Kailh Box Jade vs. Aflion Carrot

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a multitude of options to choose from, each offering their own unique typing experience. Two switches that stand out among the rest are the Kailh Box Jade, a clicky switch, and the Aflion Carrot, a tactile switch. The Box Jade is perfect for those seeking a medium-heavy typing experience with a satisfying clicky sound profile and pronounced tactility. The crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps of the Box Jade make typing on it a joy. On the other hand, the Carrot switch offers a fun and bouncy tactile experience, thanks to its long, two-stage spring. Additionally, the Carrot switch produces a mid-pitched and firm sound profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your typing needs.

By the numbers

Kailh Box Jade Clicky

Aflion Carrot Tactile

$5.50 per 10

$4.60

$3.57 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Kailh Box Jade and the Aflion Carrot both feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. These clear housings are particularly beneficial for switches intended for use with RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for better illumination. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and aesthetic qualities when using either the Box Jade or the Carrot.

In terms of the bottom housing, both the Box Jade and the Carrot utilize nylon. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, owing to the softer nature of nylon plastic. This material absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Thus, users can anticipate a similar sound experience when pressing down on the switches, as both the Box Jade and the Carrot will deliver a deeper and fuller sound.

However, it is important to note that the top and bottom housings of a switch play different roles in enhancing the overall sound and feel. While the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed down, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when a key is released. Therefore, although the Box Jade and the Carrot share similar housing materials, users may notice slight differences in the sound produced when releasing a key, depending on the specific properties and design of each switch.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Aflion Carrot tactile switch, it is evident that they have different weight considerations. The Box Jade switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, which falls into the medium range. On the other hand, the Carrot switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, placing it in the light category.

For those looking for a lighter typing experience, the Carrot switch would be a suitable choice, as its lower actuation force allows for longer periods of comfortable typing. This makes it ideal for situations such as using a keyboard in a professional workplace or engaging in extended gaming sessions. However, if a more substantial and tactile typing feel is preferred, the Box Jade switch with its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces would be a better option. The additional force required provides a satisfying push that some typists find more enjoyable.

Although the Box Jade and Carrot switches differ in weight, both switches guarantee the desired keystrokes. Those seeking a lighter option would appreciate the Carrot switch, while those who prefer a heavier actuation force can rely on the Box Jade switch for a similar level of robustness. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the typing experience one seeks to achieve.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Aflion Carrot tactile switch, it is clear that the Carrot has a longer travel distance at 4 mm compared to the Box Jade's 3.6 mm. The Carrot's 4.0 mm falls within the traditional range of travel distances, while the Box Jade's 3.6 mm is slightly shorter. The choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and intended use. Gamers, for example, may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Box Jade for faster response times. On the other hand, those who prefer a deeper, more substantial feel when pressing down on a key may opt for the Carrot with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches should be based on individual preferences and requirements for responsiveness and depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Kailh Box Jade switch offers a high-pitched and crunchy sound profile. The high-pitched sound produces sharp and crisp clicks, making it a suitable choice if you prefer a more vibrant and lively sound. Additionally, the crunchy nature of the switch gives it an autumn leaf-like sound, providing a satisfying auditory experience while typing. On the other hand, the Aflion Carrot switch is described as clacky and marbly. The clacky sound generated by the Carrot switch is sharp and snappy, offering a crisp, bright, and percussive tone. Furthermore, the marbly characteristic adds a resonant, high-pitched, and clean sound to the switch, similar to tapping on a solid piece of marble or the collision of two billiard balls. Overall, both switches have unique sound characteristics, with the Box Jade offering a medium-heavy and clicky profile, while the Carrot provides a mid-pitched and firm sound experience.

When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box Jade switch is described as accented and invigorating. The accented feel of the switch indicates a medium-tactile experience that is neither overwhelming nor subtle, providing a prominent amount of tactility. This allows for a satisfying feedback while typing. The invigorating characteristic adds to the switch's immersive nature, with pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. On the other hand, the Aflion Carrot switch offers a bouncy, snappy, stepped, feathery, and subtle feel. The bounciness of the Carrot switch gives a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, creating a lively and rebounding feel when pressed. The snappy attribute indicates high responsiveness, thanks to longer or dual-staged springs. The stepped nature of the switch provides a mild tactile experience, with a detectable pre-travel and/or post-travel. Additionally, the feathery characteristic makes the switch exceptionally light to press, reducing finger fatigue. Finally, the Carrot switch also offers a subtle typing feel with gentle resistance and a sound signature that is not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces. Both switches offer unique tactile experiences, with the Box Jade being medium-tactile and invigorating, while the Carrot provides a bouncy, snappy, stepped, feathery, and subtle feel.

In conclusion, the Kailh Box Jade and Aflion Carrot switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Jade provides a high-pitched and crunchy sound profile with an accented and invigorating feel, offering a medium-heavy typing experience with crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps. On the other hand, the Carrot switch offers a clacky and marbly sound profile, paired with a bouncy, snappy, stepped, feathery, and subtle feel. While these switches have distinct qualities, if you are looking for a similar sound profile, the high-pitched attribute can be found in both switches. Additionally, if you prefer a tactile experience, both switches offer varying degrees of tactility, with the Box Jade being medium-tactile and the Carrot having a stepped and subtle feel. Ultimately, selecting between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, providing options for different typing experiences.

Conclusion

In closing, if you are looking for a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and strong tactility, the Kailh Box Jade switch would be the ideal choice for you. These switches are known for their crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps, providing a satisfying typing experience. Additionally, the Box Jade has a high-pitched sound profile that produces a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a uniquely bouncy tactile experience, the Aflion Carrot switch would be more suitable. The Carrot offers a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, with a switch that feels bouncy and responsive. It also provides a feathery and subtle typing feel, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences for typing experience, sound profile, and tactile feedback.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Box Jade Clicky

$5.50 per 10

Learn more

Aflion Carrot Tactile

$4.60

$3.57 per 10

Learn more