Aflion Carrot vs. Bsun Cliff
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the Bsun Cliff switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Aflion Carrot and the Bsun Cliff both offer unique tactile experiences that cater to various preferences. The Carrot switch is celebrated for its lively, bouncy tactile feedback brought on by a long, two-stage spring, delivering a mid-pitched yet firm sound profile that many users find both fun and engaging. Its vibrant sound characteristics can be categorized as clacky, high-pitched, and snappy, making it a delightful choice for those who enjoy a more responsive typing experience. In contrast, the Bsun Cliff offers a more subdued yet invigorating tactile feel, characterized by medium tactility and a crisp sound signature that appeals to users who prefer a balanced and refined keystroke without overwhelming auditory feedback. While both switches provide satisfying tactile responses, they cater to different typing preferences and styles. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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
20mm two-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Aflion Carrot and Bsun Cliff both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which plays a crucial role in shaping the overall sound profile of each switch. The characteristics of polycarbonate, noted for its stiffness, contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound output. This consistency in material choice indicates that users can expect a similarly vibrant sound response from both switches when utilizing RGB lighting, as the translucency of the polycarbonate enhances the visual effects of these lights. The aesthetic appeal and sonic clarity afforded by the polycarbonate top housing contribute significantly to an engaging typing experience, providing clarity and resonance that are characteristic of both models.
In contrast, both switches incorporate nylon for their bottom housing, which presents a different auditory experience altogether. Nylon is known for its softer properties, which help to absorb sound and create a deeper, fuller sound profile. As a result, when typing on either the Aflion Carrot or the Bsun Cliff, users will notice a duller and rounder sound characteristic of the nylon material. This shared choice of material for the bottom housing allows for a consistent tactile feedback across both switches, setting a solid foundation for the typing experience. The bottom housing thus affects how the switch "feels" during operation, particularly emphasizing the sound and feedback upon bottoming out.
Ultimately, while the Aflion Carrot and Bsun Cliff share similarities in their top and bottom housing materials, they maintain distinct sound qualities that arise from the interplay of their different materials. The reliability of polycarbonate for producing bright tones is complemented by the rich, muted qualities of nylon, straddling both ends of the auditory spectrum in a complementary fashion. When pressed, users will appreciate the sharpness from the polycarbonate top and the depth from the nylon bottom, creating a balanced and satisfying typing experience. In essence, the combination of these materials results in a unique totality in acoustic output, offering users a well-rounded performance regardless of the model they choose.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Bsun Cliff tactile switch, it's notable that both switches exhibit identical specifications regarding actuation force and bottom out force. Both the Carrot and the Cliff require an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means users can expect a similarly light typing experience with both switches, making either a suitable choice for extended typing sessions at work or prolonged gaming marathons. Since both switches are light, users who appreciate a softer touch will likely find both options appealing. Those who prefer a firmer push feel for a more substantial typing experience might want to consider alternatives with heavier force options, but for those seeking a consistent and comfortable feel, the Carrot and Cliff switches will deliver similar results.
Travel distance
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Bsun Cliff tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This distinction indicates that the Carrot switch offers a more substantial and traditional feel, making it suitable for users who prefer a deeper tactile response when pressing keys. In contrast, the Cliff switch, with its 3.6 mm travel distance, caters to those who may favor faster response times often sought by gamers, providing a snappier feedback with slightly less depth. Therefore, if you’re looking for a more pronounced keypress experience, the Carrot would be the better choice, while the Cliff would be ideal for those who appreciate quicker actuation.
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 Bsun Cliff has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cliff for $2.19.
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 Aflion Carrot tactile switch produces a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, characterized by a clacky, high-pitched quality. The clacky nature indicates a sharp and snappy sound that stands out when typing, creating a bright and percussive auditory experience that many find engaging. This can be particularly appealing in fast-paced typing scenarios. In contrast, while the Bsun Cliff's sound profile is not described in detail, it features a medium tactility and a crisp sound signature. This implies a clean and distinct audio feedback when a key is pressed. However, the specific tonal qualities remain unidentified, leaving the overall auditory experience of the Cliff less characterized compared to the Carrot.
In terms of feel, the Carrot switch offers a uniquely bouncy and snappy tactile feedback due to its long, two-stage spring. This creates a lively experience as keys provide a pronounced rebound when pressed and feature a stepped tactile feel. The Carrot is designed for both responsiveness and comfort, with sensations that are light and inviting for long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Cliff switch is described as invigorating, offering a pronounced feedback with a moderate to firm actuation force. This offers a snappy and reactive feel, possibly creating an immersive typing sensation. While the Carrot provides a more playful and buoyant typing experience, the Cliff leans towards a firmer and more pronounced tactile engagement.
In conclusion, while both switches cater to tactile preferences, they each exhibit distinctive characteristics. The Aflion Carrot switch highlights a lively sound and a bouncy feel, making it a vibrant choice for those who enjoy engaging auditory and tactile sensations. Meanwhile, the Bsun Cliff switch, while less detailed in its sound description, offers a crisp auditory experience with an invigorating tactile response. If you appreciate pronounced tactile feedback and sound, either switch might deliver satisfactory results based on what you prioritize in your typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, both the Aflion Carrot and the Bsun Cliff tactile switches offer a compelling typing experience, but each serves different preferences and use cases. If you enjoy a lively, bouncy sensation while typing, or if you appreciate a light touch with a unique two-stage spring feel, the Carrot is likely the better choice for you. Its clacky, high-pitched sound profile can be particularly appealing for those who enjoy an engaging auditory feedback while typing. Additionally, if you often work or game for extended periods, the Carrot's feathery nature will help reduce finger fatigue, making your sessions more comfortable. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more invigorating typing experience with a crisp sound signature and moderate tactility, the Cliff might better suit your needs. The Cliff's firm yet snappy response provides a solid feedback sensation that some users find more satisfying, especially when typing at higher speeds or in a dynamic gaming environment. Therefore, your choice ultimately boils down to whether you prefer a fun, bouncy typing experience with a bright sound or a more invigorating, thoroughly responsive feel with pronounced feedback.
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