Aflion Blue Sky vs. Aflion Carrot
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky and the Aflion Carrot switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can greatly impact your typing experience. Two popular options to consider are the Aflion Blue Sky and the Aflion Carrot. The Blue Sky is a linear switch known for its crystal clear typing experience and smooth push feel. With a high-pitched and neutral sound profile, this switch offers a delightful and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Carrot is a tactile switch that provides a uniquely bouncy tactile experience. Its two-stage spring offers a fun and responsive typing feel. The Carrot switch also has a mid-pitched and firm sound profile that adds to its overall character. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Aflion Blue Sky and the Aflion Carrot share many similarities. Both switches utilize polycarbonate as the material for their top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in switches. It is a relatively stiff plastic that enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, its translucency makes it an ideal choice for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind. Therefore, users can expect similar sound and aesthetic experiences when using either the Blue Sky or the Carrot.
However, the differences in housing materials become apparent when examining the bottom housing. The Blue Sky features a nylon bottom housing, while the Carrot opts for the same material. Nylon is considered a classic switch housing material that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Unlike polycarbonate, nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This means that when typing on the Blue Sky, users can expect a switch that produces a more pronounced bottom-out sound and feel compared to the Carrot, whose polycarbonate bottom housing will have a lesser impact on the sound and feel.
In summary, while the top housing material remains the same for the Aflion Blue Sky and the Aflion Carrot, their bottom housing materials differ. This variation in materials leads to distinct differences in sound profiles. The Blue Sky's nylon bottom housing enhances the bottom-out sound and feel with its deep and full characteristics. Conversely, the Carrot's polycarbonate bottom housing may result in a slightly less pronounced sound and feel. However, both switches still deliver quality performance and aesthetic appeal due to their shared use of polycarbonate in the top housing, making them suitable choices for users seeking similar experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Aflion Carrot tactile switch, we can clearly see some differences. The Blue Sky has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Carrot's 37 grams, making the Carrot lighter. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Blue Sky is 60 grams, while the Carrot requires only 45 grams, further emphasizing its lighter nature.
Considering weight is crucial when selecting a switch because it directly impacts one's typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter feel might favor the Carrot, as it allows for extended typing sessions without causing fatigue. This lighter force is particularly suitable for work-related tasks or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a stronger push and a more substantial typing experience might opt for the Blue Sky with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. This increased force provides a satisfying tactile feedback, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a more robust switch.
In summary, while the Blue Sky linear switch and the Carrot tactile switch differ in their actuation and bottom out forces, both offer distinct advantages. Selecting between the two involves considering personal preferences for typing experiences, with the Blue Sky offering a heavier option and the Carrot providing a lighter alternative.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Aflion Carrot tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either switch, you will feel the same distance of travel. Both switches offer a consistent and comfortable typing experience. Therefore, regardless of whether you choose the Blue Sky or the Carrot switch, you can expect similar results in terms of the travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Aflion Blue Sky has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Blue Sky for $4.07.
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
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch is best known for its crystal clear linear typing experience. It offers a high-pitched sound profile, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. This is a great choice for those who prefer a more rich and bassy sound profile. The push feel of the Blue Sky switch is exquisitely smooth and the switch itself is described as mild and polished. This means that it offers a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics, and it has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience.
On the other hand, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch is best known for its uniquely bouncy tactile experience. It features a long, two-stage spring that provides a lively feel, giving you rebound when pressed. The Carrot switch offers a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, described as clacky and marbly. These switches produce a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, similar to tapping on a rock-solid piece of marble or the sound of two billiard balls colliding. The Carrot switch also has multiple descriptors for its feel, including bouncy, snappy, stepped, feathery, and subtle. It provides a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation and a super responsive typing experience.
In summary, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Aflion Carrot tactile switch have distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Blue Sky switch offers a high-pitched sound profile and a mild and polished feel, while the Carrot switch provides a mid-pitched and firm sound profile with a bouncy and snappy feel. However, both switches offer a unique and enjoyable typing experience. Depending on personal preferences and the specific requirements of the user, one can choose either switch to achieve similar results in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Aflion Carrot tactile switch, it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a linear typing experience with a medium bottom out force, the Blue Sky switch is a great choice. It offers a sparkling sound profile and an exquisitely smooth push feel. The Blue Sky switch is best for those who prefer a high-pitched sound and a mild typing experience.
On the other hand, if you enjoy a uniquely bouncy tactile experience with a lighter bottom out force, the Carrot switch is the way to go. It features a long, two-stage spring that offers a fun and lively typing sensation. The Carrot switch is known for its mid-pitched and firm sound profile, making it ideal for those who prefer a clacky or marbly sound.
For sound preferences, if you prefer a high-pitched and neutral sound profile, the Blue Sky switch is a good fit. On the other hand, if you enjoy a clacky, marbly, or high-pitched sound, the Carrot switch offers these options.
In terms of feel, the Blue Sky switch provides a mild and polished typing experience. It offers a gentle typing feel and smooth key travel. The Carrot switch, on the other hand, provides a bouncy, snappy, stepped, feathery, or subtle feel, depending on your preference.
To sum up, when choosing between the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Aflion Carrot tactile switch, consider factors such as bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. Ultimately, the decision comes down to what type of typing experience and sound you prefer.
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