth look at the Kailh Berry and the Aflion Carrot switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Kailh Berry and the Aflion Carrot are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique typing experiences. The Berry, a linear switch, is best known for its hefty typing experience and springy type feel. It provides a chalk-like texture when typing and emits a deep sound profile. On the other hand, the Carrot, a tactile switch, stands out for its fun and bouncy tactile experience. It features a long, two-stage spring that offers users a uniquely satisfying typing sensation. Additionally, the Carrot switch produces a mid-pitched and firm sound profile. While both switches have their own distinct characteristics, the Berry provides a textured and low-pitched feel, while the Carrot offers a clacky, marbly, and high-pitched sensation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so that you can best decide on the most suitable switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
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
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Berry and the Aflion Carrot share similar housing materials in their tops, as both switches utilize polycarbonate. Polycarbonate provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffness and clear translucency. This material is especially beneficial for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting, as the light can pass through the clear housing, creating a visually appealing effect. Therefore, both the Berry and the Carrot are likely to have similar sound profiles and aesthetics due to their polycarbonate top housing.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Berry and the Carrot diverge in their materials. The Berry utilizes a nylon bottom housing, while the Carrot also makes use of nylon but with different characteristics. Nylon is considered a classic switch housing material that offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. The Berry's nylon bottom housing, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and produces a rounder sound when typing. On the other hand, the Carrot's nylon bottom housing may have slightly different sound qualities due to potentially different manufacturing techniques or formulation, but it still lends a deeper and fuller sound profile to the switch.
It is important to note that the top and bottom housings play different roles in the overall sound and feel of a switch. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, although the Berry and the Carrot may have slightly different sound profiles due to their bottom housing material, the overall experience of typing on these switches is likely to be similar because of their shared polycarbonate top housing.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Aflion Carrot tactile switch, it is clear that there are notable differences in both the actuation force and bottom out force. The Berry switch has an actuation force that is currently unavailable in grams, while the Carrot switch has an actuation force of 37 grams. This indicates that the Carrot switch requires a lighter touch to trigger a keystroke compared to the Berry switch. Additionally, the Berry switch has a bottom out force of 70 grams, which is considered medium-heavy, while the Carrot switch has a bottom out force of 45 grams, which is lighter in comparison.
Considering weight, some individuals prefer lighter switches as it allows for longer typing sessions, making it suitable for work or extended gaming periods. In this regard, the Carrot switch with its lighter actuation force may be favored. On the other hand, there are users who desire a more substantial typing experience and prefer a stronger push feel. For such individuals, switches with heavier forces would be better suited. In this case, the Berry switch with its medium-heavy bottom out force might be the preferred choice.
Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Aflion Carrot tactile switch differ, with the Carrot switch being lighter in both aspects. This contrast provides users with the option to choose based on their specific preferences and typing requirements.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Aflion Carrot tactile switch, it is evident that the Berry has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Carrot has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Berry's travel distance falls on the shallower end of the spectrum, making it a popular choice among gamers who prioritize fast response times. On the other hand, the Carrot offers a touch more depth in its travel distance, which some individuals may prefer for a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key. Overall, the choice between the two switches ultimately depends on personal preference. If you value a faster and more responsive keystroke, the Berry's shorter travel distance will suit you. Conversely, if you prefer a switch with a bit more depth to it, the Carrot's slightly longer travel distance may be the better option. In either case, both switches offer their own unique characteristics for an enjoyable typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Kailh Berry comes in at $6.25 per 10 switches.
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
The Kailh Berry linear switch is best known for its hefty typing experience. When it comes to sound, the Berry switch offers a fairly deep and low-pitched profile. This means that it produces a more bass-heavy and mellow tone during key presses. On the other hand, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch is described as fun and bouncy. It features a long, two-stage spring that provides a uniquely lively tactile experience. In terms of sound, the Carrot switch offers a mid-pitched and firm profile. It produces a clacky and high-pitched sound when pressed, which can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive.
When it comes to feel, the Berry linear switch is known for its textured typing experience. This means that it has noticeable friction when pressed, providing a tactile feedback that some users may prefer. On the other hand, the Carrot tactile switch offers a bouncy and snappy feel. The keys have a lively and elastic feedback sensation, providing a rebound when pressed. Additionally, the Carrot switch is described as stepped, meaning it has two stages of feedback with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. This gives it a mild tactile feel compared to switches with a larger bump. The Carrot switch is also feathery, meaning it has a light actuation force that reduces finger fatigue and makes it comfortable for extended typing sessions.
To summarize, the Kailh Berry linear switch offers a hefty and springy typing experience with a chalk-like texture. It produces a deep and low-pitched sound, and its feel is textured, providing noticeable friction when pressed. On the other hand, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch offers a uniquely bouncy and fun typing experience with a mid-pitched and firm sound profile. Its feel is bouncy, snappy, stepped, and feathery, providing a lively and elastic feedback sensation with a light actuation force. These switches offer different characteristics and are suitable for different preferences. However, if you prefer a typing experience with similar qualities, such as a springy feel and a low-pitched sound, the Berry linear switch can provide similar results.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are someone who enjoys a firmer and springy typing experience with a chalk-like texture, the Kailh Berry linear switch would be a great choice for you. It offers a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a satisfying and hefty feel. Additionally, its low-pitched and bassy sound profile adds depth and richness to your typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter and bouncy tactile switch, the Aflion Carrot would be the way to go. With a bottom out force of 45 grams, it offers a uniquely bouncy tactile experience due to its long, two-stage spring. The Carrot switch also provides a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, adding a fun and lively element to your typing.
Ultimately, your choice between the two switches depends on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound. If you prioritize a firmer and springy typing experience with a deeper sound, the Berry switch is a great option. However, if you prefer a lighter and bouncy tactile switch with a snappy and marbly sound, the Carrot switch would be more suitable for you. Consider your typing style and preferences to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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