Akko Botany vs. Aflion Carrot
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the Aflion Carrot switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the decision often boils down to two popular preferences: the smooth, linear feel of the Akko Botany and the tactile feedback provided by the Aflion Carrot. The Botany switch is celebrated for its crisp and lively clacky sound right out of the box, appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory response while typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Aflion Carrot offers a uniquely bouncy tactile experience thanks to its long, two-stage spring, characterized by a mid-pitched and firm sound profile that adds an engaging sensation with each keystroke. While the Botany is ideal for users who prefer a seamless and fluid typing experience, the Carrot switch caters to those who appreciate tactile feedback and a snappier response. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon Pro
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Akko Botany and the Aflion Carrot, the differences in their top housing materials are quite pronounced. The Botany utilizes a nylon top housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. This is attributed to nylon's softer plastic nature, which allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder materials, resulting in an overall duller and rounder acoustic experience. In contrast, the Carrot features polycarbonate in its top housing, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound. Polycarbonate’s stiffer composition enhances clarity and resonance, making it ideal for those seeking a crisper typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate allows for effective RGB lighting, making the aesthetics of the Carrot more appealing for enthusiasts who value visual effects alongside sound quality.
On the other hand, both the Botany and Carrot share a common material for their bottom housings: nylon. The use of nylon for the bottom housing in both switches means they will elicit a similar deeper and fuller sound profile when the switch is bottomed out. This shared characteristic plays a crucial role in the acoustic signature of each switch. The nylon’s softness absorbs sound effectively, allowing for a uniform experience when pressing the keys down completely. Thus, while the top housing materials contribute disparate sound profiles, both switches maintain a cohesive bottom-out experience because of their identical bottom housing material, leading to an emphasis on the rounder sound tones shared by both models when the keys are pressed.
Ultimately, the differences in sound profiles between the Akko Botany and Aflion Carrot highlight the importance of housing materials in switch design. With the top housings made of nylon and polycarbonate respectively, they cater to distinct acoustic performances that attract different user preferences. However, the use of nylon in both bottom housings ensures a similar mapping of sound characteristics, particularly in the bottoming-out phase of each break. Users who prioritize the sound of final keystrokes and sometimes subtle feedback will find comfort in the shared nylon bottom housing, while those drawn to immediate acoustic feedback might prefer the Carrot’s sharper top sound profile. In essence, while both switches offer unique qualities through their top housing, the unifying factor in their bottom housings creates a balanced experience across both models.
Weight
The Akko Botany linear switch and the Aflion Carrot tactile switch present similar characteristics in terms of their actuation and bottom out forces. The Botany features an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Carrot has a slightly lighter actuation force of 37 grams, but also shares the same bottom out force of 45 grams. This slight difference in actuation force indicates that the Carrot switch may feel marginally easier to press, appealing to those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Both switches, however, bottom out at the same 45 grams, providing a consistent tactile feel once fully engaged. Overall, users seeking a softer typing experience would lean towards the Carrot due to its marginally lighter actuation force, while those who appreciate a bit more effort while typing may still find the Botany to be an excellent choice, especially considering their identical bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Botany linear switch and the Aflion Carrot tactile switch, it's clear that the Botany offers a shorter distance at 3.6 mm, while the Carrot has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference in travel can significantly affect the typing experience and user preference. Gamers often favor the Botany's shorter travel for its quicker response time, making it ideal for fast-paced gaming scenarios. Conversely, the Carrot's longer 4 mm travel distance may appeal to those who appreciate a more substantial feel when typing, as it provides a more pronounced physical feedback that some users find more comfortable. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize speed and responsiveness or prefer the deeper, more tactile experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko Botany has an MSRP of $3.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Botany for $3.11.
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
In terms of sound, the Akko Botany linear switch stands out with its crisp and lively clacky profile, which adds a vibrant auditory dimension to any typing experience. This switch produces a bright and sharp sound that resonates with those fond of a more percussive feedback. On the other hand, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch delivers a mid-pitched and firm sound, characterized by a bouncy audio signature rather than the sharpness of the Botany. While the Botany is more suited for users seeking a pronounced clack, the Carrot offers a unique blend of tactile feedback and a slightly deeper auditory profile. It's important to note, however, that the overall sound experience can be significantly influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps, meaning that both switches can be tailored to personal sound preferences.
When it comes to feel, the Botany switch's specific tactile qualities remain less defined, leaving room for imagination regarding its typing experience. In contrast, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch is designed to provide a notably bouncy and lively sensation due to its long, dual-stage spring mechanism, which results in a snappy typing experience. The tactile feedback of the Carrot is emphasized by its stepped nature, giving users a distinct feeling of engagement at various stages of the keystroke. This can create a more dynamic typing experience, where every press feels responsive and invigorating. Additionally, the Carrot’s feathery yet subtle touch makes it an excellent choice for prolonged usage, as it minimizes finger fatigue while still offering a satisfying tactile sensation.
In conclusion, while the Akko Botany linear switch delivers a vibrant, clacky sound that makes it appealing for those who enjoy an auditory response, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch excels in providing a bouncy and snappy feel that enhances typing engagement and usability. Despite the Botany's less defined feel qualities, it pairs wonderfully with the auditory excitement that its sound profile offers, while the Carrot combines both tactile feedback and sound to create a uniquely playful experience. Users looking for distinct auditory and tactile sensations will find value in both options; the choice ultimately comes down to personal preferences in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Aflion Carrot tactile switch boils down to your personal preferences for sound and feel. If you enjoy a lively typing experience characterized by a crisp and bright sound, the Botany switch is an excellent option for you, especially if you prefer a switch that feels light and requires less effort to press. Its clacky sound profile will bring an engaging auditory element to your typing or gaming sessions, making it ideal for users who thrive on responsiveness and feedback. On the other hand, if you are drawn to a fun and tactile experience, the Carrot switch may be more your speed. With its unique bouncy feel and a mid-pitched sound profile, it delivers a satisfying tactile bump that can make each keystroke feel more dynamic and enjoyable. The combination of its dual-staged spring mechanism and moderately firm sound makes it suited for users who appreciate a tactile sensation without being overly pronounced. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your desire for either a lighter, more vibrant typing experience with the Botany or a tactile yet lively interaction with the Carrot, ensuring your keyboard suits your specific needs and preferences perfectly.
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