TTC Bluish White vs. Aflion Carrot
An in-depth look at the TTC Bluish White and the Aflion Carrot switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
We are pleased to offer the TTC Bluish White and Aflion Carrot mechanical keyboard switches, both of which are tactile switches. The Bluish White is known for its satisfyingly poppy typing experience, accompanied by a snappy sound profile. It is categorized as buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, polished, and low-pitched. On the other hand, the Carrot switch offers a uniquely bouncy tactile experience with its long, two-stage spring. It provides a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, categorized as clacky, marbly, high-pitched, bouncy, snappy, stepped, feathery, and subtle. These general descriptions provide a glimpse into the qualities of each switch. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Partial box
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 TTC Bluish White and the Aflion Carrot both use polycarbonate as the material for their top housings. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches, as polycarbonate is known for its stiffness and clear resonance. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it particularly useful for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and aesthetic when using either the Bluish White or the Carrot, as both switches feature polycarbonate top housings.
Both the Bluish White and the Carrot also incorporate nylon as the material for their bottom housings. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as nylon is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when pressing down on the switch. Therefore, users can anticipate similar typing experiences in terms of sound when using either switch, as both the Bluish White and the Carrot utilize nylon bottom housings.
Given that the top and bottom housings differ between the two switches, the qualities brought by each housing material are divided between the top and bottom parts. When pressing down on either the Bluish White or the Carrot, users will feel the impact and characteristics of the bottom housing, which heavily influences the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Despite this difference, both switches still offer comparable sound profiles due to the shared qualities of their respective top and bottom housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Aflion Carrot tactile switch, it is evident that both switches provide a relatively light typing experience. The Bluish White switch has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Carrot switch has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. Thus, in terms of actuation force, the Carrot switch is slightly lighter than the Bluish White switch. Similarly, when considering the bottom out force, the Carrot switch requires slightly less force compared to the Bluish White switch.
For users who prefer a lighter feel during typing, both the TTC Bluish White and the Aflion Carrot switches offer similar results due to their relatively low actuation and bottom out forces. This lighter weight allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, making them ideal options for work or extended gaming sessions. However, for those seeking a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, they may prefer switches with heavier forces. It is important to note that the exact force required for both actuation and bottom out forces may vary depending on personal preference, but the differences between the two switches are relatively marginal.
Travel distance
The TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Aflion Carrot tactile switch have contrasting travel distances. The Bluish White has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Carrot has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Carrot switch has a more traditional travel distance compared to the slightly shallower travel distance of the Bluish White. Gamers, who prioritize faster response times, may opt for the Bluish White with its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial and deeper feeling when pressing down on a key may opt for the Carrot with its longer travel distance. Both options have their merits depending on individual preferences, but if one desires a shorter travel distance for increased responsiveness, the Bluish White would be the better choice.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Bluish White has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bluish White for $4.63.
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 TTC Bluish White tactile switch offers a low-pitched profile. This means that it produces a more bass-heavy and mellow tone when pressed. On the other hand, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch provides a variety of sound options. It is described as clacky, which means it produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. Additionally, it has a marbly sound profile that is resonant, high-pitched, and clean, similar to tapping on a solid piece of marble or the sound of two billiard balls colliding. Lastly, it is also described as high-pitched, producing a sharp and crisp sound. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is not solely determined by its design but also by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch is described as having a buttery and mild typing experience. A buttery switch offers a smooth and fluid keystroke, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Additionally, its mild characteristics make the switch approachable for most users, as it falls within a safe middle-ground zone. The switch is also described as stepped, meaning it has two stages of tactile feedback, allowing users to feel some pre-travel or post-travel. It is also considered subtle, providing gentle resistance without being too light or too heavy. Furthermore, the switch is polished, which means it has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch offers a bouncy and snappy typing experience. The switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. This gives the keys a lively feel with rebound when pressed. It is also considered snappy, meaning it is super responsive due to longer or dual-staged springs, making the typing experience feel more alive. Similar to the Bluish White, the Carrot switch is also described as stepped, providing some pre-travel or post-travel. It is also considered subtle, providing a gentle resistance without being too light or heavy.
Based on the available information, it is clear that the Bluish White and Carrot tactile switches offer different sound and feel profiles. The Bluish White has a low-pitched sound with a buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished feel. On the other hand, the Carrot has clacky and marbly sound options with a bouncy, snappy, stepped, feathery, and subtle feel. While they may have some similarities in terms of being stepped and subtle, overall, they provide unique experiences to suit different preferences. It is important to consider personal preferences, the desired typing experience, and the overall setup (keyboard board and keycaps) when choosing between these switches.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Aflion Carrot tactile switch, it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs.
If you desire a satisfyingly poppy typing experience with a snappy sound profile, the TTC Bluish White switch may be the better choice for you. With its light bottom out force of 50 grams, it offers a buttery and mild feel, providing a smooth and effortless typing sensation. The low-pitched sound profile also offers a more bass-heavy and mellow tone.
On the other hand, if you prefer a uniquely bouncy tactile experience with a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, the Aflion Carrot switch might be more suitable. With its slightly lighter bottom out force of 45 grams, it offers a bouncy and snappy feel, making the typing experience feel more alive. The clacky, marbly, and high-pitched sound profiles provide a sharp, snappy, and crisp sound when pressed.
Consider your preference for sound and feel, as well as your typing style and environment. If you enjoy a poppy sound with a smoother feel, the TTC Bluish White switch could be a great fit. However, if you prefer a bouncier feel and a snappier, more pronounced sound, the Aflion Carrot switch might be more appealing.
Ultimately, both switches offer their own unique characteristics, and it's important to try them out or do further research to determine which one suits your typing preferences best.
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