Aflion Carrot vs. Bsun Chiikawa - 45g

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference, particularly between tactile and linear switches. The Aflion Carrot, a tactile switch, offers a delightfully unique typing experience thanks to its long, two-stage spring that provides a bouncy tactile feel. With a mid-pitched, firm sound profile described as clacky, snappy, and subtle, it caters well to those who enjoy feedback and an audible click while typing. On the other hand, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g is a linear switch that stands out for its incredibly light actuation force and bright sound profile, making typing feel remarkably responsive and smooth. While the Chiikawa delivers a crisp, high-pitched sound that can enhance the enjoyment of typing for those who prefer a more straightforward keystroke, the tactile feedback of the Carrot appeals to users who thrive on sensory engagement. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing style and preferences.

By the numbers

Aflion Carrot Tactile

Bsun Chiikawa - 45g Linear

$4.60

$3.57 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

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Housing materials

The Aflion Carrot and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which contributes to a distinct acoustic quality in both switches. The use of polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic, provides a sharper and crisper sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience. This similarity in material renders a more resonant sound, ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, creating a visually appealing effect. In both switches, this feature assures that users can enjoy a consistently vibrant lighting experience, which makes them particularly sought after in custom keyboard builds.

In contrast to the top housing, both switches employ nylon for their bottom housing, which significantly affects the switches' sound and feel during use. Nylon is characterized by its softer nature, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile when keys are pressed. As the nylon material absorbs more sound than harder plastics, it imparts a duller and rounder acoustic quality. This features a more pleasant bottom-out experience, dampening harsh sounds that can sometimes be associated with stiffer materials. This is an important aspect as it not only influences the auditory satisfaction but also the tactile feedback during typing.

Given that both the Aflion Carrot and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g switch share identical materials in their top and bottom housings, users can expect a cohesive sound profile across both models. The combination of polycarbonate tops and nylon bottoms ensures that while the upper side provides a sharp and crisp sound upon release, the lower portion balances it with a rounded and deeper response when pressed. This combination creates a seamless typing experience that maximizes both clarity and depth, making either switch an excellent choice for enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded auditory feedback range.

Weight

The Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Carrot features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes, which can be beneficial for prolonged typing sessions and gaming marathons. In contrast, the Chiikawa - 45g requires a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, providing a more substantial feel when typing. This switch also has a higher bottom out force of 51 grams compared to the Carrot’s 45 grams, indicating that users will experience more resistance when fully depressing the key. Essentially, while both switches cater to different preferences regarding typing feedback, the Carrot is ideal for those seeking a lightweight typing experience, whereas the Chiikawa suits users who prefer a stronger push feel. As such, users should choose based on their individual typing style and comfort preferences.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch, we find distinct differences that cater to varying user preferences. The Aflion Carrot boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, considered a more traditional depth that provides a satisfying tactile response for those who appreciate a well-defined key press. In contrast, the Chiikawa - 45g has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, appealing to users who favor quicker response times ideal for gaming or fast-paced tasks. Consequently, while both switches offer unique advantages, the Carrot's 4 mm travel distance delivers a deeper press suited for those looking for a more substantial feel, whereas the Chiikawa's 3.6 mm travel distance offers a swifter, more responsive experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch delivers a mid-pitched and firm audio profile, characterized by a clacky and bright resonance when pressed. This sharp, snappy sound enhances the auditory experience of typing, providing clear feedback with each keystroke. Conversely, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch is known for its bright sound profile combined with a crisp, high-pitched tone, making it quite responsive to typing actions; although details about specific descriptors for the Chiikawa were not provided, it is likely that its linear nature contributes to a smoother sound output without the tactile feedback that the Carrot provides. This contrast between the two switches indicates that while both can deliver an engaging auditory typing experience, their sound profiles cater to different preferences—one leaning towards a more pronounced tactile audibility and the other favoring a smooth, light response.

When it comes to feel, the Carrot switch stands out with a uniquely bouncy tactile experience, thanks to its long, two-stage spring, which introduces a lively rebound sensation that can enhance responsiveness. Additionally, this switch features a stepped tactile design, offering a mild yet distinct tactile bump that adds a layer of interaction without overwhelming your fingers. In contrast, the Chiikawa - 45g switch is inherently designed with a light actuation force, allowing for feathery, effortless keystrokes that minimize finger fatigue during prolonged typing sessions. While the Carrot offers a rich tactile feedback experience that demands slightly more engagement, the Chiikawa prioritizes comfort and ease of use, making it an excellent option for those who prefer a smoother typing experience without the tactile interruptions.

In conclusion, choosing between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch ultimately boils down to personal preference regarding sound and feel. The Carrot provides a bouncy, snappy feedback with a clacky sound signature, making it suitable for users who enjoy a tactile typing experience with an engaging audio profile. On the other hand, the Chiikawa appeals to those who prefer a smooth, lightweight feel accompanied by a bright, crisp sound, which can enhance the typing experience without as much tactile interference. Each switch offers compelling qualities, allowing users to select according to their desired typing dynamics.

Conclusion

To wrap up, when deciding between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch, your personal preferences and intended use should guide your choice. If you're looking for a fun and engaging typing experience, particularly if you enjoy a lively, bouncy feel, the Carrot switch is an excellent choice. Its unique two-stage spring design provides rewarding feedback with a mid-pitched, clacky sound that can invigorate your typing or gaming sessions. This tactile switch is particularly well-suited for those who appreciate a more dynamic keypress and enjoy the aspect of typing as an interactive experience. On the other hand, if you prioritize a crisp and responsive feel with a lighter actuation force, the Chiikawa - 45g switch may be more to your liking. With its medium-light force and bright sound profile, it caters well to both typing and rapid gaming, giving you a precise touch without tiring your fingers over extended periods. Ultimately, your choice depends on whether you favor tactile feedback and a bouncy sensation or prefer a straightforward, high-pitched response, ensuring an enjoyable typing experience whichever route you choose.

Mentioned in this article

Aflion Carrot Tactile

$4.60

$3.57 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Chiikawa - 45g Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more