Aflion Carrot vs. Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the realm of tactile mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Carrot and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro both stand out, catering to distinct preferences and typing experiences. The Carrot is celebrated for its bouncy tactile sensation, driven by a long, two-stage spring that delivers a uniquely delightful feel with a mid-pitched, firm sound profile. Users looking for a lively and responsive typing experience may find the Carrot's clacky and feathery characteristics ideal for both typing and gaming. In contrast, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro offers a robust tactile bump that provides invigorating feedback, accompanied by a deeper, bassier sound signature that punctuates each keystroke. This switch may appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile response and a louder sound profile. Both switches showcase their own charm, with the Carrot leaning towards a playful, snappy typing experience while the Creamy Purple Pro emphasizes an accentuated tactile feel. 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
30g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
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
The Aflion Carrot and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which contributes significantly to their sound profiles. As described, polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when typing. This characteristic is especially beneficial for those who prefer a more articulate auditory feedback from their switches. Moreover, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal of the switches when paired with RGB lighting, allowing for a vibrant illumination effect that complements modern setups. Given that both switches share this material in their top housing, users can expect a similar auditory experience, highlighting the benefits of polycarbonate in producing a clear and resonant sound.
In contrast, both the Aflion Carrot and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro employ nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is known for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing, creating a pleasing contrast to the crisper tones emitted from the polycarbonate tops. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches means that the overall typing experience remains consistent in terms of generating a balanced sound profile. With the top housing enhancing the high frequencies and the bottom housing softening the sound, users can enjoy an engaging auditory experience that blends the strengths of both materials.
Ultimately, while the top housings of both switches provide a lively high-end sound, the nylon bottom housings contribute to a more rounded auditory experience. The interaction between the two materials allows for a well-rounded sound profile that appeals to a wide range of typing preferences. Since they share similar construction approaches with polycarbonate on top and nylon on the bottom, users of both switches can appreciate how these materials work together to create a cohesive sound and sensation. Thus, whether choosing the Aflion Carrot or the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro, one can expect a pleasing blend of crispness and depth in their typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Carrot tactile switch with the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch, there are notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces. The Aflion Carrot has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a lighter actuation force of 30 grams but a higher bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Carrot switch requires more force to initiate a keystroke but provides a somewhat softer landing when pressed down completely. In contrast, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro offers an easier initial press but feels heavier when bottoming out. For users who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro is the better choice due to its lower actuation force. Meanwhile, those seeking a more substantial typing experience may gravitate towards the Aflion Carrot despite its slightly higher actuation force. Overall, each switch caters to different preferences in tactile feedback and typing comfort.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch, there is a notable difference between the two. The Aflion Carrot has a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the more traditional and deeper feel that many users appreciate. In contrast, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a shorter travel distance of 3 mm, catering to those who prefer quicker actuation for faster response times, especially popular among gamers. Consequently, if you choose the Carrot for its fuller keystroke experience, you will notice a more pronounced tactile feedback compared to the V3 Creamy Purple Pro, which may feel more abrupt to some users. Ultimately, the Aflion Carrot is the longer switch, while the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro offers a shorter travel distance.
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 Creamy Purple Pro has an MSRP of $3.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Creamy Purple Pro for $2.10.
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 exhibits a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, which can be characterized as clacky and high-pitched. This means that when you press a key, it produces a crisp and sharp sound that feels bright and percussive, ideal for those who appreciate a lively auditory feedback during typing. The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro, on the other hand, has a loud sound signature leaning towards the bassier side, providing a richer, deeper auditory experience that contrasts with the brightness of the Carrot. This fundamentally different sound can significantly affect the typing atmosphere, appealing to users with different preferences; however, both provide distinctive acoustic feedback that can enhance the overall experience depending on the user's setting and choice of board and keycaps.
When we delve into the feel of these switches, both the Carrot and the V3 Creamy Purple Pro showcase a bouncy characteristic, offering a spring-like rebound that provides an energetic typing experience. The Carrot is noted for its snappy response and stepped tactile feedback, which creates an engaging sensation as you go through the keystrokes. In contrast, the Creamy Purple Pro is described as polished and invigorating, indicating a smooth and refined typing feel along with a prominent tactile bump that offers a more immersive sensation without being overly aggressive. While both switches present a lively tactile engagement, the Carrot leans towards a more nuanced feel with its dual-staged actuation, whereas the V3 provides a more robust and pronounced tactile experience.
In conclusion, while the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch each provide unique sound and feel characteristics, they also share some similar qualities. The Carrot’s clacky, high-pitched sound contrasts with the bassier sound of the Creamy Purple Pro, catering to different auditory tastes. However, both switches offer bouncy responsiveness, making them suitable options for users who enjoy an engaging typing experience. The Carrot's snappier and stepped tactile feel differs from the invigorating and polished nature of the V3, creating options for typists depending on their preferred level of feedback and smoothness. Overall, your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize sound or tactile sensation more in your daily typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch largely depends on your preferences for feel, sound, and overall typing experience. If you prefer a lighter and more playful typing feel, the Carrot's uniquely bouncy and snappy response, combined with its mid-pitched clacky sound profile, makes it an excellent choice. It's particularly suitable for those who enjoy a lively typing experience, whether for casual use or extended typing sessions like gaming or writing. On the other hand, if you lean towards a more pronounced tactile feedback and a loud, bassier sound signature, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is likely the better fit. Its invigorating tactile bump and polished finish provide a smooth and refined typing experience, making it suitable for tasks that require firmness and responsiveness. Ultimately, consider your typing style and the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard; the Carrot is great for a fun and less serious approach, while the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is perfect for a more assertive and engaged typing experience.
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