Aflion Carrot vs. Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Carrot and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Aflion Carrot is a tactile switch known for its bouncy tactile experience and mid-pitched, firm sound profile. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is also a tactile switch that stands out for its distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, smoothness, and creamy tactile sensation. While the Carrot switch provides a fun and feathery typing experience, the V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a polished and lively feedback within a budget-friendly option. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
20mm two-stage spring
Spring
20mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Carrot and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to polycarbonate's stiffness. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency makes it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings, they may differ in their design and aesthetics to cater to different preferences and styles.
On the other hand, the housing materials diverge in the bottom housing with the Carrot utilizing nylon and the V3 Cream Blue Pro also featuring nylon. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound produced by polycarbonate. Despite both switches using nylon for the bottom housing, the way they are designed and engineered may lead to variations in typing experience and overall sound quality.
Overall, the differences in housing materials between the Aflion Carrot and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro contribute to their unique sound profiles and typing experiences. While both switches benefit from the qualities of polycarbonate in their top housings, the distinction lies in the deeper and fuller sound elicited by the nylon bottom housing. Each material brings its own characteristics to the switches, impacting how they sound and feel to the user. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and aesthetic design.
Weight
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Carrot requires 45 grams to bottom out, while the V3 Cream Blue Pro needs 55 grams, making it the heavier of the two options. Both switches provide a tactile typing experience, but the Carrot is better suited for individuals who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions, while the V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a bit more resistance for those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option compared to the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch with a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Carrot offers a more substantial depth when pressing down on the key, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more robust feel. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Blue Pro provides a slightly shorter travel distance, which can result in quicker response times and may be favored by gamers looking for increased speed. Both switches offer unique experiences based on their travel distance, catering to different preferences in terms of key feel and response. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on individual preferences for keypress depth and reaction time.
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 Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro has an MSRP of $2.88 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Blue Pro for $2.00.
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
In terms of sound, the Aflion Carrot tactile switch is noted for its firm and mid-pitched sound profile, providing a crisp and bright sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch offers a distinct poppy and clacky sound profile right out of the box, which is accompanied by smoothness and a level of smoothness. While the specific descriptors for the V3 Cream Blue Pro are unknown, both switches offer unique and enjoyable sound experiences that cater to different preferences.
Moving on to feel, the Aflion Carrot switch is commended for its bouncy and snappy tactile feedback, thanks to the long two-stage spring that provides a lively sensation when typing. Additionally, it is described as subtle, offering a gentle resistance suitable for shared spaces. Conversely, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switch is accented and bouncy, providing a prominent yet balanced amount of tactility that is not overwhelming. The switch is also polished, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience due to reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches offer engaging and satisfying tactile feedback, each with its own unique characteristics.
In conclusion, the Aflion Carrot and Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switches each bring their own strengths to the table in terms of sound and feel. The Carrot switch excels in providing a bouncy and lively typing experience with a firm and mid-pitched sound profile, while the V3 Cream Blue Pro switch offers a distinct poppy and clacky sound accompanied by an accented tactile feedback and polished finish. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience. However, both switches are capable of delivering an enjoyable and responsive typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch, you should consider the differences in bottom out force, sound profile, and feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and enjoy a bouncy, snappy feel with a mid-pitched sound profile, the Aflion Carrot switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and appreciate a smooth, accented tactile feel with a poppy and clacky sound profile, then the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switch would be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you're looking to achieve.
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