Kailh Box Navy vs. Aflion Carrot
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the Aflion Carrot switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you are in search of a mechanical keyboard switch that provides a heavy typing experience and delivers the satisfying sound and tactility of a clicky switch, then the Kailh Box Navy is the perfect fit for you. With a heftiness reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s, the Box Navy switch offers a sharp and resonant feel that will invigorate your typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a more bouncy and tactile experience, the Aflion Carrot switch is worth considering. Its long, two-stage spring provides a unique and fun tactile feel that is sure to keep you engaged. Additionally, the Carrot switch offers a firm and mid-pitched sound profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision on which switch is the perfect fit for your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
90g
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
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Navy and the Aflion Carrot share similar housing materials, with both switches utilizing polycarbonate for their top housings. This choice of material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced, making it an ideal option for those seeking a switch with excellent sound quality. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate allows for a visually appealing switch, especially when combined with RGB lighting.
In terms of their bottom housings, both switches employ nylon as the chosen material. Nylon is renowned for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches. This is achieved through its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, nylon bottom housings contribute to a duller and rounder sound, providing a unique auditory experience for users.
While the top and bottom housings differ between the Kailh Box Navy and the Aflion Carrot, the overall impact on the switch's performance is split between the two. When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become more evident, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. As such, users can expect similar results in terms of sound quality from both switches, albeit with potentially subtle variations based on the chosen housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Aflion Carrot tactile switch, it is evident that they have distinct differences. The Box Navy switch requires a heavier actuation force of 60 grams, whereas the Carrot switch only requires 37 grams, making it noticeably lighter. Similarly, the Box Navy has a heavier bottom out force of 90 grams compared to the Carrot's 45 grams. This suggests that the Box Navy switch provides a more substantial and forceful typing experience, while the Carrot switch offers a lighter and potentially more comfortable typing experience. It is worth noting that those who prefer a lighter switch for extended periods of typing or gaming may gravitate towards the Carrot switch, while those who desire a stronger push feel may find the Box Navy switch more suitable. Ultimately, individuals can achieve similar results based on their personal preferences and the specific tasks they intend to use the keyboard for.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch is an important factor to consider when choosing a keyboard. The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Aflion Carrot tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches offer a satisfying tactile feedback, with the Carrot providing a slightly deeper press compared to the Box Navy. While the difference between their travel distances may seem minimal, it can actually make a noticeable impact on the user experience. Gamers, for example, often prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt and prefer the more substantial depth offered by switches with longer travel distances. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness.
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 Navy comes in at $5.50 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 Navy clicky switch is known for its resonant and crunchy sound. Typing on these switches produces a higher-pitched sound profile reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s. The sound is clean, sharp, and comparable to stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch offers a clacky sound with a crisp, bright, and percussive quality. It also has a marbly sound, which is resonant, high-pitched, and clean. The Carrot switch's sound profile is also described as high-pitched, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. Overall, if you prefer a resonant and crunchy sound, the Box Navy switch is for you, while the Carrot switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch is known for its sharp, invigorating, and stiff tactile feedback. The switch offers a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be felt distinctly with each keypress. It provides a pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel, creating an immersive typing sensation. On the other hand, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch offers a bouncy, snappy, stepped, feathery, and subtle feel. The Carrot switch provides a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving the keys a lively bounce when pressed. It is super responsive due to its longer or dual-staged springs, making the typing experience feel more alive. Additionally, the Carrot switch has a stepped feel with some pre-travel and/or post-travel, providing a mild tactile experience. It is exceptionally light to press, reducing finger fatigue, and has a gentle resistance, giving a comfortable typing feel. Overall, the Box Navy switch offers a sharper and stiffer tactile experience, while the Carrot switch provides a bouncier and more varied tactile feel.
Considering the available information, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Aflion Carrot tactile switch offer different subjective qualities. The Box Navy is known for its heavy typing experience, resonant and crunchy sound profile, sharp and invigorating tactile feedback, and stiffness. On the other hand, the Carrot switch provides a uniquely bouncy tactile experience, mid-pitched and firm sound profile, various tactile sensations such as bounciness, snappiness, and stepping, as well as a feathery and subtle typing feel. If you are seeking a vintage and more intense typing experience, the Box Navy switch would be a suitable choice. Conversely, if you prefer a fun and lively typing experience with varied tactile sensations, the Carrot switch would be a great option. Both switches offer their own unique qualities, and while they may have some similarities in terms of sound and feel, they provide distinct results.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are seeking a heavy typing experience and love the sound and tactility of a clicky switch, then the Kailh Box Navy switches are a perfect fit for you. Their heftiness and sound signature hark back to the vintage buckling keyboards of the 80s. On the other hand, if you are looking for a unique bouncy tactile experience with a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, then the Aflion Carrot switches are the way to go.
In terms of sound, the Kailh Box Navy switches offer a resonant and crunchy experience, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Aflion Carrot switches produce a clacky, marbly, and high-pitched sound when pressed. If you prefer a clean and sharp sound profile, the Box Navy switches are a good choice. However, if you enjoy a crisp, bright, and percussive sound, the Carrot switches will suit your preference.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Navy switches provide a sharp and invigorating tactile experience with a pronounced feedback and crisp bump. They are known for their high feedback intensity and require more force to actuate and bottom-out. On the other hand, the Aflion Carrot switches offer a bouncy and snappy feel, thanks to their spring-like feedback sensation and longer or dual-staged springs. These switches are exceptionally light to press, reducing finger fatigue and making them comfortable for extended typing sessions. They also have a more subtle and gentle resistance, making them suitable for shared spaces.
Ultimately, your decision between the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Aflion Carrot tactile switch will depend on your personal preferences. If you value a heavy typing experience with a resonant sound and sharp feedback, the Box Navy switches are a great choice. If you prefer a bouncy tactile experience with a brighter sound profile and lighter actuation force, the Carrot switches will be a better fit. Consider your typing style, environment, and preferences to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard.
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