Kailh Box Mute Jade vs. Aflion Carrot
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Aflion Carrot switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch, two great options to consider are the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Aflion Carrot. These switches offer distinct features and benefits that cater to different preferences. The Box Mute Jade is a clicky switch that provides a crunchy feel and a more subdued sound profile, making it ideal for individuals who enjoy the tactile feedback of a clicky switch but prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Carrot switch is a tactile switch known for its unique bouncy tactile experience, thanks to its long, two-stage spring. Additionally, the Carrot switch produces a mid-pitched and firm sound profile. Both switches offer their own set of characteristics that can enhance your typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
75g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Aflion Carrot are quite similar as they both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This choice of material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar sound and aesthetic qualities from the top housings of both switches.
However, the differences arise when considering the bottom housings. The Box Mute Jade employs a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing. On the other hand, the Carrot also features a nylon bottom housing, resulting in similar sound characteristics. Therefore, users can expect comparable typing experiences with both switches due to the shared use of nylon in their bottom housings.
It's important to note that the distribution of these qualities is split between the top and bottom housings of each switch. When pressing down on the switch, users will feel the impact of the bottom housing, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will have a more pronounced effect on the sound when releasing a key. This difference in impact distribution may offer a slight variation in the overall typing experience between the Kailh Box Mute Jade and the Aflion Carrot, but the fundamental qualities provided by the housing materials remain similar.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Aflion Carrot tactile switch, there are notable differences. The Box Mute Jade switch has a heavier actuation force of 75 grams compared to the Carrot's lighter 37 grams. Similarly, the Box Mute Jade has a heavier bottom out force of 82 grams, while the Carrot has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams. The Box Mute Jade switch overall provides a heavier and more substantial typing experience, making it suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Carrot switch offers a lighter force, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming, as it minimizes fatigue. If one desires similar results with both switches, the actuation and bottom out forces should be the same for a consistent typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and the Aflion Carrot tactile switch, we can see that the Box Mute Jade has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Carrot has a travel distance of 4 mm. These differences in travel distance can have an impact on the feel and responsiveness of the switches. The Carrot, with its slightly longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial and satisfying depth when pressed. On the other hand, the Box Mute Jade, with its shorter travel distance, may be preferred by gamers or those seeking faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience. Both switches offer unique qualities, and while one is shorter and the other longer, they can both provide similar results in terms of functionality and keypress satisfaction.
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 Box Mute Jade comes in at $6.50 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
When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box Mute Jade switch offers a crunchy feel with a more subdued sound profile. It provides a slight bump and a quieter clicky sound. On the other hand, the Aflion Carrot switch offers a mid-pitched and firm sound profile. It is described as clacky, marbly, and high-pitched. The Carrot switch produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, which can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. Both switches have their unique sound qualities, but if you prefer a quieter clicky sound with a slight bump, the Box Mute Jade will be your choice. However, if you enjoy the sharp and snappy sound of the Carrot switch, it would provide a different auditory experience. Ultimately, the sound produced by a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Regarding the feel, the Kailh Box Mute Jade switch is described as accented, stiff, and polished. It offers a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. The switch requires a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out, providing a relatively stiff typing experience. Additionally, the Box Mute Jade switch has a smooth and refined finish, reducing friction and offering a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Carrot switch is described as bouncy, snappy, stepped, feathery, and subtle. It provides a unique bouncy tactile experience due to its long two-stage spring. The switch is super responsive, offering a lively feel when pressed. It also has a stepped feel, meaning you can feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel. The Carrot switch is exceptionally light to press and requires little exertion, reducing finger fatigue. It provides a gentle resistance and a light typing feel, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. The feel of these switches differs significantly, with the Box Mute Jade being stiffer, and the Carrot offering a bouncy and feathery feel.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch and Aflion Carrot tactile switch have distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Mute Jade produces a more subdued clicky sound with a slight bump, while the Carrot offers a mid-pitched and firm sound profile that is clacky, marbly, and high-pitched. The Box Mute Jade has an accented, stiff, and polished feel, while the Carrot provides a bouncy, snappy, stepped, feathery, and subtle feel. These switches cater to different preferences, with the Box Mute Jade being suitable for those who prefer a quieter clicky sound and a stiffer typing experience, and the Carrot offering a lively and bouncy tactile experience with a lighter feel. Depending on individual preferences, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience. If you are looking for similar results in terms of sound or feel, consider exploring other options within the respective categories of clicky or tactile switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a heavier switch with a crunchy and clicky sound profile, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch is the ideal choice for you. It offers a satisfying tactile feedback with its accented feel and requires more force to actuate and bottom out. Additionally, it provides a quieter clicking sound, making it suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, if you want a lighter switch with a bouncy and tactile experience, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch is the way to go. With its two-stage spring, this switch offers a uniquely lively and responsive feel. It has a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, giving it a clacky and marbly sound when pressed. Moreover, the Carrot switch is feathery in terms of actuation force, reducing strain on your fingers during extended typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your preference for weight, sound, and feel.
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